ethanol?

jrock · 04-11-2006, 09:11 AM

Well we're looking at another great summer with great gas prices expecting to be higher than last year's average. Is anyone smart enough to know if we can convert our bikes to run on Ethanol? I know the Indy Car series this year is a mixture (10% Ethanol). Next year they plan on running 100% Ethanol. These oil Companies are a bunch of a-holes.

any body got a clue?

RACER X · 04-11-2006, 09:27 AM

E85 is pretty common in the midwest, we run it when were up there, seems to have no effect on the car, so i bet you could just put it in the bike w/o probs.

B.S. Motorsports · 04-11-2006, 09:54 AM

yea but whats the octane rating compared to gasoline. Im not to famillier with ethonal so excuse my ignorance! but our bike have extreamly high compression ratios and octane is very important to there life....esspecially in the summer heat.

RACER X · 04-11-2006, 10:00 AM

depends on the bike, read the owners manual and see what it recommends, a friend of mine dynoed HI and LOW octane on his busa, it made more power w/ the low stuff. just cuz it's hi doesn't mean it's more necessary. also many people argue that alot of the added bonus of hi is lost from deteriorating while sitting in the gas stations storage tanks.......

and it's similar in octane to the low stuff i imagine.

B.S. Motorsports · 04-11-2006, 10:04 AM

yes you will always make more hp w/ lower octane fuel...Becouase its hitting harder the problem his detnation esp in the summer heat that becouase a serious problem...Most people who ride no in the summer our bikes will see temps in the 225 and higher some times..Not good when you have 12-1 compression and your running pea gas in it...

Just out of curiosity where do you buy this fuel from and how much does it usually run a gallon?

RACER X · 04-11-2006, 10:06 AM

never had a prob. w/ det. when commuting during the 4:00 rush hour, and i bet most eng. comps. can compensate for the lower octane by retarding the timing, these aren't carbed bikes. but then again i'm not a "pro: like you guy's..

i haven't seen any E85 in houston, i see it in Kansas when we go back there.

B.S. Motorsports · 04-11-2006, 10:14 AM

hmmmm so how much does this mystery fuel cost!

jrock · 04-11-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACER X

never had a prob. w/ det. when commuting during the 4:00 rush hour, and i bet most eng. comps. can compensate for the lower octane by retarding the timing, these aren't carbed bikes. but then again i'm not a "pro: like you guy's..

i haven't seen any E85 in houston, i see it in Kansas when we go back there.

Well, It looks like I will be paying $$$$ when I fill up the old bike this summer

.. But good golly my wifes car:BangHead: :BangHead:

B.S. Motorsports · 04-11-2006, 10:29 AM

I want answers!!!!!!!!!!!!

RACER X · 04-11-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.S. Motorsports

hmmmm so how much does this mystery fuel cost!

when we filled up, it was only a few cents cheaper.......not widely avail. plus we were out in the sticks.......i mean B fukin E..........the closest walmart was 50mi away.

Dumptruck · 04-11-2006, 10:47 AM

According to my owners manual "high" octane is either 87 or 89 I can't remember. But I do remember it was not above that because I was suprised it did not say 93.

rickykline · 04-11-2006, 11:17 AM

the only places that sale e85 around here are government owned places... NASA has it but its only to be used in their vehicles...

rickykline · 04-11-2006, 11:20 AM

he Kroger Co. today announced that 18 of its fuel stations in Texas will sell E85 fuel.

E85 is a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol, which is a renewable, domestic fuel. The use of E85 is thought to reduce greenhouse gases and the nation's dependence on petroleum.

Texas leads the nation with more than 250,000 E85 flexible fuel vehicles on the road. E85 flexible fuel vehicles can use both traditional gasoline and E85.

Kroger is making the station improvements needed to offer E85 in Dallas and Houston this summer, and more Kroger fuel centers could offer E85 as consumer demand grows, the company stated. Kroger will price E85 ethanol lower than regular, unleaded gasoline, and Kroger Plus Card customers receive the additional per gallon savings offered on all types of fuel.

Kroger operates more than 500 supermarket fueling stations nationwide, including more than 60 in Texas, all of which are located next to Kroger retail grocery stores. Kroger also operates more than 700 convenience-store fueling sites.

Marcu$Brooks · 04-11-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickykline

the only places that sale e85 around here are government owned places... NASA has it but its only to be used in their vehicles...

durstgt · 11:28 AM

Edit: I should have read the entire thread before replying, but most of my post is still relevant.

What is far more common than E85 (which is the gas-ethanol blend that has the big marketing push from GM right now) is E10 or "gasohol". E10 is a 10% mix of gasoline and ethanol, and will run fine in a FI engine. Most FI engines can adjust to E85, but to the best of my knowledge its not available in TX yet. If you do decide to run a gas-ethanol blend, expect to get lower mileage than you do with conventional fuel. The decreased mileage may negate any savings you get from a lower price per gallon. It is definitely an interesting idea though.

However, this is all moot for me, since my bike is carb'd. I would be interested to see if anyone runs E10 in their bike (which is probably available down here, its ALL OVER the eastern midwest) what kind of mileage/performance effects it has.

Edit pt 2: E85 has a high octane rating... its something over 110. It doesn't burn as efficiently as gasoline in a regular engine though.

rickykline · 04-11-2006, 11:24 AM

closest place as of right now saleing e85 is in san antionio.... no luck yet...

rickykline · 04-11-2006, 11:32 AM

e85 is only supposed to be used on ffv FLEX FUEL VEHICLES....... where as E10 can be used on any car..... dont confuse the two... you car may not run if you do......... :BangHead:

durstgt · 04-11-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickykline

e85 is only supposed to be used on ffv FLEX FUEL VEHICLES....... where as E10 can be used on any car..... dont confuse the two... you car may not run if you do......... :BangHead:

True, but there have been reports of E85 working in modern (non-FFV) FI engines.

That being said, I wouldn't try it.

Txlonestar · 04-11-2006, 11:42 AM

Ive been seeing some stations with placards that say 15% ethenal. I guess they are trying it out.

RACER X · 04-11-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickykline

e85 is only supposed to be used on ffv FLEX FUEL VEHICLES....... where as E10 can be used on any car..... dont confuse the two... you car may not run if you do......... :BangHead:

i ran E85 in the '93 camry and '05 chry. town and country this past summer........the T&C stalled 1x but i think it's just a dodge, the camry ran fine.

04-11-2006, 09:11 AM	#1
jrock straight shooter Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: back n H-Twn Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 11,769 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): 2003 Kawi ZX9r Green Machine-sold 1995 Honda CB 1000 Big One	ethanol? Well we're looking at another great summer with great gas prices expecting to be higher than last year's average. Is anyone smart enough to know if we can convert our bikes to run on Ethanol? I know the Indy Car series this year is a mixture (10% Ethanol). Next year they plan on running 100% Ethanol. These oil Companies are a bunch of a-holes. any body got a clue?
	__________________ "I get a total charge out of inspiring others to follow their dreams and not to fear change. Embrace it. Realize that money isn't the end-all, be-all. What is important, what really has value, is Time. As motorcyclists, we all face increased risks on the road, and on the track. Do something with your time; don't have a bag full of regrets when the train comes to a stop. "

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04-11-2006, 09:27 AM	#2
RACER X what R you lookin' at? Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, Tx Feedback Rating: (26) Posts: 34,517 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 8 Bike(s): 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S '14 Honda GROM! 181cc of fury!!-SOLD '10 Aprilia Tuono Factory-SOLD '08 Busa - sold A few more sold	E85 is pretty common in the midwest, we run it when were up there, seems to have no effect on the car, so i bet you could just put it in the bike w/o probs.
	__________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S/R

04-11-2006, 09:54 AM	#3
B.S. Motorsports non agent jake Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: S.E. all by my self Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,788 Bike(s): 20th ann. gsxr 750	yea but whats the octane rating compared to gasoline. Im not to famillier with ethonal so excuse my ignorance! but our bike have extreamly high compression ratios and octane is very important to there life....esspecially in the summer heat.
	__________________ ____________________________________ [/IMG][/ !!If it aint its !!

04-11-2006, 10:00 AM	#4
RACER X what R you lookin' at? Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, Tx Feedback Rating: (26) Posts: 34,517 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 8 Bike(s): 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S '14 Honda GROM! 181cc of fury!!-SOLD '10 Aprilia Tuono Factory-SOLD '08 Busa - sold A few more sold	depends on the bike, read the owners manual and see what it recommends, a friend of mine dynoed HI and LOW octane on his busa, it made more power w/ the low stuff. just cuz it's hi doesn't mean it's more necessary. also many people argue that alot of the added bonus of hi is lost from deteriorating while sitting in the gas stations storage tanks....... and it's similar in octane to the low stuff i imagine.
	__________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S/R

04-11-2006, 10:04 AM	#5
B.S. Motorsports non agent jake Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: S.E. all by my self Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,788 Bike(s): 20th ann. gsxr 750	yes you will always make more hp w/ lower octane fuel...Becouase its hitting harder the problem his detnation esp in the summer heat that becouase a serious problem...Most people who ride no in the summer our bikes will see temps in the 225 and higher some times..Not good when you have 12-1 compression and your running pea gas in it... Just out of curiosity where do you buy this fuel from and how much does it usually run a gallon?
	__________________ ____________________________________ [/IMG][/ !!If it aint its !!

04-11-2006, 10:06 AM	#6
RACER X what R you lookin' at? Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, Tx Feedback Rating: (26) Posts: 34,517 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 8 Bike(s): 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S '14 Honda GROM! 181cc of fury!!-SOLD '10 Aprilia Tuono Factory-SOLD '08 Busa - sold A few more sold	never had a prob. w/ det. when commuting during the 4:00 rush hour, and i bet most eng. comps. can compensate for the lower octane by retarding the timing, these aren't carbed bikes. but then again i'm not a "pro: like you guy's.. i haven't seen any E85 in houston, i see it in Kansas when we go back there.
	__________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 2015 Ducati Monster 1200S/R

04-11-2006, 10:14 AM	#7
B.S. Motorsports non agent jake Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: S.E. all by my self Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,788 Bike(s): 20th ann. gsxr 750	hmmmm so how much does this mystery fuel cost!
	__________________ ____________________________________ [/IMG][/ !!If it aint its !!

04-11-2006, 10:29 AM	#9
B.S. Motorsports non agent jake Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: S.E. all by my self Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,788 Bike(s): 20th ann. gsxr 750	I want answers!!!!!!!!!!!!
	__________________ ____________________________________ [/IMG][/ !!If it aint its !!

04-11-2006, 10:47 AM	#11
Dumptruck Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Richmond TX Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 289 Experience: 8 years Bike(s): None 03 GSXR 1K Canadian Edition SOLD 05 SV650S SOLD 89 Katana SOLD	According to my owners manual "high" octane is either 87 or 89 I can't remember. But I do remember it was not above that because I was suprised it did not say 93.

04-11-2006, 11:17 AM	#12
rickykline super squid Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Porte Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,158 Experience: 6 years Trackdays: 2 Bike(s): 1999 yamaha r1 RIP 2005 zx10r	the only places that sale e85 around here are government owned places... NASA has it but its only to be used in their vehicles...
	__________________ its RICKY KLINE I WISH MY GRASS WAS EMO SO IT WOULD CUT ITSELF....

04-11-2006, 11:20 AM	#13
rickykline super squid Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Porte Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,158 Experience: 6 years Trackdays: 2 Bike(s): 1999 yamaha r1 RIP 2005 zx10r	he Kroger Co. today announced that 18 of its fuel stations in Texas will sell E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol, which is a renewable, domestic fuel. The use of E85 is thought to reduce greenhouse gases and the nation's dependence on petroleum. Texas leads the nation with more than 250,000 E85 flexible fuel vehicles on the road. E85 flexible fuel vehicles can use both traditional gasoline and E85. Kroger is making the station improvements needed to offer E85 in Dallas and Houston this summer, and more Kroger fuel centers could offer E85 as consumer demand grows, the company stated. Kroger will price E85 ethanol lower than regular, unleaded gasoline, and Kroger Plus Card customers receive the additional per gallon savings offered on all types of fuel. Kroger operates more than 500 supermarket fueling stations nationwide, including more than 60 in Texas, all of which are located next to Kroger retail grocery stores. Kroger also operates more than 700 convenience-store fueling sites.
	__________________ its RICKY KLINE I WISH MY GRASS WAS EMO SO IT WOULD CUT ITSELF....

04-11-2006, 11:23 AM	#15
durstgt Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 35 Bike(s): 2001 Ducati M750	Edit: I should have read the entire thread before replying, but most of my post is still relevant. What is far more common than E85 (which is the gas-ethanol blend that has the big marketing push from GM right now) is E10 or "gasohol". E10 is a 10% mix of gasoline and ethanol, and will run fine in a FI engine. Most FI engines can adjust to E85, but to the best of my knowledge its not available in TX yet. If you do decide to run a gas-ethanol blend, expect to get lower mileage than you do with conventional fuel. The decreased mileage may negate any savings you get from a lower price per gallon. It is definitely an interesting idea though. However, this is all moot for me, since my bike is carb'd. I would be interested to see if anyone runs E10 in their bike (which is probably available down here, its ALL OVER the eastern midwest) what kind of mileage/performance effects it has. Edit pt 2: E85 has a high octane rating... its something over 110. It doesn't burn as efficiently as gasoline in a regular engine though.
	Last edited by durstgt; 04-11-2006 at 11:28 AM.

04-11-2006, 11:24 AM	#16
rickykline super squid Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Porte Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,158 Experience: 6 years Trackdays: 2 Bike(s): 1999 yamaha r1 RIP 2005 zx10r	closest place as of right now saleing e85 is in san antionio.... no luck yet...
	__________________ its RICKY KLINE I WISH MY GRASS WAS EMO SO IT WOULD CUT ITSELF....

04-11-2006, 11:32 AM	#17
rickykline super squid Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Porte Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 5,158 Experience: 6 years Trackdays: 2 Bike(s): 1999 yamaha r1 RIP 2005 zx10r	e85 is only supposed to be used on ffv FLEX FUEL VEHICLES....... where as E10 can be used on any car..... dont confuse the two... you car may not run if you do......... :BangHead:
	__________________ its RICKY KLINE I WISH MY GRASS WAS EMO SO IT WOULD CUT ITSELF....

04-11-2006, 11:42 AM	#19
Txlonestar Private Pilot Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Missouri City Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 533 Experience: 2 years Trackdays: 1 Bike(s): 1991 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 (sold) 2003 ZZR600 (wrecked) 99 Ninja 500R (sold)	Ive been seeing some stations with placards that say 15% ethenal. I guess they are trying it out.
	__________________ ~Anthony Pull back on stick houses get small. Keep pulling back and passengers scream.