I'll have to see how finances are... But if it works and I can sell my '12 for a good price I'll be picking up a 2018 as well. Still for me the availability of a long range fuel tank will be a deal breaker.
Not sure how long of a range you want, but current gassers can get pretty good range with the right carb setup.
With the stock carb and stock jetting(read - waaaay too rich), I could go over 100km on the 10+ liter tank on my 2012 xc 250.
Now that I have an APT smart carb, the range is much longer, probably 120-130km, or longer if it's mostly 2 track and back roads. A bit less if it's all single track.
Not sure where you're riding, but no place in Southern ON, or NE US needs a range longer than that, especially if it's all single track- as you'll be out of gas when the bike is.
The Dacre Rally in Ontario requires a minimum 150km range and a total of 800km's in one day. (Yes it is insane, but a fun insane)
I very often ride days of 200+km's usually with only one fuel stop. A few times a year I will get in 300+km days. I get a comfortable 100km's from my '12 300 which doesn't seem to be running very rich. (just did a top end and it all seemed ok. A little extra goop in the PV but nothing concerning) I'm sick of carrying extra fuel on my back or on the back of the bike.
I currently have:
N1EF in #1 clip
160 Main
40 Pilot
Air Screw 2.5 turns out.
I would like to try a 175 main and a NEDJ or NEDW Needle. (If anyone has any other suggestions feel free to chime in!)
A friend of mine who makes plastic moulds has offered to digitize my tank and frame and create a oversize tank for me that will work with a perimeter frame. I may consider going this route as well. We would create a tank with wings that come over the frame. Then connect the bottom of the wings to the main tank body with a small hose that gets connected after installation. It will probably be next winter before we get a chance to do this if at all.
Not criticizing...but seems like a lot of effort for something that only happens once every 2 years........although if you do lots of longer rides it may make sense.
I did the dacre in 2010 & just used a wolfman tank bag with an MSR dromedary bag stuffed inside it. No extra weight on me or the back of the bike and it was easy to remove when I didn't need it. It held close to 3 extra liters of gas.
A buddy of mine used one of those number plate tanks for similar purposes.
They're going to be available soon. Better save!!
If it was only the Dacre I wouldn't worry about it. It may not even be needed depending on how the new format for the day works out next year.
What is more frustrating is running 200+km days in Calabogie. Im always scared of running out of fuel and have come close even back on my 4T bike. I definitely have to carry fuel on the Gasser to make it all day. I'd really prefer to have the peace of mind that I can make it 150km's. I think I may look at fabing up my own reserve tank somehow... maybe on top of the rear fender... Its just something thats always in the back of my mind.
Maybe ride more of the single track there. Then, you'll be tired out before your bike runs out of gas.