gas mileage

[Gene]

Is it possible that a bike will get better/worse gas mileage depending what brand fuel they are running?

[Pete in PA]

Sure.  If that tanker truck fudged the ethanol percentage, less MPG.   Winter formulation gas/colder temps., less MPG.

Get E0 gas for the best MPG.

[mollusc]

Brand is only relevant inasmuch as how rigorously the controlling offices spot check the accuracy of the gas formulations, so how likely it is that what you get out of the nozzle matches what is supposed to come out of it.
Did you mean octane or ethanol rating?

[Larry Fine]

https://www.pure-gas.org/

[Gene]

I usually use Costco gas. However I filled my tank with Shell the other day. It seems to be getting better mileage. I think I'm going to start keeping track of mpg

[Pete in PA]

Shell is my top choice in gas. Runs best in bikes and cars.

Sunoco 2nd, then any other Top Tier gas.

Won't touch Sheetz or any lower brand unless I have to. I will notice a drop in throttle response, power, etc.

[Gene]

A old mechanic told me that "top tier" gas is an advertising gimmick.

[Pete in PA]

I AM an old mechanic.

Top tier gas has been specified for GM for many years and now being picked up by many more makes.

It has more detergents than the minimum required by the feds.

[Northern Rider]

Question for the group. I have heard to use only "recreation fuel (Rec)" as regular fuel will mess up aluminum carbs. I guess this includes lawnmowers, chain saws, leaf blowers ETC. Anyone have more info only is really true? Thanks!

[mollusc]

I've never seen a carb that wasn't alloy.
My guess is that this is an encouragement to use ethanol-free fuel.
I just run premium fuel and have never had a problem.

[Pete in PA]

What is recreation fuel??

If you have the 80's NH of course ethanol didn't exist so I don't know.
The 90s NH is approved for 10% ethanol.

I drained my carbs for winter and have some 10% in the tank.  Bike in the basement so no temp. swings, Dehumidifier running so no condensation.

Come spring I'll see.

[mollusc]

Recreation Fuel (rec fuel) is ethanol-free 90 or 91 octane gasoline.  It's more stable without the ethanol, and less prone to gelling.  Since stuff like lawn equipment is usually used infrequently, the 3-month shelf life of fuel with ethanol isn't suitable.
So as I said, it's just an encouragement to use ethanol-free gas.

This topic has been debated endlessly.  It all depends on how much you ride.  If your carbs have been refurbished at any point (which they probably have been) then the o-rings and gaskets are probably Viton which renders the question of ethanol degradation of the rubber moot, meaning that it's all down to how long you expect to let the bike sit, or whether you think the extra power from non-ethanol fuel is worth the extra few cents per tank.  In the US, premium octane fuel typically has less ethanol than standard grade and you don't need to hunt for fully ethanol-free.

[Pete in PA]

You can't generalize fuel in the US.

Different almost everywhere.
Here in PA it doesnt matter what grade you get it's all 10% ethanol.

You can find no ethanol, but it's usually 90 octane and a lot more $ per gallon.

I've traveled to Wisc. 4 years in a row now, and you really have to watch what the pump says.

Got stuck getting E15 at one station, found my car (Chevy Cruze turbo) likes it and it's cheap.
Got to watch out for E85, only a few cars can handle it.

[mollusc]

As I said, "In the US, premium octane fuel typically has less ethanol than standard grade..."

Which covers that sort of variability.
All gasoline sold in PA must have a minimum of 10% ethanol per state law.

[Bob H]

Of course the Land of Fruits and Nuts, California is a little strange.
They make a point that ethanol is not "required" but they require an oxygenate.

We used to have MTBE as an oxygenate but since that is outlawed, it is all done with ethanol.
All of the CA pump gas has at least 10% ethanol including premium.

Recreation gas for marinas is only available in certain areas. I live 5 miles from a lake but their marina sells ethanol gas. It is a 4 hour drive from where I live to a marina that sells rec gas.

The airports have ethanol free aviation fuel but they refuse to sell it for non-aviation use.
Oh and our gas in CA finally went below $5 a gallon but at least I don't have snow on the ground or salt on the road.