Transporting reserve fuel on a motorcycle: Which solution is right? (2026)
Anyone traveling by motorcycle knows the problem: the gas station is farther away than expected, a mountain pass is closed, or there is no refueling opportunity for hours on an offroad trail. For exactly these situations, there are different solutions for safely transporting reserve fuel.
But which one fits your purpose best?
When is additional fuel worthwhile?
A fuel reserve is especially useful for:
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Motorcycle trips through Scandinavia or Iceland
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Morocco and desert regions
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Balkan tours
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Offroad and adventure tours
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Overlanding with motorcycle or 4x4
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Expeditions to remote regions
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Enduro competitions
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Vehicles with small tank range
Often, 3 to 6 liters are enough to comfortably reach the next gas station.
The different solutions
Primus Fuel Bottle
The smallest solution.
Perfect for:
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Gas stove
-
small emergency reserve
-
Enduros
-
Motorcycles with very little storage space
They are made of painted aluminum and are excellent for small amounts of fuel.
Desert Fox Fuel Cells
The Desert Fox Fuel Cells are among the most popular solutions for adventure riders.
Trail 3L
Ideal for:
-
Europe
-
Alps
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Day trips
-
small safety reserve
When empty, it can be rolled up to save space.
Overland 6L
The bestseller for long-distance travel.
Ideal for:
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Morocco
-
Iceland
-
Norway
-
Balkan tours
-
long adventure trips
6 liters already provide many motorcycles with an additional range of 100 to over 150 kilometers.
Xtreme 20L
The solution for expeditions.
Suitable for:
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Africa
-
Central Asia
-
Deserts
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Support vehicles
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4x4 Overlanding
Those traveling several days without a gas station benefit from the large capacity.
Giant Loop Armadillo Bag
The Armadillo Bags are among the highest quality flexible fuel bladders on the market.
Available in:
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3.8 liters
-
7.6 liters
-
11.4 liters
-
18.9 liters
They consist of an RF-welded TPU inner bladder with a durable Cordura® outer shell. Each inner bladder is individually pressure tested at the factory before shipment. When empty, the Armadillo Bags can be rolled up extremely compactly and take up very little space. The materials are compatible with gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other vehicle fluids. (Motorrad Venture)
Plastic or metal jerry cans
Classic rigid jerry cans remain a good solution when regularly transporting larger amounts of fuel.
Advantages
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very robust
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easy to fill
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ideal for vehicles
Disadvantages
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cumbersome
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bulky even when empty
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require permanent storage space
Flexible fuel bladders are often much more practical for motorcycles.
How to securely fasten reserve fuel?
A full fuel container must never move.
ROK Straps
ROK Straps have been among the most popular tension straps in the adventure sector for years.
By combining webbing and elastic elements, they hold the fuel container securely and prevent slipping – even on corrugated roads or gravel.
Steelcore Security Straps
Those who often leave their motorcycle unattended will find a clever solution here.
Steelcore straps have an integrated stainless steel cable core. This prevents the fuel container from being easily cut or taken. They combine secure fastening with additional theft protection.
Which solution suits you?
|
Use |
Recommendation |
|---|---|
|
Gas stove |
Primus Fuel Bottle |
|
Day tour |
Desert Fox Trail 3L |
|
Motorcycle trip Europe |
Desert Fox Trail 3L or Giant Loop 3.8 L |
|
Scandinavia, Iceland |
Desert Fox Overland 6L or Giant Loop 7.6 L |
|
Morocco |
Overland 6L or Giant Loop 11.4 L |
|
World trip |
Giant Loop 18.9 L or Desert Fox Xtreme 20L |
|
4x4 Overlanding |
Giant Loop 18.9 L or Xtreme 20L |
What legal considerations are there?
Reserve fuel should only be transported in suitable containers. Additionally, the container must be securely fastened and comply with the regulations of the country as well as, if applicable, the ferry company. Flexible fuel bladders are especially intended for use on trips and expeditions; legal requirements may vary by country.
Conclusion
Whether a small Primus Fuel Bottle, compact Desert Fox Fuel Cell, Giant Loop Armadillo Bag, or classic canister – the best solution depends on your motorcycle and your travel destination.
For most adventure riders, 3 to 6 liters of reserve fuel is completely sufficient. Those planning expeditions or traveling with a 4x4 benefit from larger flexible solutions up to 20 liters.
Just as important as the right container is secure fastening. With high-quality ROK Straps or Steelcore Security Straps, your fuel reserve stays securely in place even on demanding routes.
Find here our complete selection of solutions for safe fuel transport
