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Fuel Tank Tactics: How to Never Hit Empty on Your Bike

By Admin 6 min read

Motorcycles are known for many things.

 

Agility. Speed. Beauty. Ease of parking. 

 

But probably not fuel capacity.

 

Generally speaking, that’s OK though. The average miles per gallon for a motorcycle is 30-45. And with a capacity of 3-6 gallons, in many cases that’s enough.

 

But what if it’s not?

 

What if you’re on a long distance or off-road journey and you need to ensure that you never run out of gas?

 

We’ve got the answer. Today we’re going to talk about how to prevent yourself from ever being stuck with a motorcycle tank on empty. That means both practices to help you prevent yourself from running low – and then how to refuel (without a gas station) when you’re on the road and it happens. 

 

We’ll cover:

 

How to never run out of fuel on a motorcycle

Well, never say never. But, in many cases the best medicine is prevention, so we’ll start there. 

 

Know your bike 

One of the most important things you can do is get familiar with your motorcycle. This means knowing its maximum capacity - which can be typically found in the owner’s manual or on the fuel tank itself. You can multiply that by your average MPG to get a pretty decent estimate of how far you’ll be able to go on a single tank. 

 

It also means knowing how your riding style impacts your mileage. As you might imagine, the harder you accelerate and brake, the more fuel you’ll go through. Conversely, there are a number of steps you can take to improve your fuel efficiency. These include:

  • Keeping a clean air filter
  • Routine engine maintenance 
  • Properly inflated tires 
  • Removing excess weight 

 

Start by paying attention to your fuel economy on a normal ride. See if there are any trends and test how much certain activities impact your consumption. By understanding your bike's range in normal conditions, you can better ascertain how much fuel you’ll need for a long distance (or more strenuous) ride. 

 

How do you carry fuel on a motorcycle

 

Carry a spare gas can

Over the years, a wide range of portable fuel containers have come onto the market. These come in varying sizes and materials - with the most common being plastic or metal. They are purposefully lightweight, easily portable, and made specifically for use on-the-go. And most importantly, they are the answer to the question: how do you carry extra gas on a motorcycle? 

 

Quality is important when choosing a container. Prioritize safety and leak prevention when evaluating different fuel storage options. 

 

Some tips for safer fuel storage include:

  • Ensure that all containers are securely fastened to your bike to prevent any accidental spills.
  • Use containers and tanks made specifically for carrying fuel to minimize the risk of leaks or fumes.
  • Avoid overfilling containers and tanks to allow for fuel expansion in varying temperatures. 
  • Regularly vent your container - particularly if you are going through changes in temperature and elevation.  
  • Keep extra fuel away from sources of heat, sparks, or flame.

 

Be sure to also familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding the transportation and storage of fuel. 

 

Moto Machines’ pick for a spare gas can: RotopaX gas cans

We recommend the RotopaX Gas Cans for auxiliary fuel storage. These come in several different capacity options, going up to 3 gallons. These are CARB, EPA, ASTM, and NFPA certified, which means they meet the permeability standards set by the government.

Presently, they are the only rotational molded portable fuel container on the market to do so - meaning you can rest assured that you have the safest product available. 

 

 

However, these gas cans do not come with mounts - so they do need to be purchased separately. That said, a RotopaX gas pack isn’t just for your bike. You can also pair it with your truck, jeep, snowbike or snowmobile. Keep reading for different mounting options available for your bike and a RotopaX. 

 

So if you are asking yourself if RotopaX is worth it? The answer is yes. There’s not many better options out there for portable fuel containers - especially when you consider the durability and safety RotopaX is known for. 

 

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How to carry an extra fuel tank on a motorcycle 

As mentioned, RotopaX (and many other auxiliary fuel options for that matter) don’t come with mounting kits. This allows it to be utilized across a much wider range of vehicles rather than requiring a different gas can for each use case. 

 

If you are looking for an option to mount your RotopaX to your bike, we have a few fantastic options you may want to consider. 

 

In particular, Hepco & Becker, who is widely known for their range of quality products like the X-Travel Line, features several options to help you mount your extra gas pack. 

 

Two of our favorite options for mounting a RotopaX on your bike are:

 

  1. Hepco & Becker Rear Minirack: 

The Hepco & Becker Minirack presents an ideal solution for individuals seeking a lightweight, sleek, and inconspicuous luggage-carrying option while on the move. Crafted from high-grade aircraft aluminum using precision CNC machining, this Minirack boasts a flawless, symmetrical design with strategic cutouts to secure your cargo effectively. Furthermore, all Miniracks and mounting components come with a durable black powder coat finish and include stainless steel fasteners.

 

Now, if you're looking to incorporate a RotopaX gas can into this setup, the Minirack's design and secure strapping options make it an excellent choice for safely transporting your extra fuel supply during your journeys. 

 

The CNC-cut cutouts can easily accommodate the necessary straps or brackets to secure your RotopaX can, ensuring you're well-prepared for those long rides where fuel stops may be few and far between.

Here’s a video showing the full installation process of the Minirack and RotopaX on a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled: 

 



  1. Hepco & Becker RotopaX Adapter Plate for C-Bow Side Carrier:

 

At its core, this solution consists of a sturdy metal plate designed to perfectly integrate with the Hepco & Becker C-Bow Side Carrier. The difference from other products is the cutouts tailored to accommodate RotopaX fuel canisters in particular. 

 

The Hepco & Becker C-Bow Side Carrier, which serves as the foundation for this system, is essentially a "C"-shaped mounting system that's uniquely crafted for each motorcycle model. 

 

Think of it as a compact and purpose-built side carrier designed to match the contours and aesthetics of your specific bike. And chances are, they’ll have one suited for your bike as they have over 200 different models available.

 

You can find different options available using the ‘search’ tool on our website. Or, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you to find the product you need. 

 

extra gas cans for motorcycle hepco and becker c-bow

Final thoughts on staying fueled  

Whether you’re embarking on a long journey, or just want to be sure that you never find yourself running out of fuel, the tips and options above will help you get there. Understanding your motorcycle’s limit and also carrying a spare gas can help to ensure that you never find yourself in a tough spot. 

 

Oh, and if you’re also wondering how to keep yourself fueled, consider the AeroPress. This perfectly sized portable brewing device allows you to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee wherever you are. After all, if your bike can go the distance, shouldn’t you be able to too? 

 

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