The reason E10 fuel has hit the headlines recently is because the UK Government has announced a consultation proposing the changing of the standard fuel available in the UK, from the current E5 grade with E10.
The current E5 grade of petrol available is named as such because it has a 5% bioethanol content in the petroleum, which has been added in order to reduce CO2 emissions. The proposed plan would change E5 for E10 which, as the name suggests, ups that bioethnanol content to 10%.
The idea behind making the change to the grade of fuel is all based around government targets for reducing emissions of CO2, as it’s legally bound to do. Adding more ethanol to petrol reduces the amount of CO2 being emitted by the country as a whole.
It would appear non-ethanol fuel will still be available after the introduction of E10 as the ‘normal’ unleaded option but it seems it will be offered as a ‘premium’ option. This is likely to have the same cost premium as super unleaded does today.
What does increasing the bioethanol content mean for motorcycles?
There are lots of motorcycles out there that aren’t going to notice any issues with the switch to E10; particularly newer bikes which have been engineered to run on standard unleaded, E5 and E10.
E10 fuel is already on sale – and has been for some years – in many countries in Europe and manufacturers like BMW have ensured their motorcycles work with E10.
However, for older motorcycles, which were never designed to run on petrol with any kind of bioethanol content, there are potentially some serious issues that can be very problematic.
Those motorcycles with fibreglass or plastic fuel tanks are particularly at risk as E10 can cause damage to fibreglass, causing it to distort. Older motorcycles may also have fuel hoses and metal components in inlet manifolds that can react with the ethanol too.
Rubber hoses and carburettor parts on old motorcycles can also degrade in ethanol and there are metals like aluminium and zinc that can react badly too.
While E10 does create less CO2 it has an issue with less energy density; meaning you have to burn more to get the same calorific value as the same amount of petrol with no ethanol mix. Not only will this have an effect of reducing engine performance but there may be a noticeable reduction in fuel economy figures.
One of the biggest factors motorcycle owners need to take into account is the hydroscopic properties of ethanol, which means it absorbs water. This isn’t going to pose an issue for bikes in constant use but anything sat for long periods of time could mean water can collect and damage parts like metal fuel tanks, carburettors or fuel injection systems. It will mean draining fuel systems for long storage periods when using E10 is going to be vital.
How do I know if my motorcycle works with E10?
If your motorcycle is relatively new, the chances are it will have (or did have before it was removed in the pursuit of aesthetics) a pair of stickers on the fuel tank; one E5 and one E10 sticker denoting which fuels the bike works with.
If there are no visible stickers on your motorcycle then you need to consult the owner’s manual as it will definitely specify the technical requirements of the bike in there and detail which fuels can be used.
If your motorcycle is older, or has a plastic or fibreglass fuel tank, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the bike for expert advice. Ducati are certainly aware of issues with the original 620 and 1000 Multistrada models, because ethanol-rich fuel has been in use in America for many years and these models were suffering from fuel tanks distorting.
A recall to replace fuel tanks in America was carried out in the mid-2000s to stop this happening. New fuel tanks with an ethanol-resistant lining were fitted to models affected.
This is the official European Motorcycle Industry Association (ACEM) E10 list of bikes that can run on E10. There are lots of motorcycles missing from this list as it was compiled a few years ago.
There’s a Dutch website that has an up-to-date list but you will need to use Google Translate unless you speak Dutch of course. Check it out here… www.e10check.nl
BMW
All models are compatible with E10. However, the number of octanes needs to be compatible with the model according to user handbook.
Ducati
Ducati Desmosedici RR, Vehicles registered as from 18/05/2007
Ducati Diavel 1198, Vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010
Ducati Diavel 1198 ABS, Vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010
Ducati Diavel 1198 Diavel Carbon, Vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010
Ducati Diavel 1198 Diavel Carbon ABS, Vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010
Ducati Hypermotard 1100, Vehicles registered as from 15/02/2007
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 evo, Vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 evo SP, Vehicles registered as from 29/09/2009
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S, Vehicles registered as from 15/02/2007
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S+, Vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009
Ducati Hypermotard 1100+, Vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009
Ducati Hypermotard 796, Vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009
Ducati Monster 1100, Vehicles registered as from 10/07/2008
Ducati Monster 1100 ABS, Vehicles registered as from 14/10/2009
Ducati Monster 1100 evo ABS
Ducati Monster 1100 S, Vehicles registered as from 10/07/2008
Ducati Monster 1100 S ABS, Vehicles registered as from 14/10/2009
Ducati Monster 659
Ducati Monster 659 ABS
Ducati Monster 696, Vehicles registered as from 15/01/2008
Ducati Monster 696 ABS, Vehicles registered as from 14/10/2009
Ducati Monster 796, Vehicles registered as from 04/02/2010
Ducati Monster 796 ABS, Vehicles registered as from 04/02/2010
Ducati Multistrada 1200 , Vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009
Ducati Multistrada 1200 ABS , Vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport , Vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring , Vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009
Ducati Streetfighter 1098 , Vehicles registered as from 12/01/2009
Ducati Streetfighter 1098 S , Vehicles registered as from 12/01/2009
Ducati Superbike 1098 R Corse , Vehicles registered as from 30/10/2007
Ducati Superbike 1198 , Vehicles registered as from 03/09/2008
Ducati Superbike 1198 SP , Vehicles registered as from 03/09/2008
Ducati Superbike 848 evo , Vehicles registered as from 20/05/2010
Harley Davidson
All Harley-Davidson models from Model Year 1980 are compatible with E10 fuel.
All models before this model year should use RON 98 fuel.
Honda
All Honda motorcycles and mopeds produced for the EU market since 1993 can use ethanol-blended gasoline up to 10%, although carburettor-equipped models could experience poor driveability in cold weather conditions.
Kawasaki
E10 fuel compatible Kawasaki motorcycle models:
Kawasaki model – Model year (and onwards)
KLX125 – 2010
D-Tracker 125 – 2010
KLX250 – 2008
Ninja 250R – 2008
Ninja ZX-6R – 2007
ER-6n – 2006
ER-6f – 2006
Versys – 2007
Z750 – 2007
W800 – 2011
VN900 – 2006
Z1000 – 2009
Z1000SX – 2011
Ninja ZX-10R 2006
ZZR1400 – 2006
1400GTR – 2008
VN1700 – 2009
VN2000 – 2008
KTM
KTM motorcycles and ATVs are compatible with E10 from model year 2000 onwards.
Peugeot Scooters
All Peugeot Scooters from model year 2000 are E10 compatible.
Piaggio
Most models over 50cc belonging to the Piaggio Group are compatible with E10 from 1.1.2011 onwards. Piaggio does not recommend use of E10 on mopeds (i.e. 50cc) currently in production [at the time this list was made].
Suzuki
2002 Model Years and onwards – all motorcycles can use E10 with no problems.
1992-2001 Model Years – some models can use E10 fuels and some models cannot. The user should contact his national importer for clarification.
1991 Model Years and earlier – RON 98 (no bio-fuel content) must be used.
Triumph
All models, starting from Model Year 1990, are compatible with E10.
Victory Motorcycles
All Victory motorcycles can use gasoline that has been blended with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Check fuel’s octane rating for compatibility with the vehicle according to the owner’s manual.
Yamaha
All Yamaha models from Model Year 1990 are compatible with E10.
