Fuel bottles for long trips

[Zwerski]

This summer I'm planning a 500 mile round trip ride. Part of the ride involves a stretch of tasty backroad highway without a fuel station for about 70 miles. However, there are supposed to be some interesting side trips up and back on some local roads that I'd like to have the option to hit up, if I feel like it. I want to pick up a fuel bottle t possibly allow for a little more range and peace of mind and would like some advice. Luggage would consist of a large tank bag and a medium sized tail bag.

I've looked at MSR and Primus bottles and like the 1.5L Primus one, but the newer childproof caps strike me as a point if failure. Anyone have experience or other ideas for extra fuel?

[Bluesmudge]

I have used the MSR style bottles with great success but only the older 'normal' style caps. The main problem with this type is that they don't hold much. The 1L bottles fit great into the tractor supply manual tubes that people use as tool tubes (search advrider.com).

The other option is a fuel canister like rotopax or kolpin. From what I have heard rotopax makes a better product that is less prone to leaks.
http://rotopax.com/1-Gallon-Gasoline-Pack-Mount-L-Bracket.html

[adidasguy]

MSR brand red fuel bottles are good.

Brunton are not - the caps melt with gasoline.

MSR caps are gas proof.

Give you one guess how I know this.......

[a.beerman]

I agree with the MSR bottles - they are super solid.  even though you might not like the auto-locking caps, they do work really well.  also, there is no way those things will fail while in a bag or something. 

i actually work in a camping gear shop, and have used these bottles for years with no complaints in that application. 

[Snake2715]

Look I am throwing this out there, and given your situation I would probably get the real deal.

I knew a few guys that ran enduros and used the Seafoam metal cans to carry an extra bit of fuel.

Again just a thought. They dont hold much, and your probably want something more legitimate.

[Zwerski]

Well, I've been looking into these the last few weeks, and here's the deal with my situation:

1. The length of road between fill-ups (not linear distance) is about 70 miles. I get about 120-150 miles out of a full tank
2. My MPG runs from ~30-ish MPG (really wringing it out on long freeway rides) to just under 50 in mixed riding. A 1L bottle will get me roughly 8-13 miles
3. I'm planning a nice relaxed ride; no track day sh!t

Though I might not need the extra gas, the peace of mind might help the ride be more fun.

[Badot]

Though I might not need the extra gas, the peace of mind might help the ride be more fun.

I feel the same way on longer trips. I'd definitely be carrying spare gas if I went any real distance exploring offroad.

[Calpantera]

Those tubes can be purchased here for 5 bucks each..
http://www.agrisupply.com/manual-canister-large-with-neoprene-seal/p/67670/&sid=&eid=/

[motoarch]

This fell out of my bag at 95mph and didn't fail.  Like the lock or not it works.

[Nugent]

I have used the MSR style bottles with great success but only the older 'normal' style caps. The main problem with this type is that they don't hold much. The 1L bottles fit great into the tractor supply manual tubes that people use as tool tubes (search advrider.com).

If you get a chance, could you measure the dimensions that include the brackets? The farming website states it's 12" long x 3-1/4" diameter. My goal is to install it underneath my rear fender to stay more inconspicuous but still clear the tire's range of motion.

[Bluesmudge]

Sorry, I don't have any of the tubes anymore. I had them bolted to the bottom of my pelican cases on a Honda NX650. That bike and all its cool farkles are gone now.

I can't imagine that they would fit and still allow clearance for the rear tire and enough room to get the cap off and remove whatever is inside.

[burning1]

In a pinch, you can use an oil bottle. The plastic is chemical resistant against gas. A little oil residue won't hurt your engine.

Wouldn't trust the seal as well as I would trust an MSR bottle though.

[Nugent]

Yeah, it probably isn't a viable idea. I'm jealous when I sometimes see this BMW adventure bike parked along the road with 4 tubes squirreled all over. One in the front right below the radiator and three in the back including a tube under the back mud flap. Every time I see it, I get an itching to do mods on my stock setup. 

[Kerry]

Anyone have experience or other ideas for extra fuel?

Heh ... check out this photo from my 2004 thread "davipu" is alive and well....:



Personally, I have hauled a 975mm MSR bottle on long trips since 2002 ... but until last year it was filled with Coleman-compatible "white gas" for my camp stove.  When the white gas ran out (and got WAY too expensive) I started filling the bottle with regular unleaded instead.  Since my camp stove is one of those "multi-fuel" units, the bottle now serves a dual purpose.

And hey, cutting ~12 miles off of an after-the-bike-died hike is nothing to sneeze at!  (Not that I've had that happen yet ... knock on wood.)

[BockinBboy]

*GASP* 

We thought you disappeared along with your shim kit!

Only joking, as we know life and priorities change, but glad to see you posting!



- Bboy