Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki 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 7 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London/Oxford/Warsaw(PL)
Posts: 24
Tank tunning KLE500, anyone?

Hi,

I am planning an overland trip London-Cape Town and unless I work out a way to increase fuel capacity I will have to abandon the bike, which I used for two 5000+ miles trips and get a XT600 Tenere?

Has anyone done that before?

Regards,
Wicjo
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Mar 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
There is someone on this forum somewhere (which I can't find, sorry), who expanded their tank to about 17 or 18 litres. Unfortunately, as far as I'm aware, there is no larger replacement tank commercially available.
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend

Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Mar 2007
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
Tank

Theres an interesting thread on here by marlin.45 where he had altered a tube on the tank so the reserve comes in a bit later.

I think I may give that a look myself, seems theres quite a big reserve for such a small tank.

If I take it steady, I can get about 130-140 miles before moving onto reserve. If I boot it though, I only get 100-110miles before the bugger starts coughing!!!.

__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London/Oxford/Warsaw(PL)
Posts: 24
I know that there are no comercial tanks for this bike, but there is some guy on the net who did trans-siberia on a KLE with some other tank. Unfortunatly he is not online anymore and I can't work out what tank it is from the photos.

I make similar millages to yours on mine, but 300km just is not enough for Africa in my opinion.

Regards,
Wicjo
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
KLE tank

Hello Wicjo.

I did a 500km trip between pumps on my KLE. I took 3x 5L plastic bottles with that I carried in the bottom ammo box on the carrier. (see KLE pics thread).
That sorted my problem with the range. Having a bigger tank is more convenient, but if you have a good fall and get a hole in the tank, you may loose all the fuel. Better to keep it separate. If you are going to carry side panniers it would also make the COG lower if you keep the fuel there. The 3 plastic cans are freely available, and would costs a lot less.

If you travel down, I have a contact for you to stay in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, and you are welcome to come and visit me in Cape Town.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London/Oxford/Warsaw(PL)
Posts: 24
Cheers for the invite, I will definitely stay in touch and let you know how my plans are getting on.

My bike currently looks like this:
Picasa Web Albums - Witek - Travel Albums

I'm thinking of attaching some jerry cans directly to pannier racks.
If I decide to take aluboxes as well, you think its better to have some bottels inside them? I a bit worried that the whole thing will explode if a crash?

Are plastic cans better than the metal ex-military ones you reckon?

Could you please send me an email to wicjo (aat) irc (doott) pl.

Regards,
Witek
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Mar 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
As they demonstrated in this months Ride magazine (available in the UK), petrol is very hard to ignite. They demonstrated this by filling up with a lit cigarette and being generally sloppy. Apparently, it's something to do with spot temperatures and volumetric density. I didn't entirely understand, but basically, I'm no longer scared of petrol exploding.
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend

Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
Petroltanks

Hello Wicjo.

I see you have been around.

The metal cans will be better. The plastic ones can cause static, with the resulting sparks being no good. The metal cans might only be available in 25L though. a bit big if you do not counter balance it with something on the other side. As you use the fuel, the fuel side will become lighter than the balanced side again. If you can get 2 smaller metal ones, one for water and one for fuel, might work out better. maybe 15L each. Or maybe 2x 10L for fuel either side. It all depends how you are going to pack. a few smaller ones will be better than one big one, as the fuel will start sloshing around as you start emptying the contents. It is like having a passenger that keeps shifting around. No fun.

I have travelled through Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana (4x4) and a 200 to 300 km range there would be enough. In Zimbabwe you would need enough fuel to ride right through the country, might be similar in other countries. You would need to carry extra fuel, and in depending where you go, even 40L might not be enough. If you stick to civilization though, 30L will be OK.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
KLE travelling

Hello Wicjo.

Just go and check out the KLE tips tricks etc.. thread for some niggly issues with the bike.

Regards
__________________
Pleco

If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
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
Fuel tank 'side' panniers andybee Equipment Reviews 22 9 Sep 2007 21:26
Touratech Tank repairs/linings? billy bee BMW Tech 2 7 Aug 2006 23:26
XR650L Acerbis Tank Fles Honda Tech 4 9 Jul 2005 05:38
siphon fuel out of your tank for your stove gmarch TRAVEL Hints and Tips 9 29 Apr 2004 05:59
XR650L Acerbis 22L tank woes wbagwell Honda Tech 7 25 Apr 2003 00:53

 
 

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 02:39.