Fuel container

[XF650]

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]

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]

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]

I use a big coke bottle, looks like it is full of pee with 96 petrol

[warewolf]

Has anyone had experience of using a couple of 1 litre oil bottles as extra fuel containers

The 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]

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]

I've used coke bottles a few times, they work well.

[Transalper]

I've used coke bottles a few times, they work well.

Somehow I just can't imagine you doing that on the DR anymore

[far queue]

Somehow I just can't imagine you doing that on the DR anymore

Ahhh, no, I think I have enough range now.

[Wolf]

As warewolf suggested, I'd go for the fuel bottles from a camping store.

[tri boy]

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]

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]

...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]

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]

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 I went back to coke bottles again after that little episode

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