Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
increasing fuel capacity increasing fuel capacity
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 44
increasing fuel capacity
I was thinking of creating extra fuel capacity on my cruiser (Kawa Vulcan) for my ride from Holland to Turkey (and about). My present range is apr. 200 kms and that can be a bit frustrating at times. I think I can cope with that through Europe but in rural Turkey I'm not too sure. Also carrying plenty of fuel is more relaxed riding in my opinion. Going through my stuff in the garage I stumbled on my almost forgotten outboard fuel-tank from my zodiac and I figured it would be the ideal add-on. It is designed to carry fuel, has a vent in the lid and a strong and lengthy hose so what if I secure it on the back of the bike and create a tie-in onto the original fuel line...seems doable. The only thing is I have to give up some luggage space....I wonder if anyone has done this sort of thing before me, and has any experience with this. I'm not too sure about legislation on carrying extra fuel but I'm sure a lot of overlanders use jerry cans of all sorts strapped to the side of their bikes to tackle the fuel problem......
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Dec 2011
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
This company offers a commercial offering similar to your suggestion so your ideas seem perfectly viable.
Tour Tank Main
I saved the link above from a HUBB posting which was made a few years ago. I think it was from someone who took an MT350 to Iceland.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Why not use some sort of fuel bladder. You can roll it up when you don't need it.

JAX Collapsible Utility Bladder (1 gallon) Just Gas Tanks.com

But it sounds like you want to plumb your main tank to another allowing you to spend more time in the seat.

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 286


I stuck a universal Acerbis tank on the side of mine for longer trips. No problem at all. If you have a fuel pump and a breather hose it should work. Mine just plums into the breather and sucks the front tank into the rear and gives me an extra 5 litres. Far bigger tanks are out there and seem to work just as well.
I would say the seals have to be good and tight and the hose must be good quality rubber. Nothing else seems to work very well if at all.
I also went right through Turkey and fuel supply was never a problem. In fact I went from London to Bangkok and fuel was never really an issue. You can get it anywhere, even in bottles at the side of the road in parts of Pakistan where there are no official fuel stops.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlh62c View Post
Why not use some sort of fuel bladder. You can roll it up when you don't need it.

JAX Collapsible Utility Bladder (1 gallon) Just Gas Tanks.com

But it sounds like you want to plumb your main tank to another allowing you to spend more time in the seat.

daryl
Just a comment on the utility bladder. On the website the product description clearly states its intended use for adventure motorcycle travel and touring yet has a disclaimer at the bottom of the page-"NOT MADE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF FUEL ON HIGHWAY SCENARIOS"

This seems to contradict its product description? Why would I buy it if its not actually safe to transport on the road?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 286
Seriously? If you have to ask that then maybe you're not ready to transport on the road?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Actually I am a total NOOB so thats why Im asking :-)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Well it seems the disclaimer regarding highway travel with the bladder relates soley to California.

Jtwooo thanks for your helpful and illuminating post.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Quote:
Originally Posted by realmc26 View Post
Just a comment on the utility bladder. On the website the product description clearly states its intended use for adventure motorcycle travel and touring yet has a disclaimer at the bottom of the page-"NOT MADE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF FUEL ON HIGHWAY SCENARIOS"

This seems to contradict its product description? Why would I buy it if its not actually safe to transport on the road?
Your question seemed pertinent to me. It is just that we all do not read the small print and/or disclaimers (but insurers surely do), so thanks for sharing the thought.

Anyway, good to consider it (at least if you live in CA) and then decide.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
The whole issue of fuel containers is a bit of a legal nightmare. Within the EU fuel containers require markings and specific design features and there is a blurry line between "Personal emergency use" and mass transportation. There are also local laws. Basically, if you have one green plastic 2-litre of the sort most petrol stations sell you should be fine, anything else like bladders or metal jerry cans could be an issue.

Chances are you'll never need to talk to anyone about it though. The German plod won't be bothered to debate my 20-litre NATO spec can just for the fun of it, it's complex for them too and they know I'll claim that what's legal in the UK is legal in Germany as far as vehicle mounted stuff goes. If they'd pulled be for speeding they might add it the charge sheet. It's only if I close the Brenner pass tunnel for a few years by catching fire they might make a real song and dance about it. If the can or bladder is leaking or insecure of course it all becomes painfully clear in the legal mind.

I'd go with what works, keep it out of sight or generally safe looking and empty when not really required.

Andy
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
Super Tenere fuel range kiwiron Yamaha Tech 7 22 Aug 2015 04:20
3AJ Fuel problem fugitive Yamaha Tech 9 21 Jan 2012 00:31
Prudhoe Bay fuel Range kiwiron North America 19 8 Jan 2012 03:23
DRZ and Low octane/ Leaded fuel Fantastic Mister Fox Suzuki Tech 2 8 Nov 2011 08:13
On the road fuel quality Jtw000 Route Planning 2 4 Nov 2011 22:06

 
 

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: Date TBC
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.

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 05:29.

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