27 Aug Acerbis vs IMS Tank // KTM 3-Fiddy
Comparison Views
Acerbis Top View
IMS Top View
Acerbis Side View
IMS Side View
Fitment
First things first, how well does each tank fit on the bike, mount up and how well do the stock shrouds fit. Each tank “fit” on the 350 EXC-F very easily and nicely, neither were perfect that would grant them a 10 score but I had no issues actually fitting either one on the bike.
Neither tanks gave me any problems mounting the stock shrouds to the tank, I personally like the fact that both IMS & Acerbis give you that option to use your stock side panels, unlike many past aftermarket tanks.
I gave the IMS one more point in the mounting area because I like the way the tank “wings” attach securely to the radiator.
Probably the number one question I get asked is which tank is better with a tank bag, while a tank bag can be used with the Acerbis, as I’ve done it on a 3 day ride, but clearly the IMS will fit a tank bag much better.
Acerbis
IMS
Build Quality
At first I gave the Acerbis a bit node in the build quality just by handling each tank. Then, as you can see on my Acerbis review post, I had an issue with one of the mounting holes for the fuel pump. It appeared to be a factory mold issue which I was able to fix with a Time-Sert and never had any fuel leakage. The IMS has brass threaded inserts for all mounting points, which for me is a plus.
I did not measure the thickness of each tank but it does appear the IMS is thicker plastic than the Acerbis. On another note… the Acerbis fuel cap/mount is very cool!
Acerbis
IMS
Protection
Well it’s not usually a requirement for a fuel tank to add protection….. but all the aftermarket tanks I’ve purchased that’s always been a talking point.. “the larger tank really protects the radiator well..”
So I thought I’d add a section for protection, namely the radiator. The IMS clearly hugs the radiator quite well from the sides, the Acerbis does come lower on down the radiators than the IMS but there’s not a large difference here. BUT.. if you need to get to your rear shock for easy removal without taking the tank off, the Acerbis allows you to reach the top mounting bolt for your shock.
Acerbis
IMS
Style
And once again, this is not a requirement of a tank.. but most of us want our ride to look good. The natural color probably isn’t your first choice if you are looking for style points alone, but the ease to see fuel levels at all times on a long ride for me is more of a priority.
Due to the weird tall fuel cap spout of the Acerbis, I lean towards the IMS on style alone. For me the IMS matches the lines KTM originally created for this bike and looks more natural than the Acerbis. But to each his own right!
Acerbis
IMS
Acerbis Bike View
IMS Bike View
Overall
It’s no surprise here… the winner (for me) is…
What puts it out in front is the brass mounting inserts, overall look on the bike, added protection, and for the same price .4 gallons more of fuel!
Acerbis Fuel Tank
- Gallons: 4.1
- Price: $248.50
- Weight: 7 lbs
IMS Fuel Tank
- Gallons: 4.5
- Price: $247.99
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
Again, both are great options and are well made, these are just my thoughts on the tanks for the 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F!
Adam M
Posted at 14:58h, 14 SeptemberDoes the new version still have a mold number— ktm-26?
Basher
Posted at 19:22h, 18 SeptemberI believe it does.. but will take my seat off and verify it for you!
Mr. HighFive
Posted at 14:54h, 21 SeptemberThat IMS tank sure does look better…..with longer range too. Sweet!
Curtis Wayne Jones
Posted at 20:07h, 07 DecemberBasher great info as always.
One question does your low fuel indicator still work w/ the new tank… and if so does it come on with sufficent reserve fuel still left?
The reason I’m asking is that I’m considering going with a black IMS tank on my new 2018 500 EXC-F.
Cheers – Curtis
Basher
Posted at 09:28h, 11 DecemberSo don’t quote me on this.. but my low fuel light seems to come on correctly, I’ve only ran it on this IMS tank low once on a ride and the light came on and I was riding so hard I didn’t take exact note of it, I just fueled up at the next stop.
So if anyone else has more info on this please let us know until I can test for certain.
Thanks!
Dave Kennedy
Posted at 21:30h, 12 FebruaryWhen you installed the IMS tank did you need extra parts? IMS website says you might need additional hardware for certain models and they give the KTM part numbers. I have a 2017 EXC-F 350.
Best,
Dave Kennedy
Basher
Posted at 08:28h, 13 FebruarySo Dave, some guys have gotten the stock parts to work but I went ahead and purchased the extra parts. The issue is the stock tank is thicker than the IMS or Acerbis, so modifications or new parts need to be purchased.
My Acerbis post shows what I’m talking about with the different thicknesses. The 90 degree fuel connector and the fuel pump nut. If you are handy you could cut these down and get them to work, others have, but I felt more comfortable getting the parts as recommended by IMS.
Good luck!
Basher
Abrudan Silviu
Posted at 14:30h, 06 FebruaryI heard that this tank would hit the thermostat and that the only solution is to be removed. This is true ?
Basher
Posted at 19:38h, 06 FebruaryYou must have the correct build tank, the early tanks IMS said they fit the ’17 and newer 350s, but infact did not. The new molds that I’m running fit the bike perfectly. I did NOT want to take off my thermostat on a dual sport bike.
scott taggart
Posted at 09:19h, 21 JuneYou list both tanks and about $250 but the IMS one seems to come up at $350, Where did you buy your IMS?
Basher
Posted at 11:52h, 21 JuneI purchased the IMS from RMATVMC… it was the incorrect tank mold at the time, but IMS fixed the issues now for the 350EXCF tanks. Maybe the tanks have gone up in price?!
Joao
Posted at 08:51h, 11 JanuaryDo you know if IMS already released their biggest tank for KTM 500 EXC-F 2020? (more than 4 gallon) On their website can only find the 3 gallon one.
Stuckthrottle
Posted at 13:54h, 12 MayJust wanted to say thank you for this comparison. I was on the fence about which to get. The capability of adding a dry break receiver did it for me but I appreciate the additional information you provided. Thanks!