Friday, April 16, 2021

Camel tank (auxiliary fuel).

The fuel economy of the little CRF is very good. It can get +/- 21 miles to the litre (pushing 100 mpg). The standard 10.1 litre tank can get between 200 to 220 miles depending on how "enthusiastically" it is ridden. With the hoped for big trip in mind, I wanted to increase the range. Could have gone the rotopax route, but I was drawn to the auxiliary fuel tank from Camel. Not cheap, especially as import duty was added by the lovely customs people. The alternative was the replacement tank from IMS; these hold around 13.25 litres, so a gain of just over 3 litres from stock whereas as the Camel tank gives an extra 6 litres over stock. (Reading this post back, I am aware of how tedious it is, but it is for my own benefit as a record of the bike build). 😴🥱😴🥱😴🥱😴🥱😴
The 6 extra litres extends the range to the 320-350+ miles. If I also go for a Rotopax then the autonomous range will be very healthy indeed.
Note: real world experience; last fill up produced a range of approx. 344 miles. Pleased. Next fill up: 347 miles.

https://camel-adv.com/products/honda-crf250l-
camel-tank-ct-250l?variant=42197151117



So, the fitting of the tank: this required the removal of the lockable panel where I’d fitted the Tutoro chainoiler. So that needed a re-think. Fortunately, there was no need to remove the rear rack, it was a tight fit but they do work together.
It was the usual routine of sweating and swearing to get the tank mounted. The instructional video said it would take about an hour to fit; several days later.............it was finally on. Managed to connect the main tanks overflow rather than vent pipe to the camel tank on my first attempt! I'm not good at this sort of thing....
Took it out for a test ride; works superbly well! Very happy.



Soundtrack: “Sit down by the fire” - Pogues

Engine crash bars

Wasn't going to go for these as I didn't want to add too much extra weight. However, on a ride out to Loomies cafe I met another CRF...