SB 00 021 07 (051) Engine Fuels Containing Ethanol

[Scott_]

00 021 07 (051) Engine Fuels Containing Ethanol Service Bulletin

[Concours21]

More expensive E5 (premium) Super petrol (European standard) usually does not contain bio-ethanol

From October 1, 2019, the European gas stations will be equipped with E10 gasoline. This is also made known at the petrol pump itself by a round sticker with 'E10' printed on it. This E10 fuel is basically the regular Euro95, which stands for an octane number of 95. However, not everyone is happy with this new fuel. This is evident from an earlier report by Dutch consumer program Radar. For example, moisture could easily enter the tank of motorcycles in winter storage due to evaporation of the bio-ethanol, which was confirmed many times in the comments below that article. For example, evaporation of E10 gasoline can quickly lead to rust in the fuel tank. In addition, the “green” component could affect plastic and rubber parts, such as fuel hoses and fuel pumps. So to be on the safe side, especially during the winter months, it's better to fill her up with a premium fuel without bio ethanol. www.k1100lt.jouwweb.nl

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I have found that my bricks run happily on E10 during the riding season when it seldom sits in the tank for more than a week.  Fuel efficiency loses a mile or two per gallon, but the higher cost of non-ethanol fuel is worse from a cost per mile basis. 

For winter storage I switch to non-ethanol for the last week or two of the riding season.  This runs the last remnants of E10 out of the system. 

Then, when putting the bike in storage I top off the tank with non-ethanol and add Stabil fuel stabilizer along with a little drygas and Techron fuel system cleaner.  Run the engine for a couple minutes to mix and circulate the additives and shut down for the winter. 

Bike always starts right up in the spring and runs great.  The rubber bits in the tank are holding up well under this operating regime.