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AMA Concerned about Higher Ethonal Levels  The American Motorcyclists Association has expressed concern about consequences of proposals that might allow gas stations to increase the level of ethanol in the fuel they sell. Currently, pump gasoline in the United States can contain up to 10% ethanol, which is used to increase octane, reduce carbon monoxide emissions and provide an alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Now, Minnesota is seeking permission from the EPA to allow the sale of fuel that includes 20% ethanol. That has led to the AMA’s concerns about the effects on motorcycle engines, which manufactures say are only designed and certified to run on fuels containing the current maximum 10% blend. The difference could be significant for several reasons; first, ethanol blends can create more heat inside an engine than conventional gasoline due to the resulting leaner mixtures, which has the potential to damage motorcycle engines. In addition, parts of the bike’s fuel system may be susceptible to more corrosive effects of higher concentrations of ethanol in gas. The AMA supports the use of cleaner burning fuels, but we are concerned about premature engine damage or failure while a bike is being ridden on a hiway if the allowable level of ethanol is raised to 20%. We are also concerned about any degradation in performance, fuel economy and rideability that may result from the long-term use of blended fuels with greater than 10% ethanol. The AMA notes that a pending EPA waver would open the door to the sale of 20% ethanol blends across the country, without any evaluation of the long-term consequences. That could force out existing blends and leave some riders without a suitable fuel choice for their bikes. - Dwight Palmer, TX-J Rider Education Officer Editor’s note. The November Wing World has an item in the WorkBench section on this topic, with this important addition: “Recently, another type of fuel has become available. Known as E85, it contains 85 percent ethanol, is often less expensive than straight gas, and is around 90 octane. DO NOT confuse this new fuel with gasohol. It is not suitable for use in any Gold Wing.” |
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