Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
On the road fuel quality On the road fuel quality
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
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 4 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 286
On the road fuel quality
I don't know if there's another thread about this or if this the right place but we've had some issues with fuel along our way. Firstly while we were in Hungary we noticed a massive drop in our range. We're both riding very different bike, a BMW single and a KTM Adventure (EFI, both). We both noticed a 30% drop at least. Mine didn't seem to lose any power but the KTM ran very lumpy at lower revs. A little redex and a full tank of gas in Serbia seemed to sort the issue out on both machines.
In Iran the fuel is very different. We're seeing far better range, even better than normal. I'm noticing a 10% increase in range with no difference in power and the KTM is running fine. The only issue is on both bikes when revved hard, they pink, quite noticably. Neither did it before. We're heading through Pakistan and India, does anyone have any idea what the fuel is like there, any issues we should watch for?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I noticed an improvement in fuel consumption in Iran, in fact at one point my R80GS was doing 80-90 mpg if the figures were to be believed, at this point I realised the meters on the pumps were totally inaccurate and they were giving more than they recorded. It might be possible that your drop in mpg was caused by pumps giving short measures given the level of the decrease, although I have had a similar thing in Egypt when I accidently put 80 octane in my bike and it ran badly.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Varying consumption could also be to do with altitude.

However, to the main point of the thread, fuel quality certainly varies in Russia, particularly away from major cities. Once I and a co-rider both filled up and we complained to each other about foul smelling exhausts (bikes!) until our next fuel stop, from when it got better.

The other interesting thing I have noted here - my F650GS/D has a listed fuel tank capacity of 17.3 Litres.
Once I managed to fill it and therefore pay for over 19 litres.

Concentrated fuel? Or just plain profiteering?
Not that it matters too much here with fuel at 60pence(UK) a litre, however much you get!
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
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15
Is a paypal account useful when on the road? mark manley Trip Paperwork 28 3 Apr 2012 16:21
Bolivia road block arround Potosi ? travelHK South America 1 29 Oct 2011 20:48
Khartoum to Ethiopia Birdy Ride Tales 2 26 Oct 2011 22:32
Best road from Mauritania to Mali Aidjay North Africa 2 25 Oct 2011 11:12

 
 

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!

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 20:36.

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