Clarke Gas Tank

Clarke Gas Tank

CW EVALUATION

Fantastic plastic

GOT GAS? GOOD QUESTION, ESPECIALLY if you ride a two-stroke motocrosser. Thirty-minute motos are no problem, but hit the trail for anything more than an hour of heavy-handed rockslinging, and you’ll be scanning the horizon for a petrol plant.

To avoid a long walk back to the pits, you might consider an aftermarket gas tank. Clarke Manufacturing makes oversize plastic tanks for most late-model MXers. We ordered one for our 1998 Honda CR250R.

At 3.1 gallons, the $145 tank is a full gallon bigger than stock. Even so, it’s nearly as thin and only slightly taller at the filler neck. How does Clarke do this? By expanding into the areas around and under the radiators, that’s how.

It should come as no surprise, then, that we had to trim the bike’s plastic radiator shrouds for a perfect fit. Nonetheless, excessive force isn’t necessary-to slip the tank into place. Sparkplug access is slightly compromised, but the gas cap fits snugly, and the tank doesn’t leak or kink the front of the seat, a common problem with aftermarket gas tanks.

Other than being several pounds heavier fully fueled, the bike feels identical. Its handling is so similar, in fact, that we never reverted to the stock tank, even when racing motocross. The increased capacity is worth an extra 20-25 miles on the trail, or an additional 30 minutes between stops in a grand prix. What’s more, the natural color makes it easy to check fuel level. (Clarke also makes white, black and red tanks for Hondas.) All in all, then, a penalty-free upgrade.

Gamble on gas? Not us. □

CLARKE GAS TANK

Clarke Manufacturing 29032 South Salo Rd. Mulino, OR 97042 503/829-2156 Price $145

Alps

A Holds a full gallon more than stock A No need to unscrew cap to check fuel level

^owns

▼ Must tip the bike on its side to get the last ounces of fuel from the tank’s “wings”

▼ Always topping-off buddies’ bikes