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XF650
29th June 2007, 20:36
Has anyone had experience of using a couple of 1 litre oil bottles as extra fuel containers, to carry on bike for those longer adventure rides where I don't need the bulk of a 5 litre jerry can?
I realise I will have to fill them myself but they seem quite strong & appear to have the same plastic code as the 'proper' fuel containers.

laRIKin
29th June 2007, 20:45
Coke drink bottles work real well and apart from not breaking down they are strong.

Never used them myself, but do know more than a few guys that do.

babyblade250rr
29th June 2007, 21:28
just make sure you don't take em to the gas station as there's no way they will allow you to fill gas directly into them

rudolph
29th June 2007, 21:36
I use a big coke bottle, looks like it is full of pee with 96 petrol

warewolf
29th June 2007, 22:08
Has anyone had experience of using a couple of 1 litre oil bottles as extra fuel containersThe lid will be the weak point, wide soft lids on soft necks tend to distort and leak if given a good thump or good pressure. PET soft drink bottles have a much more positive closure.

For regular use I'd go for tramping stove fuel bottles (eg SIGG) which are designed for the purpose, available at any tramping/camping store.

timg
30th June 2007, 19:01
Has anyone had experience of using a couple of 1 litre oil bottles as extra fuel containers.

Hiya, I use them for my small chainsaw and weed eater mixtures (seldom used so I make small mixes so they don't go stale). Seem to do the job with no worries or leaks. Mitre 10 has some small 1 US gallon (3.1 litre?) fuel tanks which look pretty small. Might be an option? Cheers.

far queue
30th June 2007, 19:08
I've used coke bottles a few times, they work well.

Transalper
30th June 2007, 19:29
I've used coke bottles a few times, they work well.
Somehow I just can't imagine you doing that on the DR anymore:msn-wink:

far queue
30th June 2007, 19:35
Somehow I just can't imagine you doing that on the DR anymore:msn-wink::D Ahhh, no, I think I have enough range now.

Wolf
2nd July 2007, 12:05
As warewolf suggested, I'd go for the fuel bottles from a camping store.

tri boy
2nd July 2007, 20:41
Three litre fuel containers are available at the Stihl chainsaw shops.
Strong as heck, and alot safer. About $14.

Aluminum camping bottles, (800mls) available from Kathmandu. Not much fuel, but will get you to a farm house most times. Strong, with are good screw top.

XF650
2nd July 2007, 21:05
Thanks for all the excellent tips - the DT230 is a thirsty wee beast.
I tried a variety of plastic bottles & yes, the 'fizz' ones sealed best - my test method was to stand on them while full of petrol. One issue with any "non approved" containers though is the hassle of getting them re-filled en route.
Also tested an alloy bottle by leaving it upside down (full) in the sun but to get a good seal I ended up mashing the (plastic) bung thread - however it was a cheap ($9.99) version.
So will next have a look at those 3 litre fuel containers which should have the advantage of a pour spout.

cooneyr
2nd July 2007, 22:04
...Also tested an alloy bottle by leaving it upside down (full) in the sun but to get a good seal I ended up mashing the (plastic) bung thread - it was a cheap ($9.99) version though....

You need to make sure the alloy bottles are for fuel use. I had a 1.5 litre kathmandu alloy bottle that was for water etc and the petrol just swelled the plastic bung so the threads crapped out and I couldnt get the bung back in. The SIGG bottles (plus other specifically made fuel bottles) are for white spirits/petrol/kero etc but I dont think kathmandu do fuel bottles any more.

Cheers R

Wolf
2nd July 2007, 23:29
The SIGG bottles (plus other specifically made fuel bottles) are for white spirits/petrol/kero etc but I dont think kathmandu do fuel bottles any more.

Cheers R

MSR and Primus make fuel bottles

far queue
3rd July 2007, 22:21
So will next have a look at those 3 litre fuel containers which should have the advantage of a pour spout.Do you mean one of those red plastic things? I tried one of them tied on the back of the bike once, the cap didn't seal properly and the bloody thing leaked petrol all over the exhaust side of the back of the bike :shit: I went back to coke bottles again after that little episode :niceone:

I'm sure those red containers are fine sitting in the garden shed full of fuel for the lawnmower, but they're not too flash when they're on the back of a bike riding along Myers Pass and Black Forest Rd :no:

tri boy
3rd July 2007, 22:48
Do you mean one of those red plastic things? I tried one of them tied on the back of the bike once, the cap didn't seal properly and the bloody thing leaked petrol all over the exhaust side of the back of the bike :shit: I went back to coke bottles again after that little episode :niceone:

I'm sure those red containers are fine sitting in the garden shed full of fuel for the lawnmower, but they're not too flash when they're on the back of a bike riding along Myers Pass and Black Forest Rd :no:

I had one on the last Adventure assault. Full up for three days, bungyed to the scramblers sport rack. Never spilled a drop.

cooneyr
4th July 2007, 08:13
Do you mean one of those red plastic things? I tried one of them tied on the back of the bike once, the cap didn't seal properly and the bloody thing leaked petrol all over the exhaust side of the back of the bike :shit: I went back to coke bottles again after that little episode :niceone:.....

Just make sure that the bottle has a good lid/cap. I got a couple of 5 litres from Mitre 10 that had crap lids and leaked everywhere. The are now somewhere in kate valley. The 1 gallon (3.9 l or something) Mitre 10 sell at the moment work well. I had one with me for the Dusty Butt and the Mt Hutt Ride. Didn't have any leaks on either ride.

Cheers R

tri boy
4th July 2007, 09:20
The containers sold from Stihl/Husky chainsaw outlets are the one professional forestry workers use. They are approved by the forestry companies, and cope with alot of rough handling. If your traveling through any NZ plantation, all containers need to be legal. Think what would happen if your container split, poured fuel over your exhaust/engine, and started a fire in a massive, remote pine forrest.
These things can happen.

slowpoke
4th July 2007, 17:31
Faaark, I'm kinda dumbfounded here. Plastic Coke bottles? Oil containers? Find something FIT FOR PURPOSE.
Just about every kid has jumped on a half full Coke bottle to blow the lid off and spray their mates...and oil is a hell of a lot thicker than go-juice so I don't fancy having my life relying on an oil container sealing when I'm landing on it at a reasonable rate of knots with sparks and shit coming off my bike as it skids over rocks and shit.
Sure lotsa people have got away with some bodgy efforts but the last thing any rider wants is their name and the word "immolated" used in the same sentence.

tri boy
4th July 2007, 22:31
If its safe , use it. If not, don't use it.
I'm sorry if this seems harsh, but f**k man, ya deal'n with explosive goods.........

cooneyr
5th July 2007, 08:08
If its safe , use it. If not, don't use it.
I'm sorry if this seems harsh, but f**k man, ya deal'n with explosive goods.........

Only while confined so if the container fails and its not confined itwont explode. On the other hand it will burn nicely :D

If you want around 1 to 1.5l of capacity check out the SIGG, MSR, Primus bottles, if around 3 to 4l or more the Husky container or approved container with good lids. Unfortunately there are not any other acceptably safe choices in NZ. The 1 to 1.5l fuel bottles will cost around 2x as much as the 3+l containers though.

Cheers R

bert_is_evil
5th July 2007, 08:13
Faaark, I'm kinda dumbfounded here. Plastic Coke bottles? Oil containers? Find something FIT FOR PURPOSE.
Just about every kid has jumped on a half full Coke bottle to blow the lid off and spray their mates...and oil is a hell of a lot thicker than go-juice so I don't fancy having my life relying on an oil container sealing when I'm landing on it at a reasonable rate of knots with sparks and shit coming off my bike as it skids over rocks and shit.
Sure lotsa people have got away with some bodgy efforts but the last thing any rider wants is their name and the word "immolated" used in the same sentence.

What he said, except I don't know what immolated means.

Any way, it's illegal to fill coke/oil bottles for a reason and if you do end up getting damaged then you wont get much sympathy (like when your pc dies and the first thing that's asked is didn't you back it up?...)

NordieBoy
5th July 2007, 08:23
What he said, except I don't know what immolated means.
It means you've binned at Imola.


Any way, it's illegal to fill coke/oil bottles for a reason
They havn't had the "fuel container tax" paid on them by the importer.

Transalper
5th July 2007, 08:39
What he said, except I don't know what immolated means...
Yep, i had to look it up... immolated (http://www.tfd.com/immolated)... To kill (oneself) by fire

Taz
5th July 2007, 08:43
Or you could get one of these.....
http://www.nomadtanks.com.au/Tanks.php

Wolf
5th July 2007, 13:53
They havn't had the "fuel container tax" paid on them by the importer.
And younglings who're used to PET soft drink bottles containing beverages might wind up with a gobful of petrol if they gain access to them.

warewolf
5th July 2007, 14:13
Or you could get one of these.....or these: :laugh:
<img src=http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/mc/bikes/ktm/lc4/ktm.jpg>

Wolf
5th July 2007, 20:06
or these: :laugh:
<img src=http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/mc/bikes/ktm/lc4/ktm.jpg>

Don't be fucking silly, I'd never get a cenotaph on the back of the XT and I suspect it'd leak, anyway!

NordieBoy
5th July 2007, 20:44
One positive about a centre stand.
Easy to clean your tyres for the photos :D

Wolf
5th July 2007, 21:08
One positive about a centre stand.
Easy to clean your tyres for the photos :D

They ever were dirty?

Zukin
5th July 2007, 21:42
They ever were dirty?

Anyway Wolf, when are we likely to see you on one of the Rides? :dodge:

We havent seen anything of you since Cold Kiwi 06, tell me you arent still getting over that!!:laugh:

Wolf
5th July 2007, 21:50
We havent seen anything of you since Cold Kiwi 06, tell me you arent still getting over that!!:laugh:
Got over it, steeling myself up for Cold Kiwi 07 :eek5:

This year I might actually have proper means of carrying my gear.

And a torch with a working battery and a camera with same and a gas cooker...

NordieBoy
6th July 2007, 07:53
He's got a special mud filter in his shed now so the bikes don't get dirty.
KTM make it especially to stop other bikes getting dirty , they call it an EXC200.

vifferman
6th July 2007, 09:02
Tell you what NOT to use: an old, metal fuel can.
With rusty bits.

On a 100 mile dirt ride.
In your back pack.

:shit:

:nono:

warewolf
6th July 2007, 10:32
One positive about a centre stand.
Easy to clean your tyres for the photos :D


They ever were dirty?True story! The bike was only a couple of days old when those shots were taken. I made sure I got Big Dave to take some shots for posterity, before it got all used looking! :yes:


He's got a special mud filter in his shed now so the bikes don't get dirty.
KTM make it especially to stop other bikes getting dirty , they call it an EXC200.:laugh: :laugh: If only that were true...seems like there's always at least one of the buggers that needs a wash!

cooneyr
6th July 2007, 11:20
...:laugh: :laugh: If only that were true...seems like there's always at least one of the buggers that needs a wash!

If it's that much hassle I'll look after one of them for you - but so it needs a really good wash I'll have to get it really dirty first. :innocent:

Cheers R

warewolf
6th July 2007, 12:15
If it's that much hassle I'll look after one of them for you - but so it needs a really good wash I'll have to get it really dirty first. :innocent: The getting dirty bit I have no problems doing myself, but company and inspiration are always welcome!

Now you got me thinking about a 'bikini bike wash'... I'm thinking BABES not fellow adventure riders prancing about in their grots... ewww! :slap:

cooneyr
6th July 2007, 12:34
The getting dirty bit I have no problems doing myself, but company and inspiration are always welcome!

Now you got me thinking about a 'bikini bike wash'... I'm thinking BABES not fellow adventure riders prancing about in their grots... ewww! :slap:

ahem - P helping fix busajims flatty on DB - cough cough :sick::sick:

ha ha bet that made you cringe!!!

Cheers R

Garry.W
6th July 2007, 14:45
You can always find room to strap 5L on the back :bye:

Wolf
6th July 2007, 18:03
True story! The bike was only a couple of days old when those shots were taken.
VINDICATION!

Told y'all it hadn't been dirty.

deanohit
6th July 2007, 18:19
Or you could get one of these.....
http://www.nomadtanks.com.au/Tanks.php

Awwww, I like those, is there a New Zealand distibutor?

slowpoke
6th July 2007, 18:53
Just a wee something to think about....now consider how you'd be wearing that nice breatheable NYLON motocross gear......

NordieBoy
6th July 2007, 20:19
Just a wee something to think about....now consider how you'd be wearing that nice breatheable NYLON motocross gear......

On a 300kph Aprilia Cube?

Or nice breatheable Cordura gear with armor.

young1
6th July 2007, 21:49
You can always find room to strap 5L on the back :bye:

Garry where was that pic taken?

I also understand you have been doing some work with one of the guys I work with in New Plymouth (Garry) - a small world. Shame you had bike probs last weekend, I would have liked to have seen the HP2

Garry.W
7th July 2007, 16:14
Garry where was that pic taken?

I also understand you have been doing some work with one of the guys I work with in New Plymouth (Garry) - a small world. Shame you had bike probs last weekend, I would have liked to have seen the HP2

Was taken on Kiwi Rd weekend before last Mike, part of our Awakino jaunt. The HP2 is going to be fine. Germans have dispatched a new wiring loom and central processor, should have it all back together in a week or two. Lookign to make it for the Motu ride mid-August. Yep, small world all right, was talking with Garry about you the other day. Good to hear he and the family came through the tornado thing relatively unscathed.

slopster
7th July 2007, 17:08
If you find a 1 litre bottle of gearbox oil (for cars) they often have a pouring hose built into them that you can push back into the bottle. I think it was castrol vmx oil I saw it on but I'm sure others have it too.

XF650
13th September 2007, 20:37
Found these @ High Country Outdoors in ChCh yesterday.
Good for white gas, kero, petrol & stove fuel.
They hold 1 litre a include a little spout (for camping stoves I assume).
"Normal" price $9.99, on special for $5.99 so I bought three.

I have sat them out in the sun & stood on them & no leaks (so far)..
Big test tomorrow - I'm taking a couple in the top box over some rough roads to Lawerence, en route to the Pissed Penguin. If they leak I'll be the one that's pissed (off).

XF650
13th September 2007, 20:44
A pic helps

Transalper
13th September 2007, 22:04
Just make sure your lids are done up nice and securely, you know what mess your, or in the example in my mind, my orange juice makes in a Top Box when the lid vibrates loose, so I hate it to be fuel mixing with the sandwitches and clothing etc.

RedKLR650
14th September 2007, 09:45
Found these @ High Country Outdoors in ChCh yesterday. Good for white gas, kero, petrol & stove fuel.
They hold 1 litre a include a little spout (for camping stoves I assume).
"Normal" price $9.99, on special for $5.99 so I bought three.
I have sat them out in the sun & stood on them & no leaks (so far)..
Big test tomorrow - I'm taking a couple in the top box over some rough roads to Lawerence, en route to the Pissed Penguin. If they leak I'll be the one that's pissed (off).

These wee bottles work well but I got a different plastic version off them with a pourer, but it's apparently not on their website

http://www.stoneycreekshop.co.nz/fuel-bottle-650ml-p-1838.html

I like the idea of a metal bottle so you can pack in amongst some clothes to keep it cool ( so long as it doesn't leak of course )

Cheers, Stu

Wolf
14th September 2007, 12:36
If they leak I'll be the one that's pissed (off).
I, for one, got the original version - sans "off". (Know too many Americans, I guess)

Daffyd
14th September 2007, 13:11
I like the idea of the plastic ones. You can squeeze a little air out so they are in vacuum. If they do leak, they will suck air in.

warewolf
15th September 2007, 01:37
I like the idea of the plastic ones. You can squeeze a little air out so they are in vacuum. If they do leak, they will suck air in.Dunno 'bout that, it will only encourage the volatiles to boil off to fill the space.

'Tis always better to have a good amount of air in the bottle; air is highly compressible so the bottle will 'give' if it is hit by anything. If there is no air, the slightest bump will try to 'hydraulic' the contents out.

A fuel-rated container shouldn't leak if used correctly. If it does, it's not a fuel container in my book.

Wolf
15th September 2007, 08:31
Dunno 'bout that, it will only encourage the volatiles to boil off to fill the space.

'Tis always better to have a good amount of air in the bottle; air is highly compressible so the bottle will 'give' if it is hit by anything. If there is no air, the slightest bump will try to 'hydraulic' the contents out.

A fuel-rated container shouldn't leak if used correctly. If it does, it's not a fuel container in my book.
Got to agree, there. The seal should be suitable for the transport of fuels.

Daffyd
16th September 2007, 14:15
Yes, I agree with you WW. I suggested a vacuum, but would also allow some air space for the very reasons you quoted.

XF650
18th September 2007, 00:28
The plastic fuel bottles didn't leak. Didn't actually need them either.

marks
22nd September 2007, 14:52
The plastic fuel bottles didn't leak. Didn't actually need them either.

Hi Straun

these would be more use on the dt rather than the xf wouldn't they?

I just did a 150km gravel ride with a 5 litre plastic container in my backpack and I worried the whole time what it would do to my back if I landed on it... it was also quite heavy so I suspect 2 or 3 of these 1 litre jobbies would be much more back pack friendly...

cheers

Mark

XF650
22nd September 2007, 16:31
I did loose economy with the XF once it was rejetted, but have since corrected that with bigger front sprocket.

Yes - carrying fuel on the DT230 is a necessity all right - bloody thirsty aren't they, especially on the faster rides. In fact on two day rides you need to carry some extra 2 stroke oil as well.
The plastic fuel bottles are great but still quite bulky (shorter & fatter than the alloy bottles). However that suites me better as they sit upright in carrier bag better.
I have always been reluctant to carry fuel in back pack, for obvious safety reasons (but know that many riders do).
So got a mate to whip up a carrier, for carrying fuel, tools, food etc on adventure rides. Going to alter the angle a bit & shift the (WR) blinkers back to baside the number plate light. It's bigger than I intended but that makes it large enough to take a decent load if ever I use the DT for overnight trips. Also strong enough to lift the bike (out of a bog in your case!).
It's a quick & easy job to remove the carrier & 'fender extender' if I want to, for trail rides etc.