Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Carrying extra petrol?

Hi,
I need advice on carrying lotsa extra fuel for a 600km cross country trip.
I ride a R60/6 with a std. 17litre tank from which I get about 230km). I'd like to replace that with a much bigger plastic tank. Any thoughts on this?
Secondly, I'm going to have to carry more petrol in jerry cans. I want to avoid using those large steel jerries because of the weight. I'll probably use two 15 litre plastic cans. Where's the best place to carry these, bearing in mind I don't want them down low near the exhausts or cylinders.
I'd appreciate any advice.
I'm hoping to ride a remote track between the NE corner of South Africa across an empty stretch of central Mozambique to the sea.
The route is a little over 600km long and there is not a single drop of gas en route. Nix, nada, nothing...
The road is hard dirt so I don't anticipate any hard slogging through soft sand or mud.
Thanks in advance for your help.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
You should get around 20km/l. At around 80km/h.

So your 17l standard tank should get you 340 km. 230 km sounds a little short (13.5km/l !!! I only got that on sand dunes - with perished rubber diaphrams!) - is this at a higher speed? When did you last replace the needle, jet and seat?

44 l if you cannot do better -
30 l if you can get 20km/l !!! Around 11 kgs less weight to carry. Spend some time and money reduceing your fuel consumption!

What I did to get a 1,000 km range -
Installed a large fuel tank - that got me 680 km. Then I put two plastic 10 litre containers on either side of the main tank in army disposal back packs. These were cheap and reliable. If you get your consumption back to 20km/l then the standard tank with these tow 10l contaniers would do the job leaving the rear free for food, water and camping gear.

See http://www.geocities.com/fwarner_au/...aug/index.html for some photos.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Good knowledge, thanks for speedy reply.
I checked everything over a few months ago with the local Boxer man and we found nothing amiss, but I'll have another look.
Consumption could be bad because I'm commuting in heavy traffic.
Thanks for the advice. I checked out your site - great ride!
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Go on a trip then - see what your consumption is at say 80km/h or 100 km/h. But 13.5km/l is way poor! Is your ignition advance working?
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Hi Frank,
Ja, everything's OK. But do have an electronic ignition unit which I'd like to fit some time when I get some time. One problem that has plagues me is chronic pinking which persists no matter how much I adjust the timing.
I use 100 octane fuel (as recommended by various Boxer gurus) - no difference.
It's driving me nuts.
Going to get some bugs in my teeth this w/e. Will let ya know.
cheers and thanks
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Oct 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
locodog,

I'm a little surprised your "experts" didn't mention that the R60/6 is NOTORIOUS for pinging. In an ffort to get more performance out of the 600cc engine, BMW bumped the compression - bad move. If there is any carbon in the combustion chamber, and you're not using 1970's high octane leaded fuel, yep, they ping. The carbs are also very poor, and they don't help it any.

The only easy cure I know of is to add the base late (aluminum plate, plus gasket on both sides, genuine BMW parts) to drop the compression a bit, along with a thorough combustion chamber cleaning. A better cure is an R75/80 top-end, which you should be able to find at a pretty reasonable price used.

Good luck,

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Oct 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
By the way, a common reason for bad fuel mileage (when everything has been checked) is worn jet needles and needle jets. They should be relaced about every 30,000 miles or 50,000 km minimum.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Hi Grant,
Nah, my "experts" haven't said a thing about the 60/6's reputation for pinging. At least I have something with which I can berate them now!
I will rexamine my needles and jets, too :-(
Thanks for the info - surfing the HUBB is like a gold strike, every time.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 58
Hi
Sounds an amazing route. I assume you can get water along the route or else you would have to carry that as well, right, at say 5 litres perday !

LOve to know as might follow your route nest year.

dave
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Hi Dave,
Ja, plenty of water en route. There are a couple of villages and I am told that getting cold Laurentina on the way is a real possibility!
Drop me a line at ashp@sundaytimes.co.za or wheeltapper@yahoo.com and I'll send you info. It's a great road, I'm told, all the more special for being a traffic-free, two-track trans-African road.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:49.