2023 KTM 300XC Acerbis Vs IMS oversize tank | Which one is better? Highland Cycles

[@iliveoffroad]

I like big tanks and i cannot lie. You other brothers can't deny.

[@meanmachine6717]

Thanks for the vid! I Just slapped the Acerbis tank on my SX and was super worried about it not pulling fuel. But you mentioned it is the same bottom dimension as an XC tank so I can hope it splashes up.

[@kevinmarshall8035]

I think the Acerbis tank looks way better than the IMS tank.

[@hoosk125-wm5bp]

OK- I rarely post on social media but...here's the real poop on the 23's fuel system hate, so pay attention and pass it on: New EFI bikes: unless yer old school, ya literally just have no clue just how good we got it now. Us '60's dudes sat around campfires in the dez, dreaming up stuff like this, scratching it out in the dirt with a burnt stick, "meh, it'll never happen".....but it did. And now it's real. Oh yeh. Stock tank: Normal riding/hammering will get you to 3/4 empty. After that, ya gota tip it to the right. Why? It's a "backbone" frame. Not a perimeter frame (see note below). And Morgan is right, the light comes on early- so pay attention and use a watch, take notes if ya don't got a meter. Easy peasy. Remember early enduros with watches/roll charts on your X-bard pad? I do. Note: Every single modern back-bone style framed bike with over 2.25 gals. is like "This" (carb bikes tip to the left in most cases). Even with a reserve petcock. Perimeter frames bikes are different and don't have a "split tank", there's no back-bone in the way. Want more range til "FUEL" comes on?: Run the Acerbis with the factory pump set up. No mods. See above. And don't worry bout yer giblets with the high-crown tank. If yer sitting up THAT far, yer doing it wrong. If yer doing trials/ultra Enduro on it? Just wear a cup. Like some dez racers used to (ever see a KX 500 big Dez Baja tank?). GNCC/Hares: Run the Acerbis tank with a dry-break mod or fast-fill, the rest is same as above. Carries the fuel higher than the IMS, more miles before the yellow comes out. If ya train hard, ya won't notice the 2 extra pounds a few millimeters above the stock or IMS tank makes. And that's where ya want it , if yer on the gas. Got an IMS? Delete the left side pickup and use the factory fuel delivery set up to avoid the right side tip-over loss of prime. Why? Simple really- the pump will not dry-draw fuel from that far below it- it's actually a very long ways and was not designed for that- and you can smoke your pump using a long hose mod or "T" on it if it cavitates. Almost every electric fuel pump of any kind won't dry prime x-inches or feet below itself because the weight of the "column" is just too high, too far, and they are not designed for that and won't hold prime w/o a check valve at the end (and even then...). This includes big Holley's. They require gravity and immersion for prime. Period. A carb is gravity fed and won't pull fuel from 24" below it, neither will a small sump-type pump, cuz it's gravity fed too. These aint vacuum pumps with vented carbs at the end! Doubt me? Stand on your roof, put a dry hose in a bucket, see if you can suck any water into your mouth. It's really just that simple. 2023 fuel system mods: don't do it. it won't work. Just don't do ANY of it. See above AND the diff's between this and other prior model pumps on these bikes ( the light bulb should come on then)- they both are gravity/immersion fed. No one makes a "100% out of gas run-dry w/o doing this or that" system on a modern off-road race bike. If you have been at this long enough, ya know what I mean. That's why the aftermarket makes big tanks and dry-breaks. Splash-n-Dash works for carby bikes and EFI bikes alike. Maybe someone will come out with something (SAFE) someday for "these issues", if you can call them that (its not an issue with me)...until then, just do the right thing and the same thing we've all been doing forever. Again- It's really just that simple. Morgan: Brother M is leading the way with "the word" on these new systems. He's not shy, he digs in, finds the gremmy and reports it. He's helping everyone out with these in-depth studies and getting grimey more than anyone else on the web. He ain't skeered. He don't have an attitude. He's super nice and will help every dirt rider out there. I'm in N/C Az high country, it's bone dry, steep rocks and logs. I've had over 60 dirt bikes since '75, and just Love my 23 tripple hondo Heritage....it just gobbles stuff up. No sweat. Great old fart bike. No issues whatsoever. I'd ride with Morgan and his crew any day. Nothing better than popping wheelie's, roosting buddies and bench racing over sodas 'n tacos afterwards. And if he ever needs a tech to help out, he knows who to call....been kinda thinkin of moving to Co lately for a change of trails anyways so....(will work for trails hehehehe) Anyways- We should all be thankful for his efforts, and for the Dirt Church! (fully awesome, nailed it) Pay him some respect and it FORWARD, people. P/S: Heelers rule. -k.

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks so much

[@hoosk125-wm5bp]

@@highlandcycles Keep up the great work, brother. You're nailing it. Cheers!

[@rjthomasindyusa]

I like big tanks I cannot lie.... you other brothers can't deny. Baby got tank!

[@donaldblank8873]

So far you're the only man that is trying to put a pickup tube all the way to the bottom of the tank, Obviously this is what needs to happen, Most people Refuse to admit that this is a problem. I Do not understand why. We definitely do not want KTM to continue with this poor design. I hope for 2025 these issues are fixed.

[@scp8412]

Brappppppp Thanks for doing those test you THA MAN!

[@tony4842]

Bonjour je pourrais avoir le lien pour acheter la pièces en metal pour la pompe a essence

[@arnaldobianchi5147]

Try a one-way check valve on the bottom

[@highlandcycles]

Doesn’t work if you get any air in system, it won’t prime

[@arnaldobianchi5147]

this is not self-priming pump type

[@myricastillo5097]

Wow those two tanks are really awesome 😄🤘 they both look very good

[@matthewmcallister8845]

I like the big tanks on bikes. I like the looks of this one better than the IMS.

[@Mostviews111]

Instead of using the sock why use use a good inline filter?

[@rx2ride259]

Looks good. Have one on order for my TX. Hope it arrives before Mountain Season kicks into high gear.

[@zachfarkash6430]

I like the big tanks I don't care how it looks either Morgan as long as I can ride further and not have to walk I'm all for it. I'm getting an oversized tank for my 05 CRF450R and I'm also getting the oversized tank for my 89 CR250R 🤘🤘

[@scottphillips445]

I tried to buy a new gasgas mc125 for 6900 during covid but 1 dealer could not get 1. A dealer that had 2 wanted 8100 out the door. Shipping went way up and the mc125 went from 6900 to 7350 so I bought a used 18 150SX with 14 hours on it for 6k, fmf pipe and silencer, v force 4r. In short I feel for you bro. If I had waited I could have brought a new 23 xc125 for 6k. As it stands I am happy to have a carbureted kicker with the 16 to 18 frame.

[@donaldblank8873]

You could probably push on a regular heavy fuel filter and drop it in the tank, As long as its gas resistant.

[@jimzigouris]

can you share the part numper to orderfrom IMS the tank solution?

[@The_Snowbike_Channel]

I like big tanks and cannot lie 😅. Good video!

[@georgeisenbarg8302]

isnt the quick disconnect sealed when not connected to the fuel injector fitting... if it is then how would you get fuel or even air, to flow through the pump, the output is essentially blocked off.

[@highlandcycles]

Not sure what your point is but yes it’s sealed. To get gas out you have to have another quick connect on a hose which I do.

[@MrDirtrdr22]

I put the acerbis 3.2 on my 24 xcw! Love it

[@MTrout5140]

How is the access to the oil fill? Is it a pain to fill up?

[@MrDirtrdr22]

@@MTrout5140 as the tank sits, it sits on top of the oil fill cap with no ease of access with out removing the tank. That's 5 minutes. But i used a heat gun, and massaged the tsnk to allow access with out removing the tank. Its not a 2 second process, but its doable. Also note, the amount of oil it holds verse amount of fuel i spend. It was never a problem to remove the tank in my garage once every 5 tanks of gas to fill the oil

[@rre1365]

​@MrDirtrdr22 how many miles are you getting on your 24 300 xcw on that 3.2 gallon tank?

[@MrDirtrdr22]

@@rre1365 if I'm riding with the kid or my dad, I can cruise well over 140 miles. If I'm beating on it hard core I easily do 120+

[@rre1365]

@@MrDirtrdr22 wait, what? You get 120-140 miles on the 3.2 gallon tank?

[@TheMadcyentist]

So I just bought a new old stock 23 300 XC. Your videos helped me with my decision on purchase and with potential upgrades. Lol. But I missed the unuseable fuel issue and didn't discover it until after I ran the first tank through it. Specific to this video and tank volume, I wonder if their tank volume calculation includes displacement of the fuel pump? That could be where that extra capacity is lost. I.e. they measure the overall volume of the tank without the fuel pump installed.

[@highlandcycles]

Definitely a possibility

[@ALDA2479]

If u could run a T fitting off the main pickup tube run 1 into the normal area of the tank and drop the other down into the lower ive always like oversized tanks on my bikes simply for the convenience of them but the look dont bother me either

[@rjthomasindyusa]

Great video... I was waiting on this one.... I spoke to 'Ricky Stator' and they said that they are rewinding stators for 2023 300 TBI's. Apparently they are getting 70 watts. Whats the best place to order OEM KTM parts besides Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC (they don't have the gasket in stock)? Also... is the Acerbis logo on the tank removable? Is it orange or red..... I'm OCD. Great video!

[@highlandcycles]

Not sure where to buy that other than your dealer.

[@MrDirtrdr22]

Have you by chance succeeded in placing a hose/extension down into the left wing yet? Picking up all the fuel?

[@highlandcycles]

Not yet but something is coming soon

[@MrDirtrdr22]

@@highlandcycles i just had mine apart. Heating and molding my 3.2 around my oil fill. Took the punp out and measured for a hose., thinking of making a bent aluminum pick up, mated to the pump. I was just toying with the fuel level sensor position too

[@highlandcycles]

@@MrDirtrdr22 what’s coming is very good. And they’ve done the testing

[@ScottHouser-sm7ls]

have you done a top end on this bike yet? What is your planned intervals?

[@highlandcycles]

Not yet. I have one ordered but it’s been back ordered for months. I’m planning on 100 hrs

[@zxcvbnmnz]

A secondary low pressure pump at the bottom, it only has to get fuel up to the main pump, but thats over complicated. Probably better just to modify it so the pump is at the bottom of the tank.

[@scottphillips445]

I appreciate your testing. I would want at least 3 gallons on a XC300. I am 56, 6ft, and 155lbs. My 1st engine mod would be possibly a heavier flywheel weight. Because I am a dinosaur I have more of a 250 riding style so the XC250 with a pipe would be more my style. The 250SX is a steal at 8k.

[@MikeTaber]

Great 'test', just in time for me. Now, you need to add a Rekluse..... :)

[@highlandcycles]

Bwahahahaha

[@jeroenvandergriendt7332]

Any link on the IMS kit???

[@highlandcycles]

Unfortunately not

[@Tsxtasy1]

If I was to judge the tanks based on looks, I do like the ims but I like the acerbis more. Just don’t like that the fuel pickup didn’t work 100%

[@alexkevan3887]

Can you get the JD Tuner for these bikes, ot allows you to trim the fuel, it would be great to see if you can improve fuel economy with this fuel tuner.

[@highlandcycles]

It is available

[@alexkevan3887]

@@highlandcycles part number is JDKTX25

[@motofamily461]

Taco Moto just came out with a new pickup system.

[@highlandcycles]

Yep. We have one on the way

[@brookefawcett4116]

Big tanks are awesome!!

[@anthonyfrye8229]

I like the idea of being able to ride farther, I don't care what it looks like .

[@highlandcycles]

Agree

[@philsheridan6759]

I just put acerbis on my ec300

[@andrecontois8510]

I don't like the aftermarket tanks. I would like for example the difference a stock sx to a stock xc older carb style. I put a acerbies 3.? On my 17 xc which for whatever reason had a sx tank on it when I bought it used. I kinda wish i got a stock xc replacement so i wouldn't have the bump at the gas cap. The volume difference was very minimal. Price was too. Need one like the yz with both sides hanging down with the two petcocks and a tee fitting. Keep the weight low not up by the bars.

[@highlandcycles]

Agree. Unfortunately on these bikes there isn’t much room

[@donaldblank8873]

The fuel pump has to expel air that's in the line to work.the quick connect is a one way check valve. I bet remove it and it will work

[@ChrisBurns1119]

Big tank’s definitely look sweet

[@ScottHouser-sm7ls]

how many miles can you get out of the stock tank?

[@4low355]

I know Morgan did a video on that and I don't remember his results; I picked up my bike a week ago and all stock did a 60 mile ride and still had at least another 10 miles of fuel in the tank. I likely don't whack the throttle as much as he does and it was all fairly easy 2 track and dirt road riding.

[@anthonyborean2954]

I like big tanks and I can not lie!

[@scottphillips445]

Baby got tank! 23, 300, 3.2?

[@panic-revv85]

Digging the dirt church

[@Menz890]

One of these tank companies need to make a tank that fits the old fuel pump and pick up system that works with the the new models. There I fix it 😂

[@FLYNXC]

I bought a 5gal container, went to the pump and it read 4.76gals. Either the tank was off or my gas station is. Could that be an issue with the exact fuel measurement. Not sure how you confirmed the container to tanks quantities?

[@highlandcycles]

That’s why I said it wasn’t an accurate measurement. Except that the difference between the two wasn’t huge

[@barnescycle]

I feel like my IQ drops just looking and that snaggle toothed saber tooth tiger looking thing from IMS . I'M gonna buy a sx tank for motocross and a black acerbies tank to try and get rid of that sthil weedeater look I'm currently rocking.

[@highlandcycles]

Problem with a black tank is that you can’t tell how much gas is in the thing.

[@d.brayman3165]

Big tanks are the way to go. I'd rather be ugly than thirsty and so would my bikes.

[@highlandcycles]

For sure

[@painsrides]

I don't really give a hoot what my dirt bike looks like... If I needed a bigger tank I'd put one on it.

[@Sen-it]

Acerbis tank looks better!

[@justinclackler8990]

They all are right about that tank man. It's hideous, glad I forked the extra bones out for ims

[@highlandcycles]

IMS doesn’t get the gas out as well though.

[@justinclackler8990]

@@highlandcycles crap, hope it works on the kx250 I got it for. Just trying to justify my reasoning for spending $175 more. It doesn't look that bad.

[@richardhartley7094]

Much nicer looking big tank not that you care I know lol standard tanks not ideal for the type of riding you do big balls or small😀👍

[@highlandcycles]

🤣🤣

[@repomannv]

Big tanks save lives 😂

[@colechristensen25]

I'm sorry but I think the acerbis tanks are so ugly. I much prefer the look of the IMS tanks. Those are what are always on the "bad ass desert bikes" as you say... Hopefully they figure out the low pick up issue soon. Thanks for the video!

[@beverlyboys73]

Looks like a ball buster to me. Ouch...

[@redball4093]

IMS looks much better than the Acerbis

[@yumaxr]

Scientific enough. That's a whole lot of money and hassle for such a dinky amount of additional fuel IMHO.

[@highlandcycles]

Agree

[@scottphillips445]

I turned Morgan into the internet police for the overuse of the word Whatever! I know I am a snitch but Whatever!

[@highlandcycles]

😂🤣

[@donaldblank8873]

Come up with a good design and make the product and make some money. Fix ktms mistake

[@highlandcycles]

Taco moto is close