IMS tank versus stock tank

[MattR]

A few months ago, I purchased a larger tank from IMS. It is holds about 3.2 gallons and is good for about 90 miles of fast trail riding. The IMS tank fits my 2001 XC250 very well. The tank has a recess on the bottom to accomodate the rear shock upper mount (which sits above the frame rail). Note: Clarke tanks do not have this recess. I have heard they are modifying their mold to overcome this issue. All screws thread into brass inserts (such as shroud screws, petcock screws, and front mounting bracket screws). The tank comes with a plastic gas cap but you will need to reuse the breather hose off the stock tank. Also, you will need to buy (or reuse) a petcock. The tank is well made and I like the natural/white color to see my fuel easily.

Overall, I have been very pleased with the IMS tank. I really don't notice the size while riding. The tank is wider and taller than stock, since the tank is limited by the frame rails. I don't have a steering damper, so I can't comment on any interference issues.

Here are a few photos to show a comparison between the stock and IMS tanks.

Here is a top view comparison:

Here is a side view comparsion:

Here is another side view comparison:

 

[Magellan]

I'm thinking of a larger tank as well...

Anyone have the Clarke? I hear the plastic on the Clarke's is not as good and yellows over time.

I'm planniong on a steering dampener down the line, so interference issues are a concern for me.

 

[Eric K]

James,

I have the Clarke tank on my '06 EC300 that I bought it used. The tank is about a year old and has no noticeable yellowing.

The Clarke tank is significantly larger, thicker and heavier than the stock tank. It has a nice, large filler cap. I had to fabricate another forward mount bracket to get correct fit. Ergos are pretty good when riding, except the bottom edges of the shrouds stick out, occasionally catching my boots. Tank/seat fit is very tight. It requires very high force to get the seat on even when using heat.

I do not run a steering damper, so I can't tell you how that would fit.

 

[Eric K]

Images of the Clarke tank...

 

[onebrow]

I have the Clark tank on my '04 EC300. Same problems as Eric K noted. I had to fab my own forward mount, the seat is difficult to install, and the shrouds stick out and occasionally grab your boots. I also got my tank used and have not noticed any yellowing.

I do have a steering dampner and the tank clears fine. I do have to swivel the dampner post to access the forward tank screw for tank removal. I like the brass inserts for securing the shrouds and the larger tank opening is a welcome change compared to the trials opening in the stock '04 tank.

 

[mike989]

I have an 04 as well. I swapped the tank because of the super small fill hole, in the stocker. My tank came with a upper tank mount, just a flat aluminum bracket that bolts into stock breather hole. I didin't notice the shrouds in the way, but I haven't ridden in boots yet.
Too hot to ride, just cruz around the neighborhood in flip flops, sunglasses, backward ball cap, tank top, and shorts.

 

[iancp5]

I have the IMS tank. It fits fine and snug on an 03 except for the seat. I had to break one of the ribs in the seat plastic to clear. I haven't tried it with my steering damper yet but there is no reason for it not to fit as it takes up no more room at the front than the standard.

 

[flybars]

I have a 4t bike. FSE 450 with the 2.8 gal. tank and it came with the forward mount bracket and bolt/screw which mounts in the vent as well. Everything fit perfect and seat fits great. Bolts right up. Leads me to believe Clarke fixed the fit for the 2t's too? I wish GG would just come with a larger tank. I could use an even larger tank for longer excursions. The brass inserts fixed the weak shroud screw problem.

 

[west aussie gas 450]

larger tanks for 450 06

Has anyone got any idea who import's after market tanks to australia for 450,s as 6.7lts is not a lot fuel for a good day's riding?

 

[Nick]

If Clarke cant send you a tank for your 450 directly i will check into sending you one. It cant be difficult. I buy skid plates for 450's from Australia and have them sent to the USA.

 

[cladoo]

I've seen a larger tank on the gasgas Spanish site for the 4st. 18l I think.

 

[Boomhauer]

Okay guys I have an o4 300 with a top mounted steering damper. I want an oversized tank. So will I have any clearance problems with the damper?

 

[JTT]

Has anyone got any idea who import's after market tanks to australia for 450,s as 6.7lts is not a lot fuel for a good day's riding?

Check with John at GasGas Australia. He should be able to get you an oversize tank direct from GasGas. Good guy. Tell him Joe from Canada sent you

http://www.gasgasaustralia.com.au/