Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
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



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Dec 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Two stroke oil availability in Sahara

Does anyone have experience of trying to get hold of two-stroke oil in Morocco, Maritania, Senegal and Mali?

My ex pizza bike wil be struggling with weight so would rather get it on-the-road if possible.....
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Dec 2010
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Henry, when I rode through the sahara in '78 on my RD350 I just used whatever oil I could find. That is exactly what the local 2 stoke riders do/did as 2 stroke oils were virtually unavailable outside of capital cities and were priced at a premium which the locals couldn't afford / wouldn't pay.

I subscribe to the theory that any oil is better than no oil and that there really isn't that much difference between an upper cylinder /crankcase lubricant regardless of whether its mixed with fuel vapours, or not.

Don't sweat it.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar View Post
Henry, when I rode through the sahara in '78 on my RD350 I just used whatever oil I could find. That is exactly what the local 2 stroke riders do/did
When we were using 2 smokes there in the 70's that's what we did as well, just used car oil. We did get through a few more spark plugs than usual but that was probably down to the lo-tec ignition systems not being able to cope with a bit of fouling. These days even a pizza bike should have something better firing the plugs.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Thanks for the info guys, we are trying to get someone to donate an old Ambulance as a support vehicle so might be able to carry some but will bodge and make do if not!

The oiling system on the mopeds is a bit temperemental sometimes but I think engine rebuilds are going to be frequent anyway!

Now I just need to find some 14" Michelin Deserts......
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post

Now I just need to find some 14" Michelin Deserts......
In keeping with the spirit of the rally the answer would be to get some 17" ones, cut a segement out and superglue the ends back together again.

You'll probably be able to find a tyre repair shop in Mauri that'll sew the ends back together if the glue doesn't hold.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Nice one, it'll line up well with my "we can't get bib mousse's so we'll stuff the tyres with tennis balls" philosophy"

must remember to stop saying 'what's the worst that can happen'!
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Importing a 2-stroke into Oz (and NZ.) timae Australia / New Zealand 9 30 May 2010 13:18
2 stroke or 4 stroke solomonfurious Which Bike? 13 27 Nov 2009 13:15
Stroke recognition ChrisC Staying Healthy on the Road 12 6 Feb 2009 23:56
Anyone ever done a trip on a 2-stroke?? PocketHead Equipment Reviews 23 5 Dec 2008 12:13
2 stroke touring Neil Which Bike? 11 15 Nov 2008 02:12

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 19:14.