How to Choose a Portable Fuel Can for Your Motorcycle: Tips for Handling and Benefits Explained

About portable fuel cans

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While it's common to refuel your motorcycle at a gas station each time you ride, a portable fuel can allows you to refuel anywhere.

Furthermore, having a portable fuel can during a touring trip eliminates worries about running out of gas even when traveling through mountainous areas without gas stations.

What is a portable fuel can?

A portable fuel can is a metal container used for carrying and transporting gasoline.

Just like a plastic tank, it allows you to store and carry gasoline, so you can stock up on fuel for emergencies or disasters, and also refuel lawnmowers, snow blowers, and other equipment at home or work.

Since it handles gasoline, a dangerous substance, it must be of a quality that has passed tests such as drop tests and airtightness tests. When choosing a portable fuel can, it is ideal to choose one with a KHK mark or UN mark, which are certifications of conformity to safety standards.

Types of portable fuel cans

Portable fuel cans are categorized by their material into three types: "metal can type," "bottle can type," and "high-density polyethylene type."

They also differ in capacity, ranging from about 0.5L to about 20L, with 22L being the maximum allowed by the Fire Service Act.

Due to an arson incident in Nagoya in 2003, gasoline can now only be purchased by directly refueling motorcycles or cars, or by using a portable fuel can that complies with fire safety regulations.

Advantages of portable fuel cans

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Portable fuel cans allow you to transport and store gasoline, and they also offer the following advantages:

Advantage 1: Emergency reserve fuel
Advantage 2: Peace of mind even with a small fuel tank
Advantage 3: Can share with stranded riders

Let's explain each in turn.

Advantage 1: Emergency reserve fuel

A portable fuel can is advantageous because it can be used as reserve fuel in situations where it's difficult to secure gasoline, such as when there's no gas station nearby.

When traveling long stretches on mountain roads without gas stations, having a portable fuel can will give you peace of mind.

Furthermore, during disasters, securing gasoline becomes difficult, but a portable fuel can can sometimes serve as an emergency fuel reserve.

Advantage 2: Peace of mind even with a small fuel tank

Vehicles with small fuel tanks require frequent refueling, but a portable fuel can reduce the number of trips to the gas station.

Also, when driving through areas without gas stations, you can refuel from the portable fuel can, extending your driving range.

Advantage 3: Can share with stranded riders

Another advantage is that you can share gasoline from your portable fuel can with a rider who has run out of gas.

If a friend runs out of gas during a touring trip, you can share with them, and it can also be used as insurance for sections without gas stations.

If you give a stranded biker enough gas to get to a gas station, you can prevent the worst-case scenario of having to push their bike.

How to choose a portable fuel can

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There are various types of portable fuel cans, and it is necessary to choose one according to your purpose, environment of transport, and storage location.

Here are the key points to consider when choosing a portable fuel can:

Check if it complies with the Fire Service Act's safety performance standards.
For motorcycles, 1L capacity is a good guide.
Sturdy metal is reassuring.
If storing, choose one that is difficult to tip over.
If you want more safety, choose one with a pressure adjustment screw.

Selection Tip 1: Check for compliance with Fire Service Act safety performance standards

It is recommended to choose a portable fuel can that has passed the performance tests of the Fire Service Act, as it handles highly flammable gasoline.

The "KHK mark" is a certification that indicates compliance with performance tests, and it is displayed on portable fuel cans that meet the technical safety standards for hazardous materials.

Before choosing the capacity or shape of a portable fuel can, first check for the presence of the KHK mark.

Selection Tip 2: For motorcycles, a capacity of about 1L is a good guide

For motorcycle portable fuel cans, a bottle-type with about 1 liter capacity is recommended.

If the capacity is too large, it becomes more cumbersome to carry and the weight increases, making it unsuitable for motorcycle transport.

Depending on the motorcycle, 1 liter of gasoline can provide approximately 30 km of travel for a mid-size motorcycle and 25 km for a large motorcycle, which should be enough to reach a gas station from most locations.

Selection Tip 3: Sturdy metal is reassuring

Portable fuel cans come in "metal type" and "high-density polyethylene type," but metal is recommended because it is durable and less likely to leak gasoline.

High-density polyethylene types are lightweight and easy to carry, but they are more susceptible to impact and less durable than metal, so care must be taken in handling them.

If you're considering carrying it for a motorcycle, a bottle-type metal portable fuel can is recommended.

Selection Tip 4: If storing, choose one that is difficult to tip over

If you plan to store gasoline in it for a while, a metal portable fuel can with a large, stable base is recommended.

Liquids should generally be stored upright, and if the can tips over during storage, gasoline could leak, which is dangerous. Therefore, choose a portable fuel can that is designed to be stable.

The ideal storage location for gasoline is an area with good ventilation, away from open flames and direct sunlight. However, gasoline deteriorates over time in storage, so it should be used up within approximately 3 to 6 months of purchase.

Selection Tip 5: For greater safety, choose one with a pressure adjustment screw

If you plan to store gasoline in a portable fuel can, choose one with a pressure adjustment screw.

The pressure adjustment screw releases the internal pressure that builds up during storage, allowing the lid to be opened safely.

Gasoline is highly volatile, so internal pressure in the can can build up during storage, causing gasoline to spray out when the lid is opened, or making it more prone to ignition from even a small spark or static electricity, which is dangerous.

A pressure adjustment screw allows you to reduce the internal pressure of the can before opening the lid, ensuring safe use. However, some small portable cans may not have this feature.

Precautions when handling portable fuel cans

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There are precautions to observe when handling portable fuel cans, which contain flammable gasoline.

Mishandling can, in the worst case, lead to fires or explosions. Therefore, if you are considering using a portable fuel can, or if you already use one, please refer to this information for safe handling.

Caution 1: Can only be filled at full-service gas stations.

Portable fuel cans can only be filled at staffed gas stations.

Due to the Fire Service Act, even at self-service stations, users are not allowed to refuel their own portable fuel cans. Always ask a gas station attendant to refuel it for you.

Some self-service stations with staff on duty may refuse to fill portable fuel cans, so it is recommended to refuel at a full-service station.

Caution 2: Do not store gasoline for long periods in the can.

Gasoline deteriorates over time, so avoid long-term storage in a portable fuel can.

Ideally, you should use it within 3 to 6 months after filling, but in summer when temperatures are high, deterioration progresses faster, so it's recommended to use it within 3 months.

Store it in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

Caution 3: Do not store in direct sunlight or high-temperature areas.

Gasoline's deterioration rate is affected by temperature, so store it away from direct sunlight and high-temperature areas.

High temperatures can accelerate evaporation and increase internal pressure, so store it in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.

Caution 4: Regularly open the lid to prevent internal pressure build-up in the portable can.

When storing gasoline in a portable fuel can, regularly open the lid to prevent internal pressure from building up.

Gasoline is highly volatile, and when stored in a portable can, the internal pressure can increase, causing gasoline to spray out when the lid is opened, or making it more prone to ignition.

To prevent internal pressure from building up, regularly open the lid, or if the portable can has a pressure adjustment screw, use it to regularly reduce the internal pressure.

Caution 5: Turn off the engine when refueling a motorcycle.

When refueling a motorcycle from a portable fuel can, always do so with the motorcycle engine turned off.

The reason for turning off the engine during refueling is that gasoline is highly volatile and becomes flammable when vaporized.

Additionally, filling the tank to the very brim can cause spills, and if gasoline gets on the tires, it can lead to slipping. Therefore, avoid filling the tank to the very brim.

Caution 6: Check for nearby ignition sources when refueling.

Gasoline is highly volatile and flammable, so when refueling, check for nearby ignition sources before proceeding.

Also, static electricity or sparks can cause ignition, so be careful not to bump metal objects or generate static electricity during refueling.

Some people at self-service stations occasionally tap the fuel nozzle against the fuel filler opening to prevent dripping after refueling, but this can generate static electricity or sparks and lead to ignition, which is dangerous.

Recommended portable fuel cans and accessories for motorcycles

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In this section, we will introduce 5 recommended portable fuel cans and their accessories.

If you are looking for a portable fuel can, please refer to this information.

Kijima Motorcycle Portable Fuel Can

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The Kijima "Motorcycle Portable Fuel Can" is a portable fuel can that comes with a convenient holder for motorcycle transport.

The holder can be secured to the motorcycle frame with release straps, and the portable can be easily removed when in use.

With a capacity of 0.9L (900cc) and a convenient nozzle for refueling, it's a portable can suitable for bikers, allowing for smooth transport and refueling.

Manufacturer: Kijima
Product name: Motorcycle Portable Fuel Can
Capacity: 0.9L (900cc)
Material: Steel plate
Fire Service Act compliant, UN tested and confirmed
Sales price (incl. tax): 10,596 yen

Pro TOOLs Portable Fuel Can Green 10L

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/cj-tool471

Convenient for storing gasoline is the 10L Pro TOOLs "Portable Fuel Can Green 10L".

The refueling nozzle is stored inside the tank, so you don't have to worry about losing it.

It also features an air adjustment screw to reduce internal pressure in the can and three handles for easy carrying by one or two people, making it a reliable portable can for storage and refueling.

Manufacturer: Pro TOOLs
Product Name: Portable Fuel Can Green 10L
Capacity: 10L
Material: Steel plate
Sales price (incl. tax): 6,672 yen

ETHOS RED CAMEL Portable Fuel Can

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The ETHOS "RED CAMEL Portable Fuel Can" catches the eye with its stylish red design.

Refueling the portable can is done through the filler opening slightly in the center at the top of the main body, and refueling a motorcycle is easily done by simply removing the nozzle cap at the tip of the nozzle, keeping your hands clean.

With a capacity of 1L, it's a compact, bottle-type portable can suitable for carrying on a motorcycle.

Manufacturer: ETHOS Design
Product name: RED CAMEL Portable Fuel Can
Capacity: 1L
Material: Steel plate
Sales price (incl. tax): 4,584 yen

Pro TOOLs Portable Fuel Can Green 20L

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/cj-tool552

For those looking for a larger portable fuel can, the Pro TOOLs "Portable Fuel Can Green" with a capacity of 20L is recommended.

It is a fire-service-law-compliant product with UN certification, and the main unit weighs 3.8L.

It also features an air adjustment screw to reduce internal pressure, and the refueling nozzle is integrated into the cap, allowing for smooth refueling.

Manufacturer: Pro TOOLs
Product name: Portable Fuel Can Green
Capacity: 20L
Material: Steel plate
Sales price (incl. tax): 6,290 yen

ETHOS RED CAMEL Portable Fuel Can 5L

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

The ETHOS "Red Camel Portable Fuel Can 5L" allows for smooth refueling by simply removing the nozzle cap.

It comes with a shoulder strap and is a UN-compliant product, treated as equivalent to a "UN Recommended Transport of Dangerous Goods" container under the Fire Service Act.

With a capacity of 5L, it is not suitable for motorcycle transport, but it is recommended for those looking for a portable fuel can for storage that is easy to refuel and carry.

Manufacturer: ETHOS
Product name: Red Camel Portable Fuel Can 5L
Capacity: 5L
Material: Steel plate
Sales price (incl. tax): 7,469 yen

Pro TOOLs Portable Fuel Can Refueling Nozzle with Gasket

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/cj-27641057

This is a replacement refueling nozzle for Pro TOOLs "Portable Fuel Can Green".

It is compatible with the 10L and 20L Portable Fuel Can Green and comes with a gasket to prevent gasoline leaks during refueling.

Manufacturer: Pro TOOLs
Product name: Portable Fuel Can Refueling Nozzle with Gasket
Sales price (incl. tax): 523 yen

FAQ about motorcycle portable fuel cans

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In this section, we have compiled "frequently asked questions and doubts" and their "answers" regarding motorcycle portable fuel cans.

If you are considering introducing a portable fuel can, are interested in one, or already own one and plan to use it, please refer to this information.

How long does gasoline last in a portable can?

Gasoline deteriorates over time, and ideally, it should be used within about six months when stored in a portable can.

Generally, it is said to last 8 to 9 months from the time it is filled directly into the fuel tank, but deterioration progresses faster on hot days.

To avoid engine trouble, it is best to use it up as soon as possible.

Can I refuel my portable fuel can myself at a self-service gas station?

Due to fire safety regulations, users are not allowed to refuel their own portable fuel cans.

You must always ask a gas station attendant to refuel your portable can. However, at self-service stations where users are expected to refuel themselves, they may refuse to fill your portable can.

It is recommended to ask for portable can refueling at a full-service station, if possible.

Is it okay to use a kerosene container as a portable fuel can for gasoline?

You cannot put gasoline into plastic containers designed for kerosene or water.

Gasoline is more volatile and flammable than kerosene, so putting it in an incorrect container could lead to ignition due to static electricity or leaks.

To avoid serious accidents, always put gasoline into a portable fuel can designed specifically for gasoline.

How do I attach a portable fuel can to my motorcycle?

When loading a portable fuel can onto a motorcycle, you can secure it to the motorcycle frame with a dedicated holder or similar device. If it's a compact bottle type, you can also carry it in a bag.

When installing a portable fuel can on your motorcycle, choose a location where engine heat won't be transferred and that won't interfere with your riding.

I heard portable fuel cans can explode... is that true?

Gasoline is highly volatile, and when stored in a portable fuel can, it continuously vaporizes, increasing the internal pressure of the can.

If the internal pressure continues to rise, in the worst case, the can could rupture and ignite. To prevent explosions, regularly open the lid or use the air adjustment screw to reduce the internal pressure.