RT and Aux Tank

[MarkEngland]

I plan on installing an AUX tank on my 2006 RT and was hoping someone has already installed one on a RT or can recommend someone who as expierence in this area.

I am having blm-accessories build the tank, but the following questions pop up.

1. If I use grativity feed, will the fuel level in one tank, push fuel out of the other tanks vent line?

2. Should I use a pump and simply pump fuel from the Aux tank to the main tank when the main tank runs out?

3. How is the Aux tank connected to the fuel system?

Thanks
Mark

[alien_hitchhiker]

Disclaimer: I don't have an auxiliary tank so I really don't know what I'm talking about. But I would like one. I'll be watching this thread to see what those with experience have to offer :ear

I do know that the fuel pump picks up the fuel inside the tank and that the fuel lines external to the tank are under continuous pressure.
It seems the easy approach would be to add a tap to the tank and simply route a line from the auxiliary tank to that tap. A shut off could be placed in line in an accessible place, maybe on the auxiliary tank end.

If the auxiliary is higher than the level of fuel in the main tank - when you want to make the transfer - then gravity is all you need.

If the auxiliary is lower than the level of fuel in the main tank, then you will need a pump to transfer it.

OK, you LD riders with auxilliary tanks, educate us.

[PGlaves]

I have installed aux fuel tanks on an R1100RS (Voni's) and an R1150R (mine). In both cases they are gravity feed systems.

There is high pressure in the line from the tank/pump (about 40 p.s.i) and some residual pressure in the return line from the regulator back to the tank. Some folks have tried to T into the return line but it doesn't work very well.

The easy way to tie into the tanks is with a 90 degree bulkhead fitting with a hose barb attached. On Voni's RS I found a good location and drilled into the plate that holds the fuel pump and filter. On my R1150R there was a frame clearance issue so I had to drill into the steel tank. You need to find a good spot where there is clearance for the bulkhead fitting, hose barb, and hose. A hose from this hose barb then can run back to a valve. I attached the valve back at the aux tank where I can easily reach back to it while riding. I put a quick disconnect (BMW OEM type) between the valve and the hose barb at the main fuel tank.

Yes - gravity will flow gas from an aux tank into the main fuel tank and will spill it out the vent if the aux tank is higher than the main tank. So - we ride until the fuel light comes on, open the valve, and allow the fuel to flow into the main tank. Or knowing your fuel mileage and size of the aux tank - just ride enough miles, then open the valve.

Either gravity or a pump will work. For gravity to work the bottom of the aux tank has to be higher than the "sucking air" fuel level in the main tank. Pumps require wires, fuses, and switches in addition to the plumbing. Gravity requires just the plumbing. I prefer simple so used just gravity.

We used the aux tanks on our 49 state / 10 day ride, and Voni used hers on the 2003 Iron Butt Rally too - without any issues at all. Mine now resides full time on my R1150R. I also had it on my F650 when we went to Alaska last summer (but that was a simple T into the fuel line to the carbs).

[MarkEngland]

I spoke with Mark (service manager at Ride West BMW) and informed me that with my desired mounting location I will require a pump.

So the question is: any recommendations on a pump?

Thanks, Mark

[Boxwrench]

Where can you find pics,drawing and instruction on this?

[MarkEngland]

Where can you find pics,drawing and instruction on this?
??

[Boxwrench]

like where to put the tank, how big,
Is it a commercial kit?
where to the parts ect.

[MarkEngland]

like where to put the tank, how big,
Is it a commercial kit?
where to the parts ect.
Bill Mcavan of blm-accessories.com is custom building mine.

I am a single rider, so I'm removing the passenger seat and the tank will use that space. Also, to meet IBA rules, I need to stay under 4.1 gallons (which is too bad, because my design could easily hold more).

Mark (service manager from Ride West BMW in WA) is going to splice the Aux tank fuel line into the main tank.

Since my Aux tank is the same height (or lower) than the tank, I will use a simple fuel pump to push the fuel when my main tank is empty.

When I'm done in about two months, I will post a complete write up on my modification webpage here (http://kc6tew.com/modifications/default.aspx).

[58058D]

Mark,
So if you are to stay within the IBA rules, are you required to add a bladder buddy if you go over a maximum fuel capacity? Seriously though, your plan sounds very similar to RCB PastPrez Stofer's for his Robobyke GS. As I recall his was installed with a pump. Looking forward to you essay.

[MLS2GO]

Mark that is one great looking website. I have a R1200RT also and do some Iron Butt stuff also. I have seen the BLM tank mounted to the rear seat, but I like your idea better. Are you entered in the 2009 Iron Butt or just doing the individual rides? Please post your followups, I am looking forward to them.

[OfficerImpersonator]

Bill lives about five miles from me here about 25 miles north of Seattle. He built some custom light mounts for my RTP. He keeps eyeing the radio box on the back of my RTP as a great location for an auxilliary fuel cell. I think it's a great location for my paperwork, Anonymous Book, repair kit and an extra pair of gloves.

I too will be monitoring this thread to see what the final set-up looks like.

[MarkEngland]

Mark that is one great looking website. I have a R1200RT also and do some Iron Butt stuff also. I have seen the BLM tank mounted to the rear seat, but I like your idea better. Are you entered in the 2009 Iron Butt or just doing the individual rides? Please post your followups, I am looking forward to them.
I wish I was riding this years rally. 2011 is my year (if I get picked).

I have a bunch of IBA rides planned for this year (more training for the real IBA). I'm riding up to Bills place to have him measure my bike and on the way home, I will be doing a quick SaddleSore 2000. Just waiting for the weather to improve.

[MarkEngland]

Bill lives about five miles from me
Your lucky....

[jcpuckett]

Bill Mcavan of blm-accessories.com is custom building mine.

I am a single rider, so I'm removing the passenger seat and the tank will use that space. Also, to meet IBA rules, I need to stay under 4.1 gallons (which is too bad, because my design could easily hold more).

Mark (service manager from Ride West BMW in WA) is going to splice the Aux tank fuel line into the main tank.

Since my Aux tank is the same height (or lower) than the tank, I will use a simple fuel pump to push the fuel when my main tank is empty.

When I'm done in about two months, I will post a complete write up on my modification webpage here (http://kc6tew.com/modifications/default.aspx).

I am sure Bill McAvan has already told you that you do not need a fuel pump if you are buying Bill's typical RT fuel cell mounted on a BMW pillon seat pan with the upholstery and foam padding stripped off.

[kgadley01]

Just to let everyone know, anything is possible with a little imagination. A friend of mine wanted a Aux fuel tank on his VTX 1800. He went to the local lawnmower repair shop and purchased a two gal. fuel tank. it fit nicely into one of those leather tote bags. he ran the fuel line to his tank that he had drilled, tapped and inserted a fitting into. he used a lawnmower inline fuel cutoff. It worked great, and was gravity fed. All this was mounted on his rear luggage rack. You wouldn't know it was there if he didn't tell you.:thumb

[MarkEngland]

I am sure Bill McAvan has already told you that you do not need a fuel pump if you are buying Bill's typical RT fuel cell mounted on a BMW pillon seat pan with the upholstery and foam padding stripped off.
Well, when the plastic was off of my bike at the dealers for my service I used a level and found the bottom of the AUX tank is 3/4" below the bottom of the factory tank.

Also, I have been told that my model of the RT does not support 'teeing' the fuel line due to presure. So, my only option is to use the Tourtech GS kit and have the fuel added to the top (or close to the top) of the factory tank. This is why I need a pump.

FYI: I'm not using my seat pan, thus the bottom of the tank is lower than the bottom of the seat pan.

I pump does not seem to be that complicated or bad now that I have spent a few days researching it.

[RoboRider]

OK, I have a couple of questions. These are serious, I'm not trying to start an argument here!

My RT gets about 280 miles on the highway. I pushed it farther, but 280 is easily doable, especially if it is cruise control freeway.

Why would you add an aux tank? I could see it for long distances in a remote area if fuel was not available, but even then, I'd carry a gas can.

Are you guys actually saying you will ride more than 250 miles w/o a pee break or leg stretch or 'human fuel' stop?

Maybe it has something to do with the IB Rally mentioned. I'm not familiar with that.

Thanks,
Robo

[OfficerImpersonator]

OK, I have a couple of questions. These are serious, I'm not trying to start an argument here!

My RT gets about 280 miles on the highway. I pushed it farther, but 280 is easily doable, especially if it is cruise control freeway.

Why would you add an aux tank? I could see it for long distances in a remote area if fuel was not available, but even then, I'd carry a gas can.

Are you guys actually saying you will ride more than 250 miles w/o a pee break or leg stretch or 'human fuel' stop?

Maybe it has something to do with the IB Rally mentioned. I'm not familiar with that.

Thanks,
Robo

More importantly, have you seen the price list for auxiliary fuel cells? $875 just for the hardware - not including a pump. Add professional installation and additional hardware and you're talking about a final bill well over $1000.

That buys a lot of MSR fuel bottles stashed in the side and top cases!

[MarkEngland]

OK, I have a couple of questions. These are serious, I'm not trying to start an argument here!

My RT gets about 280 miles on the highway. I pushed it farther, but 280 is easily doable, especially if it is cruise control freeway.

Why would you add an aux tank? I could see it for long distances in a remote area if fuel was not available, but even then, I'd carry a gas can.

Are you guys actually saying you will ride more than 250 miles w/o a pee break or leg stretch or 'human fuel' stop?

Maybe it has something to do with the IB Rally mentioned. I'm not familiar with that.

Thanks,
Robo
Robo, IBA (http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm) rules are very specific about using Aux tanks (size, installation, etc). Other long distance riding events often use the same rules as IBA and I can easily go past the 300 mile average range of my RT. I often ride through the night when many stations are closed and the extra range provides many benifits.

For me the cost and effort of a custom tank will be worth it in the end.

[bikerfish1100]

sounds like you've spent time on the IBA site- they have info on aux tank options.
my g/f ran one on her R11S for the '03 IB (its the red box on the Ventura rack).
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q13/bikerfish1100/gearedupforIB2003.jpg ran an automotive fuel pump (Napa or similar, about $25) placed under a rear side panel, simple rocker/toggle switch on the front panel. T'd into the low pressure fuel return feed.
yeah, sure makes those long stretches where the sidewalks get rolled up at 7pm feel a lot more secure.

btw- your bike is a hexhead. you might get more/better bike-specific responses if you post there in the future.

[ltljohn]

Here is a link to an aux fuel tank setup

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=439200&page=1