Extra gas

Howard, if you search this, there are a number of threads on this subject. There are some issues, and different opinions about costs,safety,reliability, placement of weight, etc. Some good reading for you to form opinions. On my Strom/Ural, I have a Ural fluid canistor mounted on the rear outside of the car. Cheaps and works fine but not real convenient since you need to stop and use a funnel to transfer the gas. On the GoldWing I have a "Ironbutt" tank which is mounted on top of the rear seat, gas tranfers via gravity so no reliability issues with pumps, etc.A bit pricey, but very easy to use while riding by merely opening the fuel cock with my left hand. This tank is specifically for the Wing. The rig I used in New Zealand this past 5 weeks had a fuel tank mounted in the sidecar, tranferred gas via an electric pump. No idea of cost, but easy to use. However, strong smell of gas in the trunk, which may or may not be a common issue(?). I do beleive add'l fuel is a must if you do any touring, since hacks tend to get worse mileage than a solo bike, which themselves usually aren't great to start with.

Greg,
I tried a search on this forum for the past 360 days but didn't come up with anything. Did you mean there is a discussion on this topic on this site or another site?
Howard

The 560 doesn't apply itself to the Jerry can approach. One could be mounted between the bike and the sidecar if space allowed and the exhaust system didn't interfere.
A luggage rack mounted spare gas container works well. I have used the "Tour Tank" which comes in 2 Gallon or 3.5 gallon sizes and looks like a bedroll when mounted. I had mine mounted on the luggage rack of my Road King/TLE outfit and would also use it on my FXDL/563T rig. It was easily transferred from bike to bike.
If you do put a spare fuel container into the trunk of your 560 be sure it is vented to the outside and away from the exhaust pipe. The contained gas fumes can ignite in warm climates.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

Here's one thread. http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/thread-view.asp?threadid=5337

I've often wanted to increase fuel capacity, but have not done so yet.
I'll never trust the "bomb on the back seat", but a lot of people do it. Likewise, I don't see a benefit of a Jerry can, unless I am truly in the middle of nowhere. If I have to get off the bike anyway, I'll do it at a gas station.

A while back, someone suggested MSR Bottles like this. http://tinyurl.com/59wwg2 . You can pack them anywhere and separate them. I carry a couple 1.5 liter ones.
I intentionally ran the Valkyrie dry to see how far I could go on one 1.5L bottle. I was able to make it 12 miles before I ran out and used the second bottle. I figure if I run out more than 20 miles from the gas station, I deserve to walk. :0) Keep in mind too, this was on a six cylinder motorcycle with 6 carburetors and a Ural sidecar.

I've been reading links to Tour Tanks, fuel cells, etc. Thanks
I don't want to make this too complicated but I have a few questions.
Why is carrying an extra gas cannister less safe than traveling with a 5 gallon gas tank between my legs?
Isn't it safer to have the gas container full since it's the vapor that's combustible?
Somewhere I saw a photo of a 560 with a small luggage rack mounted on top of the trunk. Don't know why this wouldn't work to hold a 3 gallon container.
I also will have saddle bags (boxes) What about a container inside the bag between the bike and s/c?
Howard

I've carried a plastic gas can on the sidecar luggage rack too but the disguised Tour Pack was less obvious to a potential thief (Not that anyone would steal your gas these days). Also the container shimmied about some and dulled the chrome finish on the rack.
In warm climates gas will expand up to 1/6th of it's volume and the fumes have to go somewhere if the container isn't sealed. If it is sealed, the extra liquid volume will have to go somewhere. A closed saddlebag with an exhaust system under it isn't my first choice for a good solution.

Lonnie

Lonnie,
I don't really want to add a gas tank behind the seat even disguised as a bed roll. I just put on a solo saddle and I like the looks of the exposed chrome fender. I have the inside of the s/c to pack my luggage etc.
What about mounting a Tour Tank on a luggage rack on the s/c?
Would that pose any problems? I assume these tanks are vented.
Howard

Howard, as i said, there is disagreement. I thought there were several threads on this forum, i will try snd look later this week if i can.On our recent trip to New Zealand, the extra 5 gallons saved us three times. Once on a sunday, when everything closed early. 2nd in a remote location and the power lines were down and the only station in 40 miles couldnt pupm gas. 3rd, the only station in maybe 35 miles was out of gas. Similar issues in Alaska. If you assume you want a 50 mile reserve, none of the 4 rigs I have experince with will go that far on the stock tank. All depends on how you plan to use the riggood luck

Originally written by gilberth on 4/5/2008 5:57 PM

I've been reading links to Tour Tanks, fuel cells, etc. ThanksI don't want to make this too complicated but I have a few questions.Why is carrying an extra gas cannister less safe than traveling with a 5 gallon gas tank between my legs?Isn't it safer to have the gas container full since it's the vapor that's combustible?Somewhere I saw a photo of a 560 with a small luggage rack mounted on top of the trunk. Don't know why this wouldn't work to hold a 3 gallon container.I also will have saddle bags (boxes) What about a container inside the bag between the bike and s/c? Howard

Why is carrying an extra gas cannister less safe than traveling with a 5 gallon gas tank between my legs?

Howard, the answer to your question is that the main tank is in the center of the motorcycle. Front and rear collisions would absorb the energy (crumple zone)and protect the tank to a degree. Side collisions obviously wouldn't have the same protection. Mounting a tank in any location that might be the first point of contact in a collision is considered by many to be an invitation to disaster.
Here in Idaho, I find myself needing extra gas many times. I modified the main tank to increase capacity to almost 6 gallons and added a 3 gallon plastic marine tank behind the driver with the understanding that I was taking a risk. The marine tank is a gravity feed and is easily removed. It is secured with a steel band inside a Goldwing trunk(secondary container) and cushioned with an inch and a half of urethane foam. Even with those precautions, I remove it during the winter months because the road conditions increase my risk of being rear ended and I don't usually take long rides in sub zero temperatures

Even a loose spare tank needs to be mounted in a protected area. Strapped inside the sidecar or between the sidecar and motorcycle would be advised.

Venting will always be an issue. Like Lonnie says, the gas expands when the temps warm up and the gas will find its way out. My wife complains that the mail I bring home in the Goldwing trunk smells like gasoline.

This topic has elicited a spirited(volatile) response in the past. Opinions are pretty strong on this one.

Mark brings up something a visitor just mentioned that I don't believe has been addressed before. He reminded me of a day many years ago when he and I were pulled over in Minnesota for having a gas can hanging in one of those Military racks on the back of his Land Rover. What are your state's laws about carrying cans? We had to take it out of the rack and secure it inside of the bed of the Rover before the cop was satisfied.

The Tour Tank will mount nicely on a luggage rack. They can be used vented or unvented, your option. A choice of two caps, fuel lines, clamps and a shutoff valve are also included.

Lonnie

Mark,
What about a plastic vs metal container or a bladder material?
Are any materials inherently safer?
Since there will be no passenger maybe I could fasten a container in the open sidecar cockpit(??)
Howard

Since I had a bunch of room between my bike and sc, I mounted a 12 gal metal tank with a fuel pump and hose. It works fine and triples the distance I can go without refueling. It is safe and looks spiffy.

What about a plastic vs metal container or a bladder material?
Are any materials inherently safer?

I'm just learning as I go. I have no data to clarify which would be better. My intuition suggested that plastic would deform more before failure than metal, but I'm only guessing.

I have often carried spare gas inside the sidecar. I rarely carry passengers.