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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: WA
Posts: 5
Water Carrying techniques?

Are there any tips for this? Things that have been at least somewhat tested?

I am trying to carry 20 liters, but not have it slosh around. I am also trying to ensure that I have it secured to the outside of my panniers, as I don't want to give up space, unless I have to.

My bike will be a R1200GSA with factory panniers if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Swiss army water bag

There is a black water bag manufactured for the swiss army which is extremely rugged and , being a rubberised bag, will fit into most spaces.

They are not eay to find, but someone might steer you in the right direction

Cheers

John
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Oct 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
2 for £16 + postage - wassersack

I have used these for years now - marvellous things and pack flat too



Contact the seller and he will post to the Uk
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: WA
Posts: 5
thanks for the link... That is the ticket...
One more question:
What are some good ways to carry them? In the pannier, outside the pannier?

I thought about the TT KDS Bag, but don't really like the carrying bag itself.

Once again, thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Oct 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
Quote:
Originally Posted by ozaround View Post
thanks for the link... That is the ticket...
One more question:
What are some good ways to carry them? In the pannier, outside the pannier?

I thought about the TT KDS Bag, but don't really like the carrying bag itself.

Once again, thanks!
Well I think the best way to carry them is in or on a Mercedes G wagen but that is a whole other debate - seriously though if you carry them in the sun you will have piping hot water at the end of the day. They are very strong with rope handles on each end to tie down with so you could easily fasten them to a rack - just remember 20 litres weighs 20 kilos
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
Those bladders from wine casks are a good way to go - plus you have to drink the contents before putting water in them. Using 4 x 5 litres means that not all your eggs (or water) are in the one basket if things start to leak. As you use the water the bladder contracts a bit, so they dont slosh as bad as a single 20 litre container.

They come in handy for pillows as well.

I used to put mine in a couple of tank bags on the pot racks of a BM650.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
20 lts?

Just one question! Why do you need to carry so much water?? FYI, The suspension on the 1200GSA is crap so you want to keep the bike as light as possible. Remember that you already have over 30 lts of fuel. But if you use it only on the tar then it may hold up for you?

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
My question exactly

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dingo View Post
Just one question! Why do you need to carry so much water?? FYI, The suspension on the 1200GSA is crap so you want to keep the bike as light as possible. Remember that you already have over 30 lts of fuel. But if you use it only on the tar then it may hold up for you?

Good luck!
Where are you going?

Lets say 45 litres of petrol gets you 300 miles (thats 30 mpg, which would be amazing off road with 20+ kg of water and 45 kg of fuel plus all your other stuff). If you headed straight into the Sahara and broke down half way to your fuel stop you'd have 150 miles to walk. 150 miles at 3 mph (going some with a 25 kg pack) takes 50 hours or 6 days. 20 litres of water at 7 litres a day means 3 days with enough to drink, then 3 without. You'd still live or die depending how fit you were. I'd also suggest that doing this (theoretical) journey alone would be pretty insane. If you work on the theory of a 75 mile walk you only need 15 litres as for the last few hours you can go without. If you were on a highway and can get say 200 miles from a petrol station surely another vehicle will come along before you use even 5 litres and the road builders will put phones every 25 miles at least?

Did I get the maths wrong? I very much doubt that there are many places you can get on a bike that someone won't pass by in a couple of days unless you are deliberately heading for a remote spot?

If you are thinking local supplies may not agree with your stomach, water purification kit is a lot lighter than water and the cost of buying bottled water is less than the petrol/suspension parts used in carry it.

I'd keep 10 litres for domestic use, buy as much bottled water as I could drink at each petrol stop and keep the weight down to avoid having to walk. I run a 10 litre (plastic) jerry can of water in the chair, a 2 litre bladder (for two) on the rack and maybe the dregs of an unused plastic bottle bungeed on the rack. The bog standard 1 or 1.5 litre plastics water can be bought in are surprisingly tough BTW.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,051
Another offer would be Ortlieb waterbags in different sizes. Very strong as well. See here: Ortlieb Water Bag - 10 litre by Ortlieb - Penrith Survival Equipment secure online shop
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Jan 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Boston
Posts: 2
I use these:
They pack fairly flat when not used. I have had one leak due to an unsecured nozzle, flooding my pannier. Because of the weight, I try to keep it low in the bag.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Danmark
Posts: 346
If you want to/must use stiff tanks, and don't want sloshing, you could probably use the foam, racers use, to avoid gasolin sloshing in the tank. It weighs next to nothing, is very open an doesn't suck op the liquid:
Tank Foam - [part no.OU000017T] - OPPRACING Products

__________________
Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Carrying water in Namibia reggie3cl Camping Equipment and all Clothing 12 16 Jul 2008 15:31
Carrying water-anyone used a front fender? Matt Roach Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 9 3 Dec 2007 14:50
Carrying drinking water Chris D (Newcastle NSW) Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 9 10 Feb 2007 00:12
Dirt road riding techniques - your input please. gmarch Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 23 Dec 2002 19:53
Carrying Water Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 3 28 Aug 2001 09:53

 
 

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 07:51.