If you've invested greater than a week driving a Suzuki supermoto, you've probably understood that the drz400sm safari tank is less of a luxury and more of a survival tool. The share tank on these types of bikes is, frankly, tiny. It's excellent for looking thin at the nearby bike meet, but the moment you decide to actually move somewhere—I mean really go somewhere—that low-fuel light starts haunting your desires.
I recall the particular first time We took my DRZ out for a proper backroad mission. About 80 miles within, I was already doing math within my head, wondering if I'd have in order to push 320 lbs of Japanese metal up a mountain. It's not a fun way to invest a Saturday. That's where the Safari tank comes in. It changes the particular bike from a "gas station hopper" to a legitimate long-distance machine.
Why the Stock Tank Just Doesn't Cut It
The factory tank holds about ten liters (2. six gallons). That sounds fine on paper for a commuter, yet when you start operating a DRZ the way it's designed to be ridden—pinned wide open—your energy economy drops quicker than the usual lead go up. Most riders discover themselves hitting book before they've even finished their 1st coffee.
In case you're sticking to the particular city, the share tank is good. However the DRZ400SM is definitely a versatile animal. People use these types of things for lighting adventure touring, camping out trips, and discovering mountain passes. Needing to plan every one change the area of a Cover station is exhausting. Switching to a drz400sm safari tank basically doubles your range, providing you the independence to actually get lost without the panic.
The Nitty Gritty: Capacity and Build Quality
Safari Tanks is definitely an Australian company, and if there's one thing Australians know, it's how to build stuff that will doesn't burglary the middle of nowhere. Their most well-known option for the DRZ is the 17-liter (4. 5-gallon) version, though they do make a substantial 28-liter monster if you're planning on traversing a literal wilderness.
For the majority of SM riders, the 17-liter tank may be the "Goldilocks" zone. It offers you roughly 170 to 200 miles associated with range based on your own wrist habits. The plastic is thick—way thicker than the stock metal tank—and it's designed to take a beating. One of the particular best perks of these plastic tanks is the fact that they're basically built-in crash bars. If you drop the bicycle in a car parking lot or on a trail, the particular tank usually simply takes a scuff while protecting the particular radiators.
Materials and Durability
The polyethylene building is rugged. In contrast to the stock metal tank, it won't dent, and the particular color is molded all the method through, so heavy scratches don't appear as terrible. You can get them in different colors, but the "natural" (translucent) one is the cult favorite. Exactly why? Because you can see just how much gasoline you have left just by looking down. No even more shaking the bike to hear the particular slosh.
Exactly how It Changes the Ride
Let's address the hippo in the room: weight. Yes, gasoline is heavy. Adding an extra 7 liters of gasoline indicates adding about eleven or 12 lbs to the front associated with the bike. Whenever the drz400sm safari tank will be topped off, you will feel it. Front side end feels a bit more planted, which some individuals actually prefer regarding highway stability, but you might lose a tiny bit of that "flickability" the particular SM is famous for.
The particular ergonomics also alter. The Safari tank is wider compared with how the stock set up because it supercedes the radiator shrouds. It sticks out further towards the sides, which means your knees will be distribute a bit wider. From first, it feels a little like you're riding a horse, but after a good hour within the seat, your brain simply recalibrates. It's a little price to pay for not getting stranded.
Does it Ruin the "Supermoto" Look?
This is subjective, obviously. The share DRZ400SM is a sharp, skinny bike. The Safari tank makes it appear like it's been hitting the gym and focusing entirely on chest day time. It gives the particular bike a "Dakar" or "Rally" aesthetic. Personally, I think it looks hard. It makes the particular bike look such as it's ready for an apocalypse instead than just a trip to the grocery store. If you're a purist who desires that slim motocross silhouette, you might dislike it, but most individuals grow to like the chunky, purposeful vibe.
The Set up Process: Could it be the Headache?
Installing the drz400sm safari tank isn't rocket science, but it's not a five-minute job either. You'll need to remove your seat, the stock tank, as well as the radiator shrouds. The particular Safari tank in fact acts as the shrouds, so individuals plastic bits go into storage.
One thing to consider is the cross-brace. Safari includes a group that goes across the frame in order to support the wings of the tank. Sometimes the fitment can be a little tight, specifically if your bike has seen several "unscheduled ground inspections" in the history. You might need to shake things around or even utilize a bit of elbow grease in order to get the mounting bolts to line up completely.
Dealing with the Petcock
You'll usually swap your stock petcock over to the new tank. Make certain the O-ring will be seated perfectly, or you'll be coping with a slow drip of gas on your own garage floor. Several riders choose in order to upgrade to a manual Yamaha WR petcock at the same time to get rid of the vacuum-operated share unit, that is a popular "while you're in there" mod regarding DRZ owners.
Safari vs. The Competition
You could be looking at Acerbis or IMS containers and wondering the reason why Safari is usually more expensive. It usually comes down to the thickness of the plastic material and the specific way the gas is distributed. Safari tanks tend to carry the pounds a bit lower than another manufacturers, which is great for the center of the law of gravity.
Also, the Safari 17L tank is specifically praised because of its fitment along with aftermarket seats. Regardless of whether you're running the Seat Concepts (which you probably ought to be, because the share seat is the 2x4) or a Sargent, the Safari usually plays nice with them.
Conclusions on the Extensive Ownership
I've talked to guys who may have had the drz400sm safari tank on their bicycles for over five years. The plastic material holds up well towards Ultra violet rays, although the particular "natural" color types can yellow slightly over time if the bike is left out in the sun constantly.
Is it worth the investment? If you only ride twenty miles at a time to your favorite coffee shop, then no, keep the particular stock tank plus save your money intended for tires. But in the event that you have even a hint of wanderlust—if you want in order to explore the desert, ride across condition lines, or simply stop worrying about your own fuel gauge each twenty minutes—it's possibly the best upgrade you can make.
The DRZ400SM is a legendary bike because it's simple and indestructible. Incorporating a Safari tank doesn't change that will; it just means you get to take more time riding and a fraction of the time staring from a gas water pump. Plus, there's some thing genuinely satisfying regarding looking down and seeing a massive offer of fuel between legs when you're miles away through civilization. It's peace of mind in a plastic shell, and for most of us, that's worth it.