Petrol vs Gasoline.. Engine same or different?
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Alexandria, VA
Petrol vs Gasoline.. Engine same or different?
I will be relocating to Africa for a couple years for Govt work and was hoping to take my HD Iron there. Cant take the cars as they drive on the left side there and the steering will be on the right. I dont want to sell my bike but I see that the vehicles available there are all petrol bikes and cars.
Is it a different engine for petrol vs gasoline. I see some confusion as to petrol and gasoline being same, but I also see that gasoline is more refined? Is it true? Can I use the motorcycle made for US in Africa and use Petrol? Please advise
Also appreciate any other tips on international moving..
TIA
Is it a different engine for petrol vs gasoline. I see some confusion as to petrol and gasoline being same, but I also see that gasoline is more refined? Is it true? Can I use the motorcycle made for US in Africa and use Petrol? Please advise
Also appreciate any other tips on international moving..
TIA
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
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From: SoCal
Keep in mind the octane posted will most likely be research octane not like our gasoline here is labeled. Ours is research octane plus motor octane(usually 8 to 12 lower than research) divided by 2 for anti knock index. That's how our "octane" is arrived at.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 600
Likes: 10
From: Rochester, NY
Most of the world calls gasoline petrol. We just call it gasoline in the US. Regardless, it's the same thing. The quality of the fuel will be the concern. It's also going to be much more expensive. I would check with the US embassy in the location you're relocating to for information on vehicle theft, petrol, vehicle registration and operation, and drivers license restrictions before you make any decisions. You may also want to ask Harley about the differences with the bikes they sell overseas. You can always ask someone that has gone before you as well. If you will have access to a nearby US military base then I would fill-up there. Also, the nicer ones sometimes have Harley dealerships on them and they can help you with shipping the bike.
As for driving, the rule of thumb is "Driver to the Center Line". In the US we drive on the right-side and our cars are left-hand drive. That puts the center line of the road to our left. In left-side drive countries the opposite it true. The center line will be to your right in a right-hand drive car. If you can remember that you should be fine. Don't worry, if you can't, you'll only have to turn into oncoming traffic a few times before you do. Also it may take a few weeks before you stop getting into the left hand side of the car.
Good Luck!
As for driving, the rule of thumb is "Driver to the Center Line". In the US we drive on the right-side and our cars are left-hand drive. That puts the center line of the road to our left. In left-side drive countries the opposite it true. The center line will be to your right in a right-hand drive car. If you can remember that you should be fine. Don't worry, if you can't, you'll only have to turn into oncoming traffic a few times before you do. Also it may take a few weeks before you stop getting into the left hand side of the car.
Good Luck!
Last edited by enodrano; Sep 18, 2015 at 05:14 PM.
Road Master
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From: Cedar BC
Least of my concerns,I would be more worried about being kidnapped,tortured and dismembered then left to slowly die...
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Rhode Island
He said he is going to Africa not Baltimore.
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From: Bedford UK
I've travelled in Europe and North America on my left-hand drive bike as well as an auto. Ain't nuttin' to it. As a visitor you are likely to have up to 6 months during which you will not need to do anything to your vehicle, car or bike. After that you may have to comply with local regulations on lighting, possibly noise levels if you have loud pipes. If you have custom lighting it would be wise to restore them to stock, such as amber flashers.
I don't see any problem driving on the left in a lhd car and would be surprised if there is any compulsion. However if you are relocating with work for a US body why are they not giving you all the info you need at your destination? I have relatives who served in the US forces and they got swamped with paperwork on the stuff they needed to know!
I don't see any problem driving on the left in a lhd car and would be surprised if there is any compulsion. However if you are relocating with work for a US body why are they not giving you all the info you need at your destination? I have relatives who served in the US forces and they got swamped with paperwork on the stuff they needed to know!
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