XR650L - What fuel consumption off-road in desert?

**mattmbishop** · #1 18 Jan 2006

Hi there,
The post title really says it all, I was wondering if those of you with XR650L's who have ridden them across deserts (eg soft sand tracks) could let me know what your fuel consumption was.

I'm specifically interested in bikes that were ridden while loaded with full overland kit.

Thanks,
Matt

**RichLees** · #2 18 Jan 2006

bearing in mind that not all deserts are soft sand, I found mine would do 13-22kpl! I only had 13kpl once and that was doing 100kmh through the softest sand I've ever ridden at such speeds. normally, I'd plan on 15-16kpl for dunes etc, but up to 22kpl on firm, stoney ground (hamada)

**mattmbishop** · #3 20 Jan 2006

Thanks RichLees,
15 kpl was the figure we've been working on, but having not travelled in desert before it's nice to have it supported.

Cheers,
Matt

**Chris Scott** · #4 28 Jan 2006

I kept detailed records during Desert Riders (3 XRLs in Sahara). We only filled our big tanks up 6/7 times but
I got best 22.7kpl - worst 15.6 (v sandy) - av 18.7
Jon (light) got best 22.7 worst 14.1 (same day) av 18.8
Andy (my weight) got best 21.5 worst 12.3 av 16.6
(we never worked out why Andy's identical bike used so much).

Hope it helps

Chris S

More on the trip here: http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/desert-riders

**mattmbishop** · #5 30 Jan 2006

Cheers Chris,
Yep, that pretty much confirms it. If we plan on 15 kpl we should be fine.

Also, I bought and watched Desert Riders, very informative for what we are planning to do (ride across aussie deserts). Looked like good fun, maybe I'll ride the Sahara one day as well.

Matt
www.yonder.orcon.net.nz/aussie2006.htm