The US Environmental Protection Agency already authorized a completely new fuel formula generally known as E15 which contains approximately 15 percent alcohol by volume. Hardly ever heard of it? You will probably hear quite a lot about it this current year.
Ethanol based E15 fuel could become a critical issue for the motorcycle ownership group in 2012. E15 probably will develop at a fueling station near you, so you must be mindful in fact, extra careful if you use it inside your motorcycle’s gasoline tank.
2 years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency authorized this new type of fuel to be used in 2007 models and newer light-duty autos, which include cars, light-duty trucks, and medium passenger autos. Last year January, the EPA added model year 2001 – 2006 light-duty vehicles on the authorized listing. Versatile fuel autos, that are those specially designed to function on gasoline or any mixture of around 85 % ethanol, are approved to use E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), so they can also use E15. Having said that, it is important to us as motorcycle riders are the vehicles and engines not approved for ethanol mixed gas, which currently involves all motorcycles. Furthermore on the prohibited listing are automobiles with heavy-duty engines, such as buses and trucks; off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, and snowmobiles; small motor engine, which includes lawnmowers and chain saws; and many types of cars older than 2001.
The problem is that E15 burns hotter than conventional gasoline that contains a lower amount of ethanol. In motor engines not built to dissipate that excess temperature, damage such as rapid wear can be the outcome. Even though this is a concern for most motorcyclists, it is particularly troublesome for air-cooled engines. When considering all things in your car port, shed, and basement that runs on gasoline, you’ll probably find you have more unapproved engines (non-approved E15) than approved ones. To be sure whether a motor shouldn’t use E15, evaluate the owner’s handbook for whatever you have that runs on petrol. Whenever you look into the gas specifications it’s very likely that you’ll find a statement saying you should only use gas with no more than 10 percent ethanol by volume or you’ll void the warranty.
Follow this concern and become an informed consumer. Anyone with a financial desire for ethanol will be quick to say we have absolutely nothing to be worried about. Don’t take his word for it; explore the details and decide for yourself.
Ultimately, getting in contact with your government elected authorities to share your personal viewpoints with ethanol in gasoline is a powerful way to affect their position over the issue.
So what’s the conclusion on E15 for riders? Currently, you can not utilize it in your motorcycle without having risking problems with your motor engine. Even if E15 is at some point approved for usage in newer motorbikes, pay careful attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines so you don’t void your bikes warranty.
As much as you care for your engine, consider taking extra care in choosing bike parts like brake systems, Z Bars, chains, cables, forks, and many more. Make sure they are made from the highest quality and installed by professionals to make your driving experience comfortably safe.
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