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23 May 2013
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: yorkshire england
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super unleaded
hi there i thought super unleaded petrol had more ethonol in it so did not use it in my 1985 xt 600 , but a couple of weeks ago i was told this was not the case after checking this out and finding out super unleaded at the moment has no ethonol in it depending on your location in the uk ive been using it . the differance is amazing my xt is back to its punchy self , over the last 2 years or so using normal unleaded with ethonol in it the bike had started to feel weak and just not right , but now its back to its old self . check on the web for location and brand bp/ mobil/total etc for ethonol content . give it a go it is more expencive but i think mpg is better using it . zigzag
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23 May 2013
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: Wisconsin, USA
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Yep, here in the states even super or premium is having ethanol, some places not. I found mine doesn't like ethinal either, one of the issues I had with hard starting.
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23 May 2013
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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I experimented with use of E10 labelled fuel and what I think was non-ethanol fuel, purchased in France, a while ago and I got about 2-3 less MPG.
This is a well known fact concerning the use of ethanol blended fuels; there is a list of the main disadvantages of ethanol when used in fuel in the link below and there is no good news, especially for old engines, which are attacked in many ways, as listed.
Protect Your Vehicle Against Harmful Impact of Ethanol Blended Petrol | Frost Auto Restoration Techniques
Wiki has a similar list of disadvantages;-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_..._fuel_mixtures
I am surprised that this subject is not discussed in the HUBB in more detail; ethanol blending is not going away, any time soon.
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Dave
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23 May 2013
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Now there is one thing I was wondering about with ethanol in these older bikes would be the impact on the valve seats, among others. I know they are made for unleaded(at least the age of mine)which was the main problem at first but I wonder how much washing of lube or pre-detonation(#1 problem with ethanol, next is attacking rubber seals), even an almost undetectable amount, can shorten the life of some parts.
Around here some stations are pushing up to 15% of that junk, is there an additive that can be put in the tank, just as an extra helper for protection to the internals, aside from making sure there is no carbon buildup that can hold heat to ignite the ethanol prematurely. I have used Zeps engine treatment in my truck and it cleaned up the carbon, but I don't know if it would be wise to use in the bike motor.
For now I have a Shell that appears to not have any "tainted" premium, but it would be nice to have to just use that gas.
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23 May 2013
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I have found the few pence difference between ethanol fuel and 98 ron non ethanol to be cost effective as my Enfield gets significantly better mileage using 98 grade. as does my old Fiat car.
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23 May 2013
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hi as jjrider states i think ethonol leads to the old xts starting bad , mine was bad from cold but when hot no problem . the more you read about ethonol it seems very bad for our bikes , lets just hope super unleaded stays free from the stuff for as long as possabal . it just makes you wonder what great addative is next on the cards , what happened to JUST PETROL and good sparky stuff too . zigzag :confused1:
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
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Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
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New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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