Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
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 28 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
Question Engine oil available?

Hey,

Well, I'll be starting my first "real" motorcycle trip end of this week: Holland --> Zambia. As I have a bit of spare time now, and time to think, some nerves are breaking the surface (mostly though because people keep approaching me as if this trip is way BIG). I'm doing quite okay with countering these nerves (I will be so happy to finally leave and have no time to worry anymore); however, there is one concern that I don't really want to address, but okay, I guess I will now:
I ride a KTM Adv 990, so I need 10W50 engine oil. Unfortunately I've recently been told this type of engine oil isn't available in Eastern Africa. I can hardly believe this though, so if you would be so kind to sooth my mind by telling me it will be available somewhere, I'd appreciate it!!
Besides, I really cannot pictures myself taking along 6-8 liters of engine oil... I don't need to, do I.

Happy travels,
Sjarelke
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Mar 2011
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 973
Hi you will find engine oil in every big citty along the way. Even if its not 10W50 you will be ok with the usual 10W40 as well. If you have too much money to spend you can asl Chris in Nairobi @ Jungle Junktion to order something specialy for you. He is a nice guy and can even do aluminium welding wich is rare in africa

Travel sava, Tobi
Transafrika - Motorrad Expedition durch Afrika - Teil 1
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
You can get good quality oil from every large town/city in Eastern Africa.

You probably won't find motorcycle specific oil (I couldnt) but you will find good quality semi-synthetic oil designed for high performance cars..

Everyone uses it with no problems... It's only the posh car oil that has the friction modifiers that affects the clutch on some bikes. I never had a problem nor has anyone I heard from, rode with etc etc.

I needed oil changes every 2000 miles on my DRZ400 so as you can imagine, I became quite good at the Africa oil search lol.

There are lots of BP, SHELL and others "BIG" petrol stations who stock good oil. The most common is 20/50 which is perfect for East Africa IMO.

Oil is graded SG, SH, SJ etc... Thats what you want to look for on the bottle and also check that the foil is sealed on the top of the bottle because a smaller garage tried to sell me "refills"



P.S. Whatever you do.. Don't put Diesel oil in !
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
Much imported Castrol around? Oils with the same name/type aren't always made to the same spec. Some shell oils differ a fair bit.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
Much imported Castrol around? Oils with the same name/type aren't always made to the same spec. Some shell oils differ a fair bit.
True !

I just stuck to buying oil from the large garage chains in foil sealed bottles.

I just put in the best (highest SA rating I could find) oil in... Never had any issues...

Nothing else you can do unless you wan't to carry it...

New oil is still better than old old and any oil is better than no oil...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
True. I was thinking of places that carry decent tyres like the few KTM dealers etc. Surely they have imported oils? I don't care about the extra few tenners for a bottle personally.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
True. I was thinking of places that carry decent tyres like the few KTM dealers etc. Surely they have imported oils? I don't care about the extra few tenners for a bottle personally.
The further the you get south on the east coast route, the easier and easier (closer to South Africa) it gets..

I think the first place you're likey to find good imported oil is Ian Duncans (KTM) place in Nairobi.

I bought a tyre from him (180 Euros for ONE Sahara 3) so theres an idea of the import taxes and mark up.

In Egypt there was a KTM dealer but it sold nothing but stickers and a few spares. Everything had to be ordered.

I carried two litres of oil from Europe for my first 2000 mile change in Egypt but I wish I hadn't bothered.

The oil in Africa mostly comes from Saudi and the UAE so it's good quality..

Good enough anyway.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
Hey you guys, thanks for the quick replies. I'm pretty confident there's engine oil to be found somewhere. I'll probably visit Ian Duncans place in Nairobi, and find some place in Egypt; i heard some guy does desert trips on KTMs, so he'll be able to provide me with adequate oil.
Thanks, and happy travels!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Apr 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Naivasha, Kenya
Posts: 17
I don't agree with the previous posts that good oil is available from the petrol stations in East Africa. The oil at the petrol stations I have seen is always mono grade mineral oil. Suitable for an old XR of XT. But not very suitable for a high performance KTM.
I live close to Nairobi and it took me quit some time to find a desent syntetic oil for my landrover. Fortunately according to the label that oil can also be used for a wet clutch. So now I throw it my KTM 525EXC as well.

For sure in Nairobi Ian can help you with the correct oil. You can also try the supplier of Shell oils in the second streed behind Toyota East Africa.
In other coutries you can look for a 5W40 A3B3 syntetic oil to be used in modern cars but in countries like Sudan and Ethiopia it can be difficult to find.
Or maybe you have to compromise on the quality. But if the correct oil is not available I would prefer to extend the service interval a bit.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Apr 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joost Z View Post
I don't agree with the previous posts that good oil is available from the petrol stations in East Africa. The oil at the petrol stations I have seen is always mono grade mineral oil. Suitable for an old XR of XT. But not very suitable for a high performance KTM.
I live close to Nairobi and it took me quit some time to find a desent syntetic oil for my landrover. Fortunately according to the label that oil can also be used for a wet clutch. So now I throw it my KTM 525EXC as well.

For sure in Nairobi Ian can help you with the correct oil. You can also try the supplier of Shell oils in the second streed behind Toyota East Africa.
In other coutries you can look for a 5W40 A3B3 syntetic oil to be used in modern cars but in countries like Sudan and Ethiopia it can be difficult to find.
Or maybe you have to compromise on the quality. But if the correct oil is not available I would prefer to extend the service interval a bit.
We obviously went to different petrol stations...... It's not available at EVERY one for sure, but It never took me long for find multigrade 20-50 oil with SJ, SH or higher grading.

Using old spent oil is far worse than using clean, fresh (slightly) lower quality oil....

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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
ttr to xt engine kenymact Yamaha Tech 2 27 Oct 2010 11:23
XT 600 E engine kiraboo Yamaha Tech 0 23 Aug 2010 21:07
What engine do I have? Osmund Yamaha Tech 7 21 Apr 2008 20:10
Engine swap TT600 or XT600E Engine into old XT600 2KF? Doable? Martynbiker Yamaha Tech 2 17 Dec 2007 05:44
Engine for 2KF 2KF Yamaha Tech 1 7 Mar 2005 12:12

 
 

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 13:17.