Arthurs Pass gas stops?

**jonbuoy** · 10th December 2005, 16:15

Hi everyone just joined this site, have met a few people on the road who rave about it so here I am. I have two questions:-

Q1) Was wondering if anyone here knows if I can get petrol in Arthurs Pass?? I'm planning a trip down south from Auckland over the christmas break. I've got a VTR1000 so my tank range is pathetic (140kms and I have to start looking....160km's and I'm pushing!) Also I've heard some stations in remote areas have poor quality fuel (rust/water in it) is this true?

Q2) Why do my posts show me as a learner rider??

Any advise would be great.

Cheers

**Waylander** · 10th December 2005, 16:19

Don't know about the first one but the answer to question 2 can be found here.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=747

Welcome to the site

**TLDV8** · 10th December 2005, 16:33

There are gas stations either side of the pass..i think there might be one in the middle too? but the South Island posters will know for sure.... That seems likes fairly heavy consumption,was thinking the VTR was similar to the TL1000 at around 190 kms until the first fuel light if you don't push it to hard?

**Jeff da maori** · 10th December 2005, 16:34

yep you can get petrol at the pass and I think your a learner when you first join this site.

**gav** · 10th December 2005, 22:53

Not sure when they changed but the first firestorms only had a 16 litre tank, later models had a 19 litre tank, but those 48mm carbs sure suck the gas hard, those distances seem right

**FlyingDutchMan** · 11th December 2005, 09:30

I just went through there yesterday. They normally sell petrol, but they're re-doing the whole side of the road there so I couldn't tell if they're still there and operational. But tank up at springfield on the way over and I think its about 150ks from there to Kumara. Defo petrol station there, so you should be safe.

**R1madness** · 11th December 2005, 09:44

Yes there is petrol at Arthurs pass township. If you get there and noone is around you can ring the after hours number and someone (usually) comes down and opens the pump (for an exorbinate amount of money).

**TLDV8** · 11th December 2005, 11:32

I don't know about VTR's but 140 kms on a tank seems a little over the top ?.... even with a 16 litre tank and allowing 2 for a reserve thats around 10km/l from 14 litres or 27mpg..What about when you spank it,or is that the lowest figure ? ... i thought the TL's 190 k if you take it easy was a pita.:slap:

**Zapf** · 11th December 2005, 14:34

from memory they have... its at the general store / cafe... its expensive... and also might be older... but if it'll get you home... why not buy a few liters.

**jonbuoy** · 11th December 2005, 15:07

Ok Thanks everyone should make it on one tank then. 140 - 150 KMs before red light honest, ask other stormers (with the olde small tank!) I fill on the side of caution esp if I'm a long way from home! It might be a bit better than that if I take it easy, not much though. I have sucked shite in through the Carbys before when running it on reserve, ran like a pig for a while afters.. Keep meaning to flush the tank out but its such a bitch fight to get it off - how awkward are those fuel lines!!?? Its a shame they put such a small tank on what would be an awesome touring bike. Hopefully the new storm there working on will have all the glitches fixed - won't be able to afford one till they get to the 2nd hand market tho.

**Monkeyboy** · 19th December 2005, 22:01

A bit of a late reply but here's my tuppenceworth! From memory you can stop for gas in Kumara which is west of Arthurs Pass, closer to the coast and then the next stop east of Arthurs pass is either Springfield or Sheffield I always get the two mixed up, but you'll easily make it there as long as you gas up in Arthurs'.

As far as fuel consumption goes, I have a 2003 Firestorm with a 19 litre tank. I use it to go to work every day, two fangs a month to Akaroa and about two to three big trips a year. I get about 200 km before the red fuel bar starts flashing. When I fill up, I find that I have "only" used 14 litres which means I could have got about another 50 to 60 km's out of the tank.

My 2001 R1 was VERY economical, I used to get 270 km and some, out of a tank easily on a long trip. Yes I sold an R1 for a Firestorm!!! A sin I know, but my back couldn't take any more and it's too much power for the road and I had a couple of rear wheel spins exiting corners, never had that problem with my CBR600 nor do I with the VTR

Cheers

**tl_tub** · 19th December 2005, 22:08

I just thought I would chime in here. In the week I had my vtr, on a trip from palmerston north to tauranga I travelled 190kms and did not see a fuel light.
I was riding at 120kph on average and in top gear most of the time - probably not the same pace as any other vtr riders - just call me grandma

Mine was the smaller tank.

**geoffc** · 20th December 2005, 22:10

I've did that Arthurs Pass ride on my Firestorm across to Westcoast last December. 2001 model with 16L tank. There is petrol at the shop there and again at Kumara. No problems bro. Great trip. Cheers

**Sniper** · 21st December 2005, 07:24

There is a petrol stop (yes I know it has been said before) but you have to leave your lid at the counter while you fill

**SpeedyGirl** · 21st December 2005, 07:28

Originally Posted by brent_b

I just thought I would chime in here. In the week I had my vtr, on a trip from palmerston north to tauranga I travelled 190kms and did not see a fuel light.
I was riding at 120kph on average and in top gear most of the time - probably not the same pace as any other vtr riders - just call me grandma

Mine was the smaller tank.

GRANDMA!!!!