Gas storage container
- Thread starter Deoodles
- Start date
I have a lot of trust in the folks on this site. Over the years advice has always been sound and safety has been a component of that. I have been passively looking for a quart container that would fit in the bag on my rack so I could carry some extra fuel. Here it is. Now I am starting to think about pressure build up and how safe it would be. I hope to hear opinions. Thanks
OLD CT
Well-Known Member
I would be concerned about getting all the stripper out of the can, in other words, not worth the time/hassle. That nasty stuff could wreak havoc on you and the engine, if there are any traces left! Just go to a good auto parts store and pick up a stronger 32oz can of Tru Fuel. They also have the size you pictured Ray. It's just not as strong as the 32oz bottle. Premix bottle shown here but they sell straight non premix also.
I would think the 32 can is easier to pour in the lil tank also. Less spillage. You could probably fit 2 cans in the pouch, if you really need that much.
I would think the 32 can is easier to pour in the lil tank also. Less spillage. You could probably fit 2 cans in the pouch, if you really need that much.
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Last night I ran out of gas on a nice ride. I think I found the external rack mounted tank I can live with. The price difference is $20 between the 4 x 10 and the 6 x 10 cylinder tanks. The smaller tank holds 1/2 gallon and the larger tank is 1 gallon. Looks says go with the smaller tank because it is more proportional to the bike. But the practical in me says go with the 1 gallon size. I have mocked it up with a roll of paper towels and cand decide. Any feedback? I don’t want to run out again and don’t want to have to manage fuel when I am out putting around.
1/2 gallon almost doubles your fuel carrying capacity. The key, imho, is what constitutes acceptable cruising range...a deceptively tricky question, loaded with contradictions. That's within the confines of my wheelhouse, I am a contradiction...who rides these bikes. On the face of it, "if some is good, more is better and too much is almost enough"
Over the years, I refined my goal...downward...to 100 miles. The original target was 150, equivalent to one tankful + one gallon. I've never been fond of auxiliary tanks on the machines, there's not enough cubic real estate. I sourced a 1L G`Craft tank back in `03, a modestly pricey bit of high-quality, functional, bling. Subsequently, I picked up a cheapie 1.5L aluminum tank, that took a full day to metalfinish & polish. Over the winter I added a ~1L stainless tank (that's going to the metalfinishing & polishing spa) to the growing collection. None has yet to be real-world tested. My solution for this, the old dreaded (not to mention fugly & awkward) 1-gallon plastic fuel can, a temporary solution gone rogue. I lived with this setup until 2016. The only upside is that the container could be left off the bike. Seriously, a pair of G`Craft side tanks (they sell RH & LH versions) would be way better, aesthetically...to the right person. I've reached a point where I'm no longer that fond the look of the classic rear rack. Yet, my usage has transitioned to longer distances and to/through increasingly remote locations. The best solution is also the most difficult...utilizing more of the volume inside the frame. There's easily 4L+, fore of the battery & below the seat pan. Developing a tank, with that capacity...that will fit the frame...is, most likely, beyond practical limits. With a 2-piece setup, there's more like 5L potential, along with a set of complications that are tantamount to using scissors to remove coffee stains from fine linen. Quite the Gordian knot, isn't it?
So, where does one draw the proverbial line? Since this has already turned into an editorial, I'll try cutting to the chase. How much time can you really spend in the saddle, without a break? How far will you be from a gas pump? Best edumacated guess, the longest I've ever ridden, without putting a foot down, is ~90 minutes tops, over a distance just shy of 80 miles. Fact is, actual point-to-point average speed (including any & all stops, reduced speed limits, etc) is typically in the high 40s-low 50s. My highest single-day mileage total, 260, a mark that's unlikely to be eclipsed. Some basic math, based on firsthand experience, the stock tank typically reaches "reserve" at 42-46 miles, with an estimated 55-60 miles, total range. With a 3.5L aftermarket tank, massively reworked to fit, actual capacity reduced to 3.35L, "reserve" has come up at 58-62 miles, with an estimated 80-85 miles total range...a disappointing 15-20% shy of my revised goal. But, just how disappointed should I be? 260 miles would mean 4 fuel stops, over ~5 hours (minimum...actual touring would likely mean an entire afternoon and then some), that's separating arse-from-saddle at 75-minute intervals. Now, let's apply those numbers to your 1/2G (1.89L) and 1G (3.78L) auxiliary tank + stock tank combos. The smaller combo equals 4.09L, 73/97 miles; the larger 5.89L with 106/142 miles. That's 3 or 4 refuelings vs. 2-3, depending upon your bikes thirst and your level of range anxiety. You're the only one who can make this call, it's largely subjective.
My suggestion is to take the bike out on the road and really put it...as well as you...through a full-on workout. You already have the rear rack and, presumably a 1-gallon gas can. See how much time & mileage is comfortable enough to enjoy, between stops, as well as your maximum distance from fuel. IMO, 6x10 is a large cylinder on a bike this size. How often will you need this much capacity?
FWIW, my compromise involves replacing the VM22 with an MJN22...which looks like it'll increase mpg by ~10-15%, enough to get dangerously close to the 100-mile goal, with no other changes. For those longer-distance rides, a removable 1.5L tank, attached via a small, custom, mount (in place of the rear rack) should deliver 120 miles+, which I'll call a success. For me, stopping every 60-90 minutes is self-preservation as much as anything else. YMMV
Over the years, I refined my goal...downward...to 100 miles. The original target was 150, equivalent to one tankful + one gallon. I've never been fond of auxiliary tanks on the machines, there's not enough cubic real estate. I sourced a 1L G`Craft tank back in `03, a modestly pricey bit of high-quality, functional, bling. Subsequently, I picked up a cheapie 1.5L aluminum tank, that took a full day to metalfinish & polish. Over the winter I added a ~1L stainless tank (that's going to the metalfinishing & polishing spa) to the growing collection. None has yet to be real-world tested. My solution for this, the old dreaded (not to mention fugly & awkward) 1-gallon plastic fuel can, a temporary solution gone rogue. I lived with this setup until 2016. The only upside is that the container could be left off the bike. Seriously, a pair of G`Craft side tanks (they sell RH & LH versions) would be way better, aesthetically...to the right person. I've reached a point where I'm no longer that fond the look of the classic rear rack. Yet, my usage has transitioned to longer distances and to/through increasingly remote locations. The best solution is also the most difficult...utilizing more of the volume inside the frame. There's easily 4L+, fore of the battery & below the seat pan. Developing a tank, with that capacity...that will fit the frame...is, most likely, beyond practical limits. With a 2-piece setup, there's more like 5L potential, along with a set of complications that are tantamount to using scissors to remove coffee stains from fine linen. Quite the Gordian knot, isn't it?So, where does one draw the proverbial line? Since this has already turned into an editorial, I'll try cutting to the chase. How much time can you really spend in the saddle, without a break? How far will you be from a gas pump? Best edumacated guess, the longest I've ever ridden, without putting a foot down, is ~90 minutes tops, over a distance just shy of 80 miles. Fact is, actual point-to-point average speed (including any & all stops, reduced speed limits, etc) is typically in the high 40s-low 50s. My highest single-day mileage total, 260, a mark that's unlikely to be eclipsed. Some basic math, based on firsthand experience, the stock tank typically reaches "reserve" at 42-46 miles, with an estimated 55-60 miles, total range. With a 3.5L aftermarket tank, massively reworked to fit, actual capacity reduced to 3.35L, "reserve" has come up at 58-62 miles, with an estimated 80-85 miles total range...a disappointing 15-20% shy of my revised goal. But, just how disappointed should I be? 260 miles would mean 4 fuel stops, over ~5 hours (minimum...actual touring would likely mean an entire afternoon and then some), that's separating arse-from-saddle at 75-minute intervals. Now, let's apply those numbers to your 1/2G (1.89L) and 1G (3.78L) auxiliary tank + stock tank combos. The smaller combo equals 4.09L, 73/97 miles; the larger 5.89L with 106/142 miles. That's 3 or 4 refuelings vs. 2-3, depending upon your bikes thirst and your level of range anxiety. You're the only one who can make this call, it's largely subjective.
My suggestion is to take the bike out on the road and really put it...as well as you...through a full-on workout. You already have the rear rack and, presumably a 1-gallon gas can. See how much time & mileage is comfortable enough to enjoy, between stops, as well as your maximum distance from fuel. IMO, 6x10 is a large cylinder on a bike this size. How often will you need this much capacity?
FWIW, my compromise involves replacing the VM22 with an MJN22...which looks like it'll increase mpg by ~10-15%, enough to get dangerously close to the 100-mile goal, with no other changes. For those longer-distance rides, a removable 1.5L tank, attached via a small, custom, mount (in place of the rear rack) should deliver 120 miles+, which I'll call a success. For me, stopping every 60-90 minutes is self-preservation as much as anything else. YMMV
Thanks for the editorial. 
A decent ride for me is always under 100 miles but that isn’t out of the question. I stop often but not always where I can get gas. Realistically I am never more than 30 miles from a gas station. The half gallon will always bail me out if I get into a difficult situation. I don’t mind the 4x10 aluminum tank and it can be a quick connect installation if I choose to do that. Thanks for making my decision painless. I had too many what ifs on my mind and knew bigger isn’t always better but didn’t want buyers remorse going with the better looking more to scale tank.
A decent ride for me is always under 100 miles but that isn’t out of the question. I stop often but not always where I can get gas. Realistically I am never more than 30 miles from a gas station. The half gallon will always bail me out if I get into a difficult situation. I don’t mind the 4x10 aluminum tank and it can be a quick connect installation if I choose to do that. Thanks for making my decision painless. I had too many what ifs on my mind and knew bigger isn’t always better but didn’t want buyers remorse going with the better looking more to scale tank.Attachments
Believe me, I can understand the "what ifs" as well as the WTFs. this topic has been rattling around inside my mind for close to two decades, now.
As long as you know where the next pump is and don't have to make an out & back detour, from your travel route, then you can be reasonably free of range anxiety. I've rarely been more than 35 miles away from a gas station, even in locales where there's no cell phone signal. On the other hand, should you ever decide to do a fatcaaat-level tour, then that 150mile+ fuel capacity becomes part of an overall survival strategy. And, he's come up with the best large-capacity, auxiliary, tanks I've seen for these bikes.
For the most part, I've found 60 miles + 20 "in reserve" to be quite adequate range for any destination within a couple hours of home. There's no shortage of gas stations, even in the rural portions of the upper Midwest. Farmers need gasoline, too.
Just finished this up. My total onboard fuel is approximately 1 gallon. I valved this to the primary fuel line. It also has its own petcock so if I run out of primary I can flip a valve and fill the primary tank back up. I expect this setup gives me a 100 mile range. I’m happy with that. I don’t think I’ll ever be in a situation where I’ll have to cut a ride short or detour for gas.
