What's with small tanks?

[Woodman]

Gotta admit that I got sick of the 160-180 km range my old xl600 had and pretty much the only reason I got the klr was because of the range. (pre internet).

I just got tired of having to turn back or not go up a new track/road because of the lack of fuel. Waste of time thinking that I could come back some other time cos I generally don't know where I am.

Love having plus 400 k range.

[Phreaky Phil]

This one has me beat too, so many long distance tour capable bikes have small tanks. I have been doing my finalizing for selecting a new bike over the last few weeks, among many the 690 was one of the potential options but a too smaller tank ruled it out, along with many other bikes with small tanks and no suitable aftermarket options available. After enjoying the stress free trip planning of a 22 litre tank on my current bike I didn't want to go to a smaller one. Did my final visit to the Yamaha shop today and confirmed the new toy (with its factory 23 litre tank range of 460km+) will be the Tenere...

Nice What colour

[ADVGD]

Nice What colour

Black... black looks grouse!

The XT660R was a potential candidate, but again it came down to too smaller tank and no aftermarket option available

[Crim]

final visit to the Yamaha shop today and confirmed the new toy (with its factory 23 litre tank range of 460km+) will be the Tenere...

Congrats Josh - look forward to seeing all your "improvements" - will your chains fit on? how did the start of the fishing season go for you?

[ADVGD]

Congrats Josh - look forward to seeing all your "improvements" - will your chains fit on? how did the start of the fishing season go for you?

Hey Crim, yep, sure looking forward to having some "respectable" bhp, and no frigging around with installing aftermarket tanks! A few other upgrades planned though

Challenging but enjoyable opening season mate...
Opening season
Lake Daniells fishing weekend

[Box'a'bits]

Not showing off or anything BUT, BIG IS GOOD

Buuut....Mine is bigger than yours....
God you don't know how long I've waited to be able to say that...

[Phreaky Phil]

Buuut....Mine is bigger than yours....
God you don't know how long I've waited to be able to say that...

Trumped by a 43L

[warewolf]

Why do they manufacture bikes over 250cc with a fuel range of 100-150kms? I am referring to Crazyfrogs return trip on his 530 (ok I take it it's made for short races??), Fluffybums XR600, Umopoms 690...
Were all these bikes made for races, short trail rides?

Pretty much. The EXC range as has been said are road-registerable enduro race bikes - the primary purpose is reduced weight and improved handling for short technical races not any road touring prowess. Why criticise just the tank range? The seat is the same, built for short races not touring. Fairing protection - same. Electrical output - same. etc. You want range, comfort and tourability, buy a 640A!!

20+ years ago when it was released, so was the XR600. The pinnacle of enduro race bikes, I mean.

Despite frequent claims to the contrary, the manufacturers *are* trying to make what the largest segment of the public wants - within a defined niche. Don't think for one minute the manufacturers haven't done their market research. The 690 is at first glance a bit of an anomaly, however it is the enduro not the adventure model. Compare it to say the Husky TE610/630 and see how it stacks up. The major sales area is probably Europe which doesn't demand bigger tanks.

[NordieBoy]

Small tanks are a pain in the arse.
Even going through the Rainbow, on the Nordie there was a point of no return.

I punctured well past that.

The locked gate was well well past that...

300km range is a minimum.
20l isn't too heavy and the comfort of being able to take almost any turn and knowing you'll have enough to get back is priceless.

[NordieBoy]

You want range, comfort and tourability, buy a 640A!!

Or a Tenere or a KLR...

[clint640]

Or a Tenere or a KLR...

Well I guess he didn't specify performance, handling or the ability to pick it up

Clint

[Taz]

Well I guess he didn't specify performance, handling or the ability to pick it up

Clint

Let alone being proud to be seen in public with it...... Bit like a fat chick

[dino3310]

this 22ltr on the pig is the first big tank ive had, my DRs have had standard tanks my 500 only had a 9ltr tank, never worried me before now

[BMWST?]

even on a road bike i would not settle for less than 300 km range.The PD sold itself in that regard.You dont NEED that range but its nice being out in the middle of the rapa,and come upon a enticing road,you dont have to worry if you can make it there and back again

[Phreaky Phil]

Small tanks are a pain in the arse.
Even going through the Rainbow, on the Nordie there was a point of no return.

I punctured well past that.

The locked gate was well well past that...

300km range is a minimum.
20l isn't too heavy and the comfort of being able to take almost any turn and knowing you'll have enough to get back is priceless.

Not many people think about "turn around range". As you've found out, it becomes necessary sometimes. In Alaska, travelling the Haul road to Prudhoe Bay, we had a point of no return, even carrying another 2gallon container. Luckilly we didnt have a problem. Even in NZ you cant always guarantee you will get through one of the remote roads or tracks. Locked gates, flooded rivers, breakdowns, weather. Lots of things to stuff you up and the last thing you want to worry about is fuel