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Auxiliary tank: great in theory only?

1375 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  GusDuc
I love the concept of the aux tank: it looks nice, fills out the rear of the bike, ties direct to the main tank, and is pretty innovative just generally. I've never seen one in person, but in the pictures the thing looks pretty vulnerable. It's plastic, it juts out far past where the crash bars would help, and it looks like it would be a contact point even if the bike were down on a perfectly flat surface. For low-risk, long distance touring it looks amazing if you can live without pannier racks. For higher-risk off-roading it looks stressful, particularly as it'll be full of petrol.

Has anyone had a chance to try it out and perceive the durability of the aux tank?
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I can see the aux tank being very useful in the dez. I raced district 37 (Socal) nationals and local club events for years. Out in the dez the only time u have too much fuel is if you're on fire. Which could happen with the X.

I have lived on the east coast (NEPA) for 7 years now and I can't find anywhere I would ride that would require it. Even the off road sections out here aren't more than 30-50 miles at most from a station. There are always connectors and gas stations along the routes. Out west it's quite different.

That being said there are 2 situations I can think of that would be nice to have the extra fuel. You puncture your main tank and lose most of your fuel. Because you're an awesome planner ready for anything you've got some JBWeld, patch the main tank, have some lunch, and transfer 2 gallons into it...might get you to a station or at least a lot closer.

Or you puncture the aux tank on a ride you were going to be depending on that fuel for the entire trip to make it. But now knowing you don't have the fuel you're able to re-route and get to a station on just what's in the main tank.

So it's gonna be a rare occasion you actually need that fuel in the aux tank. Kinda like the rear axle nut tool. But the occasions do exist. Not common enough for me to get aux tanks or carry a rear axle nut socket.
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I had them installed on my bike because I plan to ride in Baja. There is one thing you can never have too much of in Baja and thats fuel. I opted for that simply because of that. The way they are set up seems pretty strong. I like the option of the extra fuel for baja because you just never know. I also think they make the bike look a lot better too.
Tire Wheel Fuel tank Automotive lighting Automotive fuel system

Tire Wheel Fuel tank Automotive lighting Automotive tire

Tire Wheel Fuel tank Automotive tire Automotive lighting
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I had them installed on my bike because I plan to ride in Baja.
Yes that sounds like a perfect use-case. And totally agree it really completes the look of the bike. I think I'm going to start with exhaust upgrade and add other accessories later this spring and summer. I'd like to see how rackless luggage might fit over the aux tank, something like the Mosko Reckless. If that works OK I'd probably go for it eventually.
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Yes that sounds like a perfect use-case. And totally agree it really completes the look of the bike. I think I'm going to start with exhaust upgrade and add other accessories later this spring and summer. I'd like to see how rackless luggage might fit over the aux tank, something like the Mosko Reckless. If that works OK I'd probably go for it eventually.
Tire Wheel Fuel tank Vehicle Automotive tire

Fuel tank Tire Wheel Automotive lighting Automotive tire

Tire Wheel Land vehicle Fuel tank Vehicle
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I had them installed on my bike because I plan to ride in Baja. There is one thing you can never have too much of in Baja and thats fuel. I opted for that simply because of that. The way they are set up seems pretty strong. I like the option of the extra fuel for baja because you just never know. I also think they make the bike look a lot better too. View attachment 382
View attachment 381
View attachment 383
Welcome to the forum. Those are some nice cars you have. What spec are your 911s? How about those VWs? Do you also own a cool BMW? Couldn't help but notice the M flag on your wall.
I originally ordered the Ducati Aux Tank, but cancelled it once it became apparent that it was incompatible with luggage racks.

My hope is Camel ADV will come out with a Camel Tank for the DesertX similar to the ones I have on my KTM 990 and 1090R. Since tooling costs at least USD 30,000, according to Cory at Camel ADV, I'm not holding my breath even though he has a DesertX.
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Welcome to the forum. Those are some nice cars you have. What spec are your 911s? How about those VWs? Do you also own a cool BMW? Couldn't help but notice the M flag on your wall.
Thanks. I have one 911 Turbo and a RSA along with my 14k mile Corrado and completely restored Scirocco. I sold my e46 M3 a couple years ago. It was a great car, but just didn’t do it for me in the end. They all a great cars for sure. I have owned a couple BMW’s before including a 2014 GSA before moving along to Ducati’s now. I definitely appreciated the GSA for comfort though.
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I had them installed on my bike because I plan to ride in Baja. There is one thing you can never have too much of in Baja and thats fuel. I opted for that simply because of that. The way they are set up seems pretty strong. I like the option of the extra fuel for baja because you just never know. I also think they make the bike look a lot better too. View attachment 382
View attachment 381
View attachment 383
Fantastic! I like your Corrado & Scirroco 16v too. Can you run the Ducati trunk setup with that tank?
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