Extra petrol

**skelstar** · 3rd August 2005, 09:24

Hey there,
Little bit new to this motorcycling lark but was wondering about carrying extra fuel on a bike for long distance trips. I was imagining a small petrol canister (ie red plastic one - yellow lid) strapped to the bike rack at the back of the bike. Is this considered safe/illegal?

**MSTRS:Me** · 3rd August 2005, 09:28

Only if combined with the use of tearaway tiedowns & a lighter. *for use in case of cage attack*

**MSTRS:Me** · 3rd August 2005, 09:30

Seriously tho. There are few places in NZ where petrol stations are more that 200k apart so why would you need to carry extra?

**zadok** · 3rd August 2005, 09:33

I've never found the need to do it. I don't fancy the idea myself. With a fuel miser bike like yours, there would be a fuel stop available when you need, it I'm sure. How are you liking the Hyosung?

**Slingshot** · 3rd August 2005, 09:33

You probably wouldn't need to, normally bikes get between 200-250Ks on a tank of gas and you should come across gas stations at more frequent intervals than that.
There's probably no harm in keeping a small container of fuel on the bike but you'd need to use it on a regular basis so it didn't go stale.

**vifferman** · 3rd August 2005, 09:45

In places like Murka and Oz, where you can travel considerable distances between service stations, long-distance riders either fit a larger tank, have their tank modified, or fit a fuel cell (accessory fuel tank) somewhere like on the carrier. It's not really necessary here, as your fuel range means you can probably ride for two hours or more, by which time you should be ready for a rest stop anyway (and if not, it'd still be a good idea to have a break. And maybe a KitKat).

**skelstar** · 3rd August 2005, 10:00

Originally Posted by zadok

I've never found the need to do it. I don't fancy the idea myself. With a fuel miser bike like yours, there would be a fuel stop available when you need, it I'm sure. How are you liking the Hyosung?

Yeah, fair comments. I guess Im a little paranoid about running out. Getting about 30km/litre at the moment so I shouldnt be complaining eh?

The Hyosung is great. Im a bit frustrated with running it in and riding on the motorway into a headwind but its all good. Technically the only bike i have ever ridden anyway so hard to judge. I just love it that people think its a 650 as the frame was designed for a 650 motor initially.

**MSTRS:Me** · 3rd August 2005, 10:05

Originally Posted by skelstar

Yeah, fair comments. I guess Im a little paranoid about running out. Getting about 30km/litre at the moment so I shouldnt be complaining eh?

The Hyosung is great. Im a bit frustrated with running it in and riding on the motorway into a headwind but its all good. Technically the only bike i have ever ridden anyway so hard to judge. I just love it that people think its a 650 as the frame was designed for a 650 motor initially.

30k/l ?? How many litres does it hold? Multiply & there's your range. My 1100 does about 17k/l, hold 18l = 300k approx.

**zadok** · 3rd August 2005, 10:13

Originally Posted by skelstar

Yeah, fair comments. I guess Im a little paranoid about running out. Getting about 30km/litre at the moment so I shouldnt be complaining eh?

Tip: Reset the trip meter when you fill up. Make sure your fuel tap is in the normal position and flick it on to reserve when the bike begins to starve of fuel. It will give you an idea of the mileage you can expect before a refill. You should never run out then.

**crashe** · 3rd August 2005, 10:17

My tank is a 9.5 litre.
I get around 200km before I have to hit reserve.

On trips around the countryside I haven't run out of gas.
But I will refuel up if I get to a gas station and I am on say 169km if I have continue on.. I just don't take chances.... if I am not sure where the next gas station is.

So figure out the size of your gas tank capitcity and then work it out.

But all bikes have different size tanks so each bike is different.

**Sniper** · 3rd August 2005, 10:18

My bike does 400kms to a tank so I dont see why yours shouldnt. I think they can frown opon riding with a fuel canister as in the event you have and accident you could be in trouble with fuel and hot exhaust (My theory anyway)

**Str8 Jacket** · 3rd August 2005, 10:28

Originally Posted by skelstar

The Hyosung is great. Im a bit frustrated with running it in and riding on the motorway into a headwind but its all good. Technically the only bike i have ever ridden anyway so hard to judge. I just love it that people think its a 650 as the frame was designed for a 650 motor initially.

Can definately relate to that. Still got a coupla hundred k's to go for my first service, so having to keep the revs below is 4500 is a pain in the arse, as atm it sits at 4500 in 5th gear doing just under 80. Ive been a bit naughty tho, letting the revs get up to 5000 to do 100 (down hill only).
My bike does 230k's before I have to flick it to reserve. Maybe less when I start to get the revs up more?!

**Motu** · 3rd August 2005, 10:31

I'm thinking of carrying fuel on my bike - the DT230 has an 11 litre tank and I'd be lucky to have 200km range....with the roads I ride on gas stops are important and getting out of an area I'm lost in could be marginal.

You can carry fuel in MSR bottles,it's only a litre,but that may be the difference between riding out or a long walk with a bike parked on the side of the road.The MSR bottles are strong and leak proof,approved for fuel of all sorts.I may also get a smaller bottle for my 2 stroke oil.

**Gixxer 4 ever** · 3rd August 2005, 10:31

What most other people have said. I took and 85 gixxer up the east cape and it only does 200km per tank and it was a bit close. However if you are going to carry fuel and I honestly don't think you need to in NZ then put the said container in a pack on the frame and pull an elastic strap over it. Stops it chaffing a hole. It is my opinion you will never need to carry fuel in NZ once you know how far a tank of gas will go. Reset the trip each fill. My 96 Gixxer will do 220 km then the light comes on. 250 and the light stays on. 280 and I am walking. Mind you on the track in Taupo the light comes on after 80 or 90 km. Don't understand that.