increasing fuel capacity
 

I was thinking of creating extra fuel capacity on my cruiser (Kawa Vulcan) for my ride from Holland to Turkey (and about). My present range is apr. 200 kms and that can be a bit frustrating at times. I think I can cope with that through Europe but in rural Turkey I'm not too sure. Also carrying plenty of fuel is more relaxed riding in my opinion. Going through my stuff in the garage I stumbled on my almost forgotten outboard fuel-tank from my zodiac and I figured it would be the ideal add-on. It is designed to carry fuel, has a vent in the lid and a strong and lengthy hose so what if I secure it on the back of the bike and create a tie-in onto the original fuel line...seems doable. The only thing is I have to give up some luggage space....I wonder if anyone has done this sort of thing before me, and has any experience with this. I'm not too sure about legislation on carrying extra fuel but I'm sure a lot of overlanders use jerry cans of all sorts strapped to the side of their bikes to tackle the fuel problem......

This company offers a commercial offering similar to your suggestion so your ideas seem perfectly viable.
Tour Tank Main
I saved the link above from a HUBB posting which was made a few years ago. I think it was from someone who took an MT350 to Iceland.

Why not use some sort of fuel bladder. You can roll it up when you don't need it.

JAX Collapsible Utility Bladder (1 gallon) Just Gas Tanks.com

But it sounds like you want to plumb your main tank to another allowing you to spend more time in the seat.

daryl

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL164.../400087622.jpg

I stuck a universal Acerbis tank on the side of mine for longer trips. No problem at all. If you have a fuel pump and a breather hose it should work. Mine just plums into the breather and sucks the front tank into the rear and gives me an extra 5 litres. Far bigger tanks are out there and seem to work just as well.
I would say the seals have to be good and tight and the hose must be good quality rubber. Nothing else seems to work very well if at all.
I also went right through Turkey and fuel supply was never a problem. In fact I went from London to Bangkok and fuel was never really an issue. You can get it anywhere, even in bottles at the side of the road in parts of Pakistan where there are no official fuel stops.

Just a comment on the utility bladder. On the website the product description clearly states its intended use for adventure motorcycle travel and touring yet has a disclaimer at the bottom of the page-"NOT MADE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF FUEL ON HIGHWAY SCENARIOS"

This seems to contradict its product description? Why would I buy it if its not actually safe to transport on the road?

Seriously? If you have to ask that then maybe you're not ready to transport on the road?

Actually I am a total NOOB so thats why Im asking :-)

Well it seems the disclaimer regarding highway travel with the bladder relates soley to California.

Jtwooo thanks for your helpful and illuminating post.

Your question seemed pertinent to me. It is just that we all do not read the small print and/or disclaimers (but insurers surely do), so thanks for sharing the thought.

Anyway, good to consider it (at least if you live in CA) and then decide.

The whole issue of fuel containers is a bit of a legal nightmare. Within the EU fuel containers require markings and specific design features and there is a blurry line between "Personal emergency use" and mass transportation. There are also local laws. Basically, if you have one green plastic 2-litre of the sort most petrol stations sell you should be fine, anything else like bladders or metal jerry cans could be an issue.

Chances are you'll never need to talk to anyone about it though. The German plod won't be bothered to debate my 20-litre NATO spec can just for the fun of it, it's complex for them too and they know I'll claim that what's legal in the UK is legal in Germany as far as vehicle mounted stuff goes. If they'd pulled be for speeding they might add it the charge sheet. It's only if I close the Brenner pass tunnel for a few years by catching fire they might make a real song and dance about it. If the can or bladder is leaking or insecure of course it all becomes painfully clear in the legal mind.

I'd go with what works, keep it out of sight or generally safe looking and empty when not really required.

Andy