Motorcycle Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

Having a back-up fuel reserve is a necessity when riding through remote areas. Some popular adventure bikes come with five or six gallon gas tanks and aftermarket high capacity tanks are available for most dual sports on the market. While fuel tank range is important, having a back-up reserve is just as important for those times when you get lost, stumble upon a stranded motorist, or after you find that your petcock has been leaking for the past hundred miles. If anything the additional cost is worth the peace of mind, and since these systems are universal they may work with all of your bikes.

Giant Loop Gas Bag

Giant Loop’s new  Gas Bag™ Fuel Safe Bladder conveniently transports 1 gallon of hydrocarbon fuel for power sports racing in a collapsible welded film and ballistic nylon reinforced container that rolls up or packs flat when empty, weighing less than 12 ounces. Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladders are compatible with motorcycles, snowmobiles, snow bikes (e.g., Timbersled, Moto Trax), ATVs, UTVs and 4x4s, providing a lightweight, compact means of transporting gas for off-road racing on closed courses. MSRP: $99.00 GiantLoopMoto.com

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MSR Fuel Bottles

These aluminum bottles are great for storing small amounts of fuel. The air tight seal prevents vapor from exiting and air from entering and degrading your gas. They’re so inexpensive, buy a spare to store or boil water in. They can be tossed into a sidebag or backpack. If you plan on strapping it down externally, as an extra safety precaution hook a carabiner to the cap and a secure it to something stable. Available Sizes: 11oz, 20oz, 30oz. MSRP: $17.95-$21.95 MSRGear.com

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MSR Dromedary Bladders

Many companies offer bladders that will hold various amounts of fuel. The MSR Dromedary Bladders are inexpensive and versatile. They can be stuffed into side bags and rolled-up when empty. Bladders can be filled-up partially and the excess material can be folded over to save you space. Multiple capacities are available from 2L to 10L. Filling the bags and transferring the fuel to the bike might take some getting used to. Although we’ve found mixed reviews on these bags the response seems to be generally positive. Common complaints are about small seepages from the filler cap. Available Sizes: 2L, 4L, 6, 10L MSRP: $34.95-$49.95 MSRGear.com

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Rotopax

The stackable Rotopax system is a unique design that works best when utilizing their own pack mounts. They offer a solution to mount their fuel containers to any hard stable surface, whether it be a luggage rack or the tops and sides of hardbags. With five sizes available and additional storage options Rotopax creates an ingenious way of hauling fuel, water, or anything that will fit in their storage packs. Available Sizes: 1gal, 1.75gal, 2gal, 3gal, 4gal MSRP: $59.95- $119.95 Rotopax.com

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SW-Motech Quick Lock Fuel Canister

This option is mainly for those with hard side bags already mounted to their bike. It requires installing the quick-lock base plate and attaching a fuel canister mount to hold a 2-liter fuel bottle. The mounting seems secure, locking onto the baseplate, but the attachment of the bottle itself looks inadequate, especially for off-road use. Consider adding one more small strap across the top of the bottle for extra security. Size: 2L MSRP: $77.95 TwistedThrottle.com

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Acerbis Rear Auxiliary Tank

Essentially adding a second gas tank to your bike, the Acerbis rear auxiliary tank mounts to the rear fender or luggage rack. It comes with a mounting kit and utilizes a petcock to turn the system on or off. Installing the kit is more involved and more permanent than the other options mentioned. Size: 1.6gal MSRP: $94.99 Acerbis.com

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Tips for Carrying Auxiliary Fuel Reserves:

• If possible, mount or store the fuel away from the exhaust system.
• Fuel is heavy. Try to keep the fuel as low as possible, towards the center of the bike
• Pressure inside all of these systems will increase with heat and altitude. Vent them when you can.
• If the container is to be stored internally such as a side bag or tail bag, wrap it in a trash bag in case the container leaks.
• If mounting externally, think about how the system could get damaged or knocked off. Mounting on the back of a side case offers more protection than the front or the sides.
• Add stabilizer to the fuel to prevent it from deteriorating. ADVMoto recommends Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment.

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