barbagris
Mad Scientist
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2010
- Messages
- 12,988
- Location
- On the verge of insanity
- Ride
- 1979 Guzzi V1000G5 - 2018 KTM 790 Duke
HAD TOO - implies running out. In many respects ALMOST and NOT KNOWING are a worse experience.
Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt far outweigh Anger or feeling annoyed at oneself.
Some of the posts in this thread show one or two have just made it by sheer luck of the off ramp being downhill.
I purchased the R3 to do long hauls fast. Often illegally fast as it happens - but that's my choice.
Actually very much with the Spain->UK "ferry ports" in mind. They are 450kms away.
If I had to go via France to the UK there is no way on earth I would set off without a 10L reserve - because I have no idea where fuel stops are.
And if convince my mate to come to Romania with me - maybe even 20L.
I speak English, German, Spanish fluently and can cope in French and Italian. But Serbian, Romanian, Bulgarian . well no.
Living in the US or OZ you cannot maybe imagine the extra hassle this is. Anyway I digress.
I came REAL CLOSE to HAD TOO last year in April coming home from the UK ferry.
And will be doing EVERYTHING possible to avoid a repetition Monday next week doing the same run.
And wish I'd had a few litres extra with me. This year I will. 5L-ish.
I was pushing a little harder than normal (500rpms more) and the impact on consumption took me seriously by surprise. 4000rpm vs normal 3500rpm.
Was really early, a Sunday - not all fuel places are open 24*7 and on the stretch the light came on - there are none at all.
No traffic - so no help from anybody if you run out - but no police either.
It's not as big a deal if you travel with others or the road is well traffic'd.
Thing is when this happens - you are in the dark - The light came on 40-50 kms earlier than usual, and 40-50 kms from next fuel stop.
I know exactly where all the highway fuel stops are - I do the run at least once a year (usually twice) - often in the car though.
All sorts of **** goes though your head - is it the sensor? - is it a leak? - it was a 25% increase in "reported (light on) consumption" after a 110miles at constant speed.
With the FuelBot fuel gauge on - I know have a second point of reference so will be able to keep tabs. imo - this is a must have add on for Distance Riding.
I slowed down to see if it was just speed rated consumption - It was an unpleasant 40-50kms - Amongst other things it also started to rain hard.
When I got to first stop - which was just opening - I was about 1/2 litre from dry. Under normal circumstances I would have arrived with about 5L left.
It scared me so much I made an additional "just in case" stop afterwards too - even though the light had not come on. I was riding with my jaw clenched so hard I cracked a molar.
I was feeling generally negative - I'd left the UK with my dad still in hospital - but had to return home. 2 weeks later I returned to the UK because he'd passed away.
It all adds up, Art. We're not ALWAYS able to use a bike when we're at our best. If it had been the outward run to the ferry - I'd have been extra nervous about missing it too.
If I miss the ferry - would be maybe weeks before there's a free place. If that happens it's another 500kms home to cancel my holidays.
So all in all - I'd rather have a reserve and feel safe that that risk is covered. And I think really that's what most of us after more capacity are saying.
If you don't need it or don't worry about it - then (seriously) good for you.