Poor fuel and DR-Z400s?

[Viktor @ OZ]

I`ve recently pruchased a DR-Z400S for the purpose of riding from Japan to Europe through countries like Russia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

But the fuel quality through many of these countries is probably not much better than 76 octane. The compression ratio of the DR-Z400S is over 11 to 1. What the hell do I do?

Is taking a supply of octane booster the only solution? Or have I just bought the wrong bike? (Bit late now...)

[Grant Johnson]

Have you tried it on the local lowest octane fuel? ANY hint of ping? Ping will be worst at low rpm and high load - up a hill with passenger - and high throttle opening.

If you can't force a ping, then you are probably ok. It may well ping with 76, but should be rideable - do all the opposites of the above! Higher revs, low throttle openings.

Understand that modern engine designs can tolerate much higher compression than old designs, so 11:1 isn't as high as it seems from the point of view of ping.

A small can of octane booster might be worth carrying anyway. You don't need much, and I would use as little as possible to spin it out as far as you can.

Let us know how you do!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 05 March 2002).]

[kmet]

maybe you are on your way but just in case. .... if you are getting pinging using grants suggestions , look at retarding the timing ( ask your local wrench first) worst case you might consider a thicker head gasket, you might be able to get one made in Oz, it could void your warranty by opening it up however.

Victor, I'm purchasing a DR-Z 400 for the same purpose as you, that is, crossing Russia on my next journey. Please feel free to tell me about your experiences when you have finished your journey. I'f you exit Russia into Norway, post a notice. Good luck!!!

email address removed by Grant - see http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/faq.shtml#notify for why.

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 25 August 2002).]