Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
XR650R....Fussy with fuel?? XR650R....Fussy with fuel??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
XR650R....Fussy with fuel??
If anyone knows, are the XR650R's a bit fussy with their octane ratings. It seems from reading here that they are a pretty highly tuned lump, and might not like crappy petrol you can find in some parts of the world.

Cheers,
Lee
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Oct 2008
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,676
Quote:
Originally Posted by leevtr View Post
If anyone knows, are the XR650R's a bit fussy with their octane ratings. It seems from reading here that they are a pretty highly tuned lump, and might not like crappy petrol you can find in some parts of the world.

Cheers,
Lee
They do have a fairly high compression ratio but they are still carbed so shouldnt have too many problems.

People use them regularly all over Africa so it musnt be too much of an issue ???

Depends where your off to ??
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
Bit late now because.....
.....i already bought one!!
May be going through Iran, Pakistan,India.
Never had a problem with a honda yet, so we'll see. Hope the first isnt on the KKH!!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
I've run mine on the cruddy old 85 you get in the USA (and also their 91 'super' unleaded), and throughout Europe on 95/97 octane and also into Morocco and back... and from -281ft below sea level to over 10,000ft... no problems at all.

My 650R is 'uncorked' - with the 68s pilot and a 175 main jet, the non-restrictive carb manifold, airbox plugs out and a Uni air-filter (although a K&N works just as well to be honest). Initially I fitted the early Honda exhaust tip, then latterly a White Bros E2 exhaust.

That engine is a dream (just keep an eye on oil consumption!)

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Dec 2008
pottsy's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
With a cr of 10:1 i reckon it should be able to handle most stuff, you could lower it more by adding another base or head gasket!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Dec 2008
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,676
Quote:
Originally Posted by pottsy View Post
With a cr of 10:1 i reckon it should be able to handle most stuff, you could lower it more by adding another base or head gasket!
Trying to reduce compression by adding another head or base gasket will do nothing than make it run like a bag of shit and mess up the ignition timing as the piston is designed to work in a specific stroke and Compression ratio.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
took mine to Iran and Pakistan last year ... no worries with fuel quality. ditto all over Africa on other trips

the only trouble I've ever had was with lacquer building up in the float bowl in Oz ... it formed a platelet that blocked off the main jet

in Iran, either buy a fuel rationing card or learn farsi and buy rations from locals, but remember its traditional for them to refuse payment a couple of times before agreeing a fair price. have a great trip - Iran is one of my favourite countries
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Dec 2008
pottsy's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
But i am correct in that the Octane requirement of fuel is reduced with a subsequent reduction in cr, in conjunction with a reduction in ignition timing (which i did omit originally, sorry). But it is a tad impractical to to this on-the-road, i do agree.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stellenbosch
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
Trying to reduce compression by adding another head or base gasket will do nothing than make it run like a bag of shit and mess up the ignition timing as the piston is designed to work in a specific stroke and Compression ratio.


Also, the compression on the XR is fairly low compared to e.g. KTM 640.

Been round about in Africa (I live here) and cruddy, old , low octane fuel not a huge issue, just do not lean out your jetting to much...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Guatemala City
Posts: 1
Smile BRP knowledge
Quote:
Originally Posted by RichLees View Post
took mine to Iran and Pakistan last year ... no worries with fuel quality. ditto all over Africa on other trips

the only trouble I've ever had was with lacquer building up in the float bowl in Oz ... it formed a platelet that blocked off the main jet

in Iran, either buy a fuel rationing card or learn farsi and buy rations from locals, but remember its traditional for them to refuse payment a couple of times before agreeing a fair price. have a great trip - Iran is one of my favourite countries
Dear Rich:

I have seen some of your posts and you know a lot in regard of the BRP. I live in Guatemala and recently purchased a 2002. As it seems, the bike is bulletproof. I am very happy with it, but I notice that my rear shock is kind of worn out. Is there a way to repair it?? You can also reach me at my e mail adress carrararojo76@hotmail.com. By the way my name is Guillermo Haese. I am looking forward to know of other minus points of the XR, so I can have them in mind. Best Regards, GHH
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
XR650R Fuel Range hotspur84 Honda Tech 4 14 Jun 2008 11:07
Burning poor fuel in XR650R reinhold Honda Tech 6 24 Jul 2006 18:49
Are there different XR650R tarisius Honda Tech 8 21 May 2006 14:57
Quick disconnect for fuel line on fuel injected bike? Ekke BMW Tech 3 9 Mar 2004 21:40
Xr650R Oil Changes XRR Honda Tech 2 10 May 2003 07:22

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 04:39.

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