Mini fire extinguishers

[Scout63]

After my Commando caught fire in the air cleaner the other week I purchased a couple of mini extinguishers.  I’ll try to figure out a good mounting system for each bike or maybe just get a few more and keep one in each backpack and set of bags. This is the second fire in under a year so it’s either give up vintage bikes or take the extinguishers seriously.

[Dirk_S]

Perhaps a tractor manual canister or, if you want to show it off, using one of these...?

[lucky phil]

After my Commando caught fire in the air cleaner the other week I purchased a couple of mini extinguishers.  I’ll try to figure out a good mounting system for each bike or maybe just get a few more and keep one in each backpack and set of bags. This is the second fire in under a year so it’s either give up vintage bikes or take the extinguishers seriously.

Whats causing the filter fires? backfiring on starting? seems fixing that is the answer not lugging an extinguisher around.

Ciao

[moto-uno]

 If you mount it just right , it can look like a nitrous bottle !! Peter

[Knuckle Dragger]

Bicycle water bottle cradle/carrier zip-tied to a downtube?

[Scout63]

Whats causing the filter fires? backfiring on starting? seems fixing that is the answer not lugging an extinguisher around.

Ciao

The Commando backfired very slightly on a cold weather start, then I closed the air slide and it started. After I ran it for about five minutes and shut it down I saw the stock paper filter glowing inside the screen housing. Then it turned into a flame.  I shot a small burst from my garage extinguisher into the air box from each side.

I like to think it was a confluence of factors and not likely to happen again, but carrying a small extinguisher seems wise.  Good mounting suggestions.

[Perazzimx14]

You'll also have be disciplined and spend a few minutes being a fire watch every time you turn the bike off.

[ozarquebus]

I tried to find a truly small fire extinguisher a few years back with no luck. Finally went to an actual safety equipment store and inquired. They told me a minimal size "fire" was actually defined by federal regulation and a fire extinguisher must be large enough to put out that specified size "fire" to be sold. Therefore a truly mini fire extinguisher is not even manufactured in US. Smallest is about 1 Liter size. There are some very small antique brass pump types around you could fill with soda water.
 Now, however it looks like they have gotten around the regulation by calling them 'fire suppressors' and here is a 16 oz example.

[lucky phil]

The Commando backfired very slightly on a cold weather start, then I closed the air slide and it started. After I ran it for about five minutes and shut it down I saw the stock paper filter glowing inside the screen housing. Then it turned into a flame.  I shot a small burst from my garage extinguisher into the air box from each side.

I like to think it was a confluence of factors and not likely to happen again, but carrying a small extinguisher seems wise.  Good mounting suggestions.

Is the ignition system stock or is it fitted with an aftermarket electronic unit? I was reading recently where a LOT of the aftermarket electronic systems are still live even with the ignition system off which has caused fires on shut down. You turn the ignition off and the engine gives a little cough back into the intake but the electronic system is still active and ignites the fuel and a fire results. just a thought. Seems crazy to need to carry an extinguisher around with you and remember to do a fire check every time you stop the bike.

Ciao 

[reidy]

You could always invest in a couple of Australian mini fire extinguishers. Just give them a good shake and crack them open. Puts out a good spray of foam. They are quite reasonably priced and you can get them in a single, six or twenty four pack. I have seen some in 30 packs as well. 

[lucky phil]

You could always invest in a couple of Australian mini fire extinguishers. Just give them a good shake and crack them open. Puts out a good spray of foam. They are quite reasonably priced and you can get them in a single, six or twenty four pack. I have seen some in 30 packs as well. 

True, didn't think of that
Ciao

[Bobic69]

I've seen adventure bike riders attach 4" PVC plumber's pipe with screw cap ends for storage. Painted black they're pretty discreet. I reckon a small extinguisher would fit nicely in one of those.

[Joliet Jim]

I could have used one yesterday when the Centauro caught fire (briefly), and years ago when the Trident had an electrical fire while i was on it. Nothing like flames in your crotch right by the gas taps to make you want to dismount really quickly.