KLR650 Safari Tank 3 Month Review

35L [~8.3 gal] and room for more!

So it’s been about 3 months riding my modified KLR650 with a Safari Tank. I thought I would share my thoughts to this point. I’ve been commuting with the bike between 2-4 times/week. I haven’t done any dirt or any touring in this time.

What I like:

• holds 35-40L of fuel
• range is ~700-750kms
• extra fuel is carried low so bike feels very stable
• no handling issues
• tank replicates fairing shrouds for some wind protection
• tank seems rugged/durable
• easy to visually gauge fuel left in tank

…side view

What I don’t like:

• tank was a pain in the ass to mount
• required remove of stock AIS system and mounting bracket
• tank is slippery when standing and “grabbing” tank with knees
• last few litres is below petcock jury is out on how much you can actually use
• location of petcock is a bit hard to reach while riding
• non-locking fuel cap a bit of a pain to mount a tank bag

Front-side view…

All in all I’m happy with the big tank. The extra fuel capacity turns the KLR into a long-haul machine with little downside on the handling front. As a commuter I’m down to 1 fill up/month or so which is nice.

Back on the road again!

Mobile!

It’s so nice to be rolling again on the KLR. Not having a moto during the summer sucks. I may have to re-evaluate my 1 bike policy in light of this downtime. 😉

KLR Mods Update 4

Done for now…

Glad to announce my bike is rolling again! 🙂 Got everything I need to done – for now.

Back end…

I’ll swap out those rear turn signals next time I have a free wrenching day.

35L [~8.3 gal] and room for more!

I did a sort test ride, The bike feels way different with that much fuel on board and sounds different with the plastic tank.

KLR Mods Update 3

Seat and side guards back on…

Got a lot done on the KLR today:

• Tank mounted [took 3 guys to “encourage” everything to line up!]
• Tank fuel lines installed using existing external fuel filter
• Partially filled to check for leaks [so far so good!]
• Upper rad bracket fabricated and installed
• Seat reinstalled
• Side guards reinstalled
• Trail Tech Vapor dash mounted to back of fairing
• Tach sensor wired in
• Engine temp sensor wired in
• Turn signals wired and tested

Tomorrow should be the last day of work:

• Replace upper triple bolts with longer ones
• Wire in speedo
• Test Vapor dash
• Test fuel delivery
• Fill tank
• Add coolant
• Bolt on fairing
• Test ride

I’m going to also swap in matching small flexy rear turn signals, but I’ll tackle that another weekend. I just want to get the KLR back on the road.

KLR Mods Update 2

Turn signals installed…

Got a little further today. Mostly wiring which you can’t see.

Front view…

But I got everything fitted so I can see what it will look like.

Front side view…

One of the things I love about the KLR is the ergonomics. The bike fits me very well.

…standing and sitting.

KLR Mods Update 1

Everything in its place – more or less!

I’m trucking away at the install of the Britannia Composites fairing and Safari Tank on my KLR650. Not done yet, but at least it’s starting to look like a new machine.

Probably 2 more weeks until I am done as I can only work on it sporadically.

A bit of a side view…