Fuel consumption in the sand/dunes
 

Hi,

Own a 2001 XT 600 E.
I'm planing a trip to RIM and Mali in February 2005 and fuel consumption is a major concern. What can I expect to "burn" in sand/dune riding???

Thanks and regards,

NCR

Not very easy to say, but from own experience the following for a 3AJ Tenere:

1. Hard dirt road, speed approx. 80 km/h: 1 liter - 22 km
2. Hard piste with occasional wadis and sand patches, 80, 19 - 20 km / l
3. Dune driving, speed varies, high revs, 5 - 7,5 km / l.
4. Sandy but horizontal track, 40 - 60 km/h, 12,5 - 18 km/l

But mind you, if you drive 20 kms of dunes and the rest is hard piste there is a relatively low influence of the dunes on your consumption. On the other hand, crossing the Tenere, 1000 kms of soft sand, you need to carry huge amounts of fuel.

Auke

FYI, for a road riding, commuting into London each day (no off-road at all), My 3AJ has just returned 23.5 Kilometers per litre.

I'm certainly no expert, but in the recreational sand dune riding here in California overheating of bikes without sand paddles is a big issue. keep an eye on that temp gauge if you have one.

G'luck!
Sasha