Carrying extra fuel on longer runs.

[Gazz]

Would it be safe and/or legal to carry fuel on a long run. I have recently ran out of fuel on the way to work and decided to fill it right to the brim to see how much fuel I could get in, and I'm estimating the tank only holds around 8 litres or thereabouts.

I filled up the next day out of paranoia and could only fit £3 in the tank which actually seems like a waste of time going in for fuel.

I also ran out of fuel on a run back home from Ayr one day which got me thinking about carrying extra fuel. I realise that this is not a major issue since petrol stations are plenty here, but it does mean stopping more frequently when everyone else can miss out petrol stations.

Was speaking to a guy in work about this (after running out) and he seems certain that it will be fine as long as it is in a metal jerry can. But I was thinking that if the worst was to happen and the metal can went down the road creating sparks, etc then surely a plastic jerry can would be more suitable.

I've had a look at my bike earlier and it looks very simple to rig something up to hold a can by the handle (that is considering that it is allowed). Was also concerned as how it might affect the handling of the bike with the extra weight on one side. (Around 5 litres of fuel or so).


https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11225363_10153517195897768_7221200703204178264_n.jpg?oh=4d56ac648f8ef83d631e0731fd4471fc&oe=567AE09E

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11896058_10153517196142768_2653835076602606911_n.jpg?oh=cb4039112d799650767a8126e87d4920&oe=56778A6F

So, should it be ok, or am I just asking for trouble?

[Fisty]

You will be fine.
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[monkeybiker]

Your asking for your petrol to get stolen.

[Gazz]

[Fisty]

[BTTD]

You could carry one litre in one of those camping stove fuel containers. Sigg bottle. It would get you to a petrol station.

[bamt]

An alternative for the commute - hold a stash of petrol in your garage then you can top up every day without the hassle of going to a garage to put a couple of litres in.

You can legally keep up to 30L (2x 10L metal cans, 2x 5L plastic ones). I can get a 10L metal can in my top box, but tend to fill them up when I take a car to the petrol station. I find it particularly useful for Mrs Bamt's bike (saving her the hassle of filling up for relatively low mileage) and for if I arrive home late at night with an empty tank and need to be out early in the morning.

[MCN]

I was using a 5l Explosion proof petrol can. It's ideal as it is very flat/low profile so sits on the bike nicer.
These cans are filled with aluminium mesh which prevents flames propagating in the tank so a flame will just burn like an oil lamp as opposed to an sploshun.

A partially filled can will splode but a full one won't as there is not enough air to ignite the fuel.

Fuel Can
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Pete.]

2 gallon capacity and 90mpg consumption means it has a greater range than most sportsbikes. If you're running out of fuel it sure isn't for the lack of petrol stations.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[monkeybiker]

[Pete.]

[Moxey]

A friend with an SXV 550 which has a tank range of 60 or so miles regularly carries a Jerry can with him, bungies and cargo nets hold it to the pillion seat, as for theft, figure after a ride he usually just pours it into the tank or takes it with him and stores it suitably out of sight if at work or such.
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Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
'I was too busy paying attention to pay attention'

[Nytol]

You'll still have to stop and fill up from the can, why not just plan ahead and keep track of mileage?

There are potential safety issue with driving until you run dry too, depending on where the last drop gets used.

[Jaco]

I always had a full jerry can of fuel in a pannier when going around Scotland and it worked well

[c-m]

1.5l Primus bottle, or a 1.5/2l Fuel Friend bottle would be my choice for a little extra in the UK.

Further a field you might want something like a 1 gallon (US) Rotopax, or 5l Acerbis.

Mostly though, if you're running out of fuel in the UK you're doing something wrong.

[doggone]

[Fidge]

What about getting a fuel tap with a reserve? As for taking fuel with you just get a flask and put it in your bag.

[MCN]

[G]

I'd consider something like the smaller ones here - https://g01.s.alicdn.com/kf/HT1h_xkFTFcXXagOFbXt/220590146/HT1h_xkFTFcXXagOFbXt.jpg

[BakesBeans]

Sounds crazy to be honest. Just carry a small 250ml bottle filled with petrol, which will get you out of a pickle if you run dry.

I have to admit, having to fill up often, is the thing I hate about bikes. My bike only gets me to work twice on my 60mile commute, which negates the time saving using the bike. My car can do two weeks commuting.

Still more fun though!
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Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30

[MCN]

[DrSnoosnoo]

[Moxey]