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XR650R....Fussy with fuel?? XR650R....Fussy with fuel??
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  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2008
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XR650R....Fussy with fuel??
If anyone knows, are the XR650R's a bit fussy with their octane ratings. It seems from reading here that they are a pretty highly tuned lump, and might not like crappy petrol you can find in some parts of the world.

Cheers,
Lee
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Old 22 Oct 2008
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Originally Posted by leevtr View Post
If anyone knows, are the XR650R's a bit fussy with their octane ratings. It seems from reading here that they are a pretty highly tuned lump, and might not like crappy petrol you can find in some parts of the world.

Cheers,
Lee
They do have a fairly high compression ratio but they are still carbed so shouldnt have too many problems.

People use them regularly all over Africa so it musnt be too much of an issue ???

Depends where your off to ??
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Old 23 Oct 2008
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Bit late now because.....
.....i already bought one!!
May be going through Iran, Pakistan,India.
Never had a problem with a honda yet, so we'll see. Hope the first isnt on the KKH!!
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Old 22 Dec 2008
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I've run mine on the cruddy old 85 you get in the USA (and also their 91 'super' unleaded), and throughout Europe on 95/97 octane and also into Morocco and back... and from -281ft below sea level to over 10,000ft... no problems at all.

My 650R is 'uncorked' - with the 68s pilot and a 175 main jet, the non-restrictive carb manifold, airbox plugs out and a Uni air-filter (although a K&N works just as well to be honest). Initially I fitted the early Honda exhaust tip, then latterly a White Bros E2 exhaust.

That engine is a dream (just keep an eye on oil consumption!)

xxx
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  #5  
Old 22 Dec 2008
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With a cr of 10:1 i reckon it should be able to handle most stuff, you could lower it more by adding another base or head gasket!
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Old 22 Dec 2008
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Originally Posted by pottsy View Post
With a cr of 10:1 i reckon it should be able to handle most stuff, you could lower it more by adding another base or head gasket!
Trying to reduce compression by adding another head or base gasket will do nothing than make it run like a bag of shit and mess up the ignition timing as the piston is designed to work in a specific stroke and Compression ratio.
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Old 27 Dec 2008
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took mine to Iran and Pakistan last year ... no worries with fuel quality. ditto all over Africa on other trips

the only trouble I've ever had was with lacquer building up in the float bowl in Oz ... it formed a platelet that blocked off the main jet

in Iran, either buy a fuel rationing card or learn farsi and buy rations from locals, but remember its traditional for them to refuse payment a couple of times before agreeing a fair price. have a great trip - Iran is one of my favourite countries
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Old 27 Dec 2008
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But i am correct in that the Octane requirement of fuel is reduced with a subsequent reduction in cr, in conjunction with a reduction in ignition timing (which i did omit originally, sorry). But it is a tad impractical to to this on-the-road, i do agree.
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Old 5 Feb 2009
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Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
Trying to reduce compression by adding another head or base gasket will do nothing than make it run like a bag of shit and mess up the ignition timing as the piston is designed to work in a specific stroke and Compression ratio.


Also, the compression on the XR is fairly low compared to e.g. KTM 640.

Been round about in Africa (I live here) and cruddy, old , low octane fuel not a huge issue, just do not lean out your jetting to much...
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  #10  
Old 19 Mar 2011
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Smile BRP knowledge
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Originally Posted by RichLees View Post
took mine to Iran and Pakistan last year ... no worries with fuel quality. ditto all over Africa on other trips

the only trouble I've ever had was with lacquer building up in the float bowl in Oz ... it formed a platelet that blocked off the main jet

in Iran, either buy a fuel rationing card or learn farsi and buy rations from locals, but remember its traditional for them to refuse payment a couple of times before agreeing a fair price. have a great trip - Iran is one of my favourite countries
Dear Rich:

I have seen some of your posts and you know a lot in regard of the BRP. I live in Guatemala and recently purchased a 2002. As it seems, the bike is bulletproof. I am very happy with it, but I notice that my rear shock is kind of worn out. Is there a way to repair it?? You can also reach me at my e mail adress carrararojo76@hotmail.com. By the way my name is Guillermo Haese. I am looking forward to know of other minus points of the XR, so I can have them in mind. Best Regards, GHH
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