A stock 400EX has a good range on a tank of fuel -
around 60 miles. But we needed to extend it out a little farther so
we could avoid an extra fuel stop during Hare Scrambles, and let us
enjoy some LONG rides without worrying about fuel. We'll also be
bumping-up the cc's in Project 400EX, and that means more fuel will
be needed. Follow along with the installation of an IMS 4.3 gallon
desert tank.
Installation
 |
|
Stock fuel tank on
Project 400EX, with plastic on |
|
 |
|
Naked 400EX with front plastic
removed |
|
The first thing you have to do is strip back the
plastic so that you can get access to the stock fuel tank. After
all the plastic is gone, remove the straps on each side and the two
bolts holding the stock tank to to the frame.
 |
|
Fuel valve on the
stock tank |
|
 |
|
Screw that holds the
seat |
|
Next disconnect the fuel hose. Your stock tank
will now be free. After you take the tank off and drain it (into an
approved fuel container - NOT onto the ground!), you will need to
remove the fuel valve on the bottom so it can be reused on the new
IMS tank.
Next take off the screw that
holds the front of the seat down, and move it over to the IMS tank.
Remove the bushings and place them on the new tank. Now attach the
fuel valve to the bottom of the tank and you are ready to
reinstall.
 |
|
Move bushings from
stock tank to new tank. |
|
 |
|
With hand guards I was unable
to get full turn out of my handlebars. We ended up putting a longer
Laeger steering stem. |
|
Bolt down the IMS tank and reattach the fuel line.
All plastic can now be reinstalled, with the exception of the
original tank cover which is no longer used.
With everything reinstalled we had to test our clearance. We
are currently running Renthal 400EX bars with stock bend. We found
that our Acerbis handguards hit our tank slightly at full lock.
Everything cleared without the handguards. Since we wanted to keep
our handguards we found we had a couple options:
1) We could limit our turning radius some and install a lock just
before it hits. This would be adequate and it looked like we would
still have a good turning radius.
2) We could install a longer steering stem. Since we were planning
on adding an anti-vibration steering stem in the future anyway, we
decided to go with this option and do it sooner rather than later.
Watch for an installation article next month on our new Laeger
anti-vibe steering stem.
 |
|
A look at the new IMS tank from the
side |
|
 |
|
New tank from the
top |
|
Summary
We are now ready for some long-range trail rides, less fuel
stops in our next race, and for that new 440 kit from Tudors
Performance to consume some more fuel. The installation was
straight forward, with the only catch being clearance around the
tank depending on your handelbars and accessories. Looks? Some
people like it, some people don't. We were after function, not
looks, and it fits the bill perfectly.
Parts List:
IMS Part #122227
MSRP $225
Colors: Natural, Red, and Black.
Options: Regular fill or Setup for Quick fill
IMS
Products
6240 Box Springs Blvd. Unit E.
Riverside, CA 92507
Telephone: 909-653-7720 Fax: 909-653-1060
Toll Free: 800-237-9906
www.IMSProducts.com
Your Privacy Choices