I ran the Guzzi dry at the weekend. I wanted to find out:

a) Whether the reserve tap works.

b) Exactly how far I can go between stops.

I purchased a 4 litre reserve can that fits nicely in the boot of the chair. I figured that would be enough to see me to the nearest garage in Central Melbourne. I brimmed the tank and went for a long (urban) ride, finally running dry at 180 miles indicated. (Next I need to find out whether the distance I’m seeing is accurate – another job on the list!). Assuming it is, then I have the following facts and figures for the anoraks out there:

Range on one tank : 180 Miles / 290 Kms.

Fuel Capacity : 4.4 UK Gallons / 20 Litres.

Fuel Economy : 40 Mpg / 14.5 kms/litre or 6.9 Litres/100km

With the spare can I can get an extra 36 Miles, or 57kms. I wonder if that’s enough? I could always take a steel 20l jerry can and attach it between the bike and the chair, which would double my range – but will fuel stops really be 600kms apart? I hope not! It’s also a lot of extra weight to carry. For now I’ll stick with my 4l spare.

Oh, and the reserve taps? Nope, they don’t work any more.