Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
Leaded Petrol DL 650 Leaded Petrol DL 650
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki 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 4 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 26
Leaded Petrol DL 650
Currently in Namibia and on my way north through Africa. My tank says "Unleaded Fuel Only" but in Africa some places have only leaded petrol.

What are my options? Do I need to make modifications to the bike or will it actually run on leaded petrol without breaking it?

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Nov 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Leaded fuel will kill your lambda sensor !!
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 26
I now spoke to many different Suzuki dealers and the one of the main tech people at Suzuki South Africa and they say it will be no problem. My DL 650 doesn't have a catalyst like some other models does.

What is a lambda sensor?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Nov 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
you might know it as the oxygen sensor ??

in simple terms, It sniffs the air/fuel mixture, telling the ECU how to run the injectors.

leaded fuel reduces the lifespan of these.

If you're just "passing through", it will more than likely be fine but it's something to be aware of with prolonged use.




I've no personal experience of this though. Just what I was taught !!
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Nov 2009
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
hi vangraan,

what year is your dl650?
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Nov 2009
gixxer.rob's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
Short term ?
I ran my 97 Yam XTZ 660 on leaded for a month with no probs.

But its a carb bike.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
i guess if suzuki say its ok for your lambda sensor then thats ok, but leaded will certainly wreck a catalizer if you have one. thats one reason why so many travellers use aftermarket exhaust systems
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 26
My DL is a 2005 model.
The manual I have shows it have a catalyst. But I downloaded it from the internet. I think certain countries have the catalyst in but I am from South Africa and it seems here that year model doesn;t have them.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
+1 on screwing the catalyst and can clog injectors, but injector cleaner in fuel will clean it right up. I know this from bringing an American car to Spain in the 1990's when unleaded was rare. Car had to have the cat converters removed and needed injector cleaner about every 3-5 tank of fuel. Car did well for 4 years there. You're bike will more than likely suffer no damage if just passing through.
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
Leaded petrol in modern car gvdaa Equipping the Overland Vehicle 5 15 Sep 2008 21:30
Can you only buy leaded gas in Bolivia? gatogato South America 9 15 Feb 2008 03:59
How long it will take to destroy KAT with leaded-petrol? Margus BMW Tech 3 25 Jul 2005 05:34
leaded fuel hi2msa Equipping the Overland Vehicle 2 16 Aug 2004 03:39
bmw r1150 gs - non leaded petrol ?? samon Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 21 Aug 2000 00:03

 
 

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 06:37.

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