Best Off-Road Gas Tanks
MO gas is MO betta
The allure of off-road riding for many is simply the ability to go further. To explore the unknown. To get as far as possible from our daily grind and the hustle and bustle of life. But to get out there, and more importantly to be able to get back, it’s not often an OEM fuel tank is going to deliver the kind of range we moto-Magellans are looking for. This is yet another area where we can turn to the aftermarket to fill our needs. From larger fuel tanks to auxiliary canisters and bottles, there are plenty of ways to ensure you’ll have enough fuel to explore further and make it back to camp at the end of the day. Here’s MO’s list of the best off-road gas tanks.
Acerbis
Italian manufacturer Acerbis has been in the plastics business, among others, since 1973. Now the company manufactures everything from off-road and dual-sport gear to plastics, gas tanks, and nearly everything in between. Acerbis has offered larger capacity tanks to suit off-road explorers and desert racers alike for many years now. Typically available in black or natural (with OE-specific colors also available for some models) colors – natural being our favorite since you can actually see how much gas you have available – Acerbis offers tanks for many models that can range from three-gallon capacities all the way to five-and-a-quarter. That’s a lot of dino juice! Being that the Italian manufacturer has been around for a minute, they offer tanks for most major off-road motorcycle manufacturers and models. Have a look at AcerbisUSA.com for fitment. Prices vary by model, but range from $220 – $460.
IMS
IMS was founded in Southern California by dirt tracker CH Wheat in 1976 with the vision of delivering high-quality performance products for his fellow racers. Throughout the years IMS made a name for themselves and grew substantially. With the addition of the company’s dry-break system for quickly filling tanks during races, the company gained even more success. Today, tanks are available for most manufacturers and models, usually in two or more larger capacities from stock. Visit IMSproducts.com for information on fitment. IMS tanks can range from approximately $275 – $350.
Safari Fuel Tanks
As the Dundee said, “That’s not a tank, THIS is a tank”. Safari builds some of the largest aftermarket fuel tanks on the market, with sizes ranging from an extra gallon on top of OE capacity all the way up to over 6.5 gallons with the option of fitting additional rear-mounted tanks as seen in the picture above. If you’re running rallies or simply need the most range possible, handling be damned, Safari will definitely get you there. Your friends will likely make jokes dubbing your ride the Exxon Valdez, but who’s going to be laughing when they’re begging you for some spare petrol? Safari doesn’t only make tanks to fit off-road and dual-sport motorcycles, they also have a few different models for adventure motorcycles from manufacturers such as BMW, KTM, and Triumph. Check out SafariTanksUSA.com for more information. Prices vary between $450 – $900.
Gas Canisters
Of course, swapping your OEM gas tank with a new larger tank isn’t the only way to go. Maybe that stock tank is plenty when you’re riding around near your home or spinning laps at the track. Adding a larger tank can add weight and heft in some circumstances and if you don’t plan on needing that additional fuel all the time, maybe you don’t want or need to invest in an aftermarket fuel tank. We’ve included a few additional styles of fuel canisters below.
RotopaX makes a plethora of different size fuel tanks, water tanks, and carrying systems for all sorts of off-road vehicles from motorcycles to Jeeps. RotopaX containers are an ultra-durable, compact and modular means of securing extra fuel to your ride. They are rotationally molded for unrivaled strength in comparison to traditional, inexpensive blow-molded designs. The plastic specification is optimized against color fade and mechanical degradation while a sure-seal gasket ensures a leak-proof closure. Each RotopaX Pack is designed to secure via its central port. A RotopaX Pack Mount sleeves into this slot to support the weight of the pack from its center. This makes finding a mounting point on your bike much easier because you’re hunting for a smaller footprint relative to the size of the pack. Common mounting locations are on top case luggage racks, side case racks or attached to luggage systems themselves. RotopaX Packs are designed to stack upon each other with a Pack Mount Extension, so you can increase your capacity as the situation demands. While these systems are slightly more difficult to fit to dirt bikes, they’re a popular option for the adventure crowd.
Giant Loop Fuel Safe Bladder
Since 2008 Giant Loop has been creating and developing new innovative solutions for motorcycle luggage. The Gas Bag is no different. With a collapsible welded film and ballistic nylon reinforced container that rolls up or packs flat when empty, the Gas Bag works well when space is minimal. Its MOLLE style mounting points make this bag easy to lash down wherever you can find a spot. Due to the Gas Bag’s popularity, Giant Loop now offers them from one to five gallon capacities with prices ranging from $150-$300.
Shop for Giant Loop Gas Bag here
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Adding a bigger tank on dirt bikes is a common mod. I have a 3.2 gallon IMS tank on my KTM 300 XC, an extra .6 gallon may not seem like much, but in an off road environment, it makes all the difference.
Dunno why the makers insist on putting such small tanks on their off road bikes. The 2.1 gallon stock tank on a new WR450 for example, is ridiculous. Given that too small stock tanks on dirt bikes has gone on since the beginning of time, it seems IMS and Acerbis will always have a good business!
For decades people have been begging the manufacturers to put bigger tanks on the bikes but to no avail. The makers listen to their buddies in the media, not to the customers. The media and the makers decide what we want, not us.