What's with small tanks?

[Padmei]

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?

Whats up?

[dino3310]

yes

[dino3310]

i think the KTMs short range tank is there to remind you that when it runs out its time for a service or preventative maintenance schedule

[Oscar]

i think the KTMs short range tank is there to remind you that when it runs out its time for a service or preventative maintenance schedule

Quite the comedian, aren't you?
But don't give up your day job...

































































....those floors need sweeping.

[.chris]

I don't know, but on the 690's there would be not much effort/cost involved in making the tank about 18-20l instead of the 12l. Would be a more popular bike if they had that kind of range I think.

[Gremlin]

so you're forced to stop to rest your arse?

I agree, I want a bigger tank. I disagree on reliability... Just done 2500 km without skipping a beat, when others had failures

[marks]

I don't know, but on the 690's there would be not much effort/cost involved in making the tank about 18-20l instead of the 12l. Would be a more popular bike if they had that kind of range I think.

it does make you wonder how well some of these manufactures listen to what their customers want.

surely 99% of 690e owners would all want a bigger tank if offered?

[wysper]

Same with the DR650 crowd I would say. The 18ltr IMS tank is next on my list for the DR.

[Crim]

What's with small tanks?

To fight small wars?

[Phreaky Phil]

Not showing off or anything BUT, BIG IS GOOD

[Gibbo89]

Not showing off or anything BUT, BIG IS GOOD

do you work at mitre 10 mega?

[CrazyFrog]

It's probably so they can upsell buyers to a larger factory tank for $$$.
In all reality, I guess they make them small for the enduro market and to keep centre of gravity down with less fuel up top whilst riding the technical stuff.

Hell, most people who buy enduro bikes DON'T use them as road tourers.
Makes sense really, especially after my comments on my roadie last week. Yes, they will do the job, ya just gotta plan your route carefully.

[Padmei]

But are the 690s being used for enduros? Surely there'd be no advantage over a smaller bike?

Same with the XRs - seems to me the best places to race them would be the long Baja type or Aussie races.

Oh well just thinking out loud...

[DR650gary]

Not showing off or anything BUT, BIG IS GOOD

My my, you do have a big one.

[ADVGD]

Why do they manufacture bikes over 250cc with a fuel range of 100-150kms?

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...