Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
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 2 Sep 2000
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 4
Fuel range

I am wondering what kind of fuel range I would need for a long tour in all parts of Europe and Asia, and possibly Africa. At the moment, I can get 200 miles loaded up out of the main tank, probably another 40 miles on reserve. Do I need more than this? I'm also thinking that more fuel range gives you the option NOT to fill up if you think the gas is suspect ie rusty 44 gallon drum, and wait till the next town. My planned add-ons would give me another 100 miles conservatively. Is it worth it?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Sep 2000
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Rich,

I think you'll find that 200 miles is plenty for Europe, a little short for Asia.

A lot depends on your route, especially Africa. There are routes where 200 miles is fine, routes where 500 miles is dodgy.

If you can do 300 miles you're fine, no problem 99.9% of the time, just keep in mind that you can always use a plastic jug bungied onto the bike somewhere to carry some extra fuel in for a stretch. If fuel is scarce on a route there will normally be lots of warning at the last stop, and they will have containers for spare fuel for sale.

What are you riding anyway? Lots of bikes have large tanks available.


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

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Sep 2006
Fletch's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: South Coast, UK
Posts: 51
Pondering

Hi Rich

I'm pondering the same question myself... (Off RTW Summer Next year)...

I think Ive decided on attaching 2x10Ltr Jerrys to the Front Crash Bars... (No Idea how yet though... But I might be able to do something with this... http://www.mattsavage.com/acatalog/Jerry_Cans.html Bottom of Page )

Then its just a question 'To Fill or Not to Fill'... And considerably cheaper than the custom 'Big Tank' option... (Which after a lick of paint has got to be a 4 figure sum if u can't acquire one second hand off sleaze-bay or alike)...

Ciao Ciao
__________________
Ciao Ciao
Fletch


“Life is not about how Fast you ride, or how Far you travel, but about how well you Bounce. ” ;o)

I BLOG There4 I Am
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Sep 2006
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
Certainly for Europe 200 miles will be fine. For Asia on the route we took through Central Asia, Pakistan, India, SE Asia and Australia, 200 miles was plenty, except for one stretch in Turkmenistan. We used a jerry can on this stretch to get us through.

If you are getting off the beaten track in Australia, 200 miles will be a bit short, 300 miles would be better if you are taking some of the gravel/dirt tracks. Otherwise, an extra large tank is a big waste of money and excess weight, IMO.

I can't comment on Africa or the route across Asia via Siberia and Mongolia.
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Feb 2008
pajaro's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Manizales, Colombia
Posts: 32
Acerbis 23 L fuel tank for XT 600 for sale.

After finishing my Australia / S. America trip, I am selling my Acerbis 23 L tank. It's black color, double petcock, and it's in Colombia.
23 litres was always enough for me, and I did get off the beaten path, big time. I was getting 400-450K on a full tank, on an XT 600 year 2000.

As a test, I ran the bike until the tank was dry. I got 500 km (310 miles) out of it, on the dot.

It's got a few scratches on it but it's working great and I sell it for half of what it’s worth new, plus shipping to wherever you live.

Cheers,

Juan
__________________
Life is good!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
Hi Rich,

I'm planning on 300 miles, I can't afford anymore weight then that on my little F650GS Dakar, and for the rusty fuel senario you want a Mr. Funnel it cleans out all the crub and water vapour from the fuel...
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 15:52.