Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Jerry cans to a Dakar? Jerry cans to a Dakar?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 2
Jerry cans to a Dakar?
Hi there, I am planning a Trans america on a Dakar and am concerned about running outta gas. One thing is for sure, I'm not paying a grand for touratech tanks and am wondering if anyone has attached one/two jerry cans? I thought about just belting it/them to a rear rack. Would one 20l or two 10l be better? Or is there a better place to fix them to? Also any recommendations about good cans would be appreciated?

Many thanks
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Jul 2004
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
Don't worry about it. Unless you go seriously off road there is always gas available within your bike's tank range, with the *possible* exception of Alaska and the Atacama desert in Chile (am assuming by Trans America you mean the Latin part, too ) If you are setting off for a very remote stretch, just visit the market at the last civilised stop and pick up some cheap plastic jerry cans. Two small are better than one big for weight positioning and leak-insurance. Strap them on wherever you have room; just do it well because the shakes off-road will loosen the bindings. Coke bottles, old water or milk containers etc. work just fine if cans can't be found. Expensive cans aren't worth buying, since they'll be empty and in your way 98% of the time, but too heartbreaking to throw away when you don't need 'em.

Have fun,
James

[This message has been edited by JamesCo (edited 12 July 2004).]
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Jul 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Zurich
Posts: 47
Hi, I agree with James.
I just came through Eastern Europe, Middle East, Saudi, Iran and Central Asia, and only once did I have to use spare jerry cans. I was carrying two 5l plastic ones and strapped them on the front sides of the panniers.
My friend strapped one of his on the bike, above the exhaust pipes, on the tine plastic rack you know. BAD IDEA. It got loose and drifted off and actually leaned against the exhaustpipe. Have a guess if we were worried when we saw the melted plastic...

If you still want to take 2 10l tanks, I talked to a guy at Touratech who built aluminium frames that he mounted on the bottom of the panniers and just slid the tanks in.
Erik

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: the netherlands
Posts: 266
Hello,

I travelled through Africa on a Honda Dominator, unfortuanly even the long range tank is only 23litres... Most times this would be enough, for the long streches I mounted two 5litre plastic jerrycans on the passenger pegs using africa bungierope... Its a good idea to source them locally as the quality varies a lot....



grtz
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: the netherlands
Posts: 266
Correction: Its a good idea to source them in the western parts of the world as the quality on the road for jerrycans varies somewhat... But then again leaking jerrycans is part of the fun right? BTW, it helps if u dont smoke...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 2
Guys,
Thanks for the advice!
My wallet is a little fuller tonight

Andy.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 70
If you do like the idea carrying more fuel so that you can get lost regularly, an idea is for a carrier frame on either side of the fuel tank. It puts more weight toward the front of the bike and they also act crash bars without protruding too much once the containers are removed. I have pics of carriers i made for my Dakar:
www.longdetour.hotfire.net

Cheers, Simon
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 58
Hi andrew,
I had some additional jerry can frames made by Ernie at www.overland-solutions.com. They sit infront of the frames for touratech panniers (that he also made for me). Superb job. He also sells the five litre jerry cans (proper metal and jerry can shape) at a reasonable price.

I am also doing the latin america tour, leaving October.
Good luck
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
Hi andi
fuel range of a dakar will be some 600 km if you don't go in the sand.
The most we spent was 4.8 l / 100 km in Kazakstan, average speed was 25 km/h.
Average consumption is a little less than 4 l if you don't rip off the throttle.
Pierresas said the most they spent was 7 l / 100 km in deep sand.
We carry one 10 l steel jerry can each on the foot peg.
Just moulded a 2 mm tin to u-shape, drill 2 holes, get the bolts of the pegs thru and secure with wire of (lack of english) the things you secure hoses with.
Cheap, efficient. Fill up when you need it.

Regards
Goetz + Karen, both on F 650 Dakar

------------------
ïóòü = öåëü
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Aug 2004
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
"the things you secure hoses with" = jubilee clip
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Aug 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
otherwise known as a "hose clamp" in North America.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Aug 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Berlin
Posts: 58
thanx Chris, thanx Grant, would be a "Schlauchschelle" in german

------------------
ïóòü = öåëü
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:00.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top