Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Bad fuel on the Silk Road Bad fuel on the Silk Road
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By klausmong1
  • 1 Post By klausmong1

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 794
Bad fuel on the Silk Road
In some countries along the way, notably Uzbekistan, it can be hard to find fuel pumps and you may have to resort to buying from unofficial bottled sellers along the way. Much of this fuel is poor quality, 80 octane or lower.

How have people coped with bad fuel? OK some bikes are soft enough tune not to worry but what about those that are a bit more highly strung or running FI? Anyone used octane booster?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Nov 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 539
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
In some countries along the way, notably Uzbekistan, it can be hard to find fuel pumps and you may have to resort to buying from unofficial bottled sellers along the way. Much of this fuel is poor quality, 80 octane or lower.

How have people coped with bad fuel? OK some bikes are soft enough tune not to worry but what about those that are a bit more highly strung or running FI? Anyone used octane booster?
I have read in a few places other than here that the fuel they hadwas less then 80 Octane. Are these just wild guesses - is there equipment that can measure it easily - does it make much difference for bike not too highly strung?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Nov 2019
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 723
I have been 3 times in Usbekistan.

Benzin is 80 Oktane, and this is what people tell you when you buy it.

I used in my Transalp without anything, just the 80 Oktane.

In 2018 I was in Usbekistan with 1150 GS BMW and with 3 Others which drove Honda Africa Twin 1000, BMW 800GS and KTM 1290.
Here we used Oktane Booster ( I only because the others had it )

For me i did not feel a difference, and I cannot tell you if it helps.
But you have no other choice anyway, so just get benzine and drive.....
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Nov 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 794
If anyone's interested, I've raised the question with my dealer who have referred it back to KTM. I understand there is a "bad fuel" mapping available but I don't really want to use that since I have no way of changing it on the road and would be stuck with a suboptimal setting for the rest (the majority) of the ride. I've also asked them to check what is the lowest octane they would expect a 790 to tolerate without damage. Failing that I'll just have to take octane booster with me, which is weight I'd rather not carry.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Dec 2019
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 723
The guy with the 1290 did change the mapping to "Bad fuel" and drove al the way with this mapping.

It still does not cover 80 Oktane benzine, but it works perfect.

It has less power as far as I remember and this should not be the problem.

Only the ignition is set to less preignition.

I would use it anyway, because you can sometimes only find 92 oktane .
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
RTW on CRF250L - Amsterdam to....Anywhere! -Leonie- Ride Tales 63 13 Jul 2016 05:42
Tales from the Saddle klous-1 Ride Tales 88 4 Feb 2016 20:30
Uganda Road Trip Honda XLR250 kampalaric Ride Tales 4 1 Jun 2014 07:14
Europe and the Americas - Video reports as I throttle round the world... JetJackson Ride Tales 31 24 Oct 2012 01:33
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 02:19.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top