Total Motorcycle Community Forums

The other day I was in Whistler Village in BC and I was down to my reserve. The only station was a Husky station that only sells gas with Methanol added , 10%. I had heard that Methanol is not good for motorcycle engines. Any thoughts ? I drive a V-4 Honda Magna , 750cc.

I used to put it in my gs500 all the time. It ran fine. Pretty much all stations around here have about 10% ethanol.

The only real problem that you'll run into with any kind of alcohol in your tank is if you let it sit for a long time, as it will cause a lot of water to collect in your gas.

I think you mean Ethanol, not Methanol... big difference. Pretty much all gas companies in Canada have 10% blends now and have for some time. It will not do any harm to bike motors, new or old.

Amdonim wrote:The only real problem that you'll run into with any kind of alcohol in your tank is if you let it sit for a long time, as it will cause a lot of water to collect in your gas.

Agree, there are already a load of cases of people having problems over the years with storing equipment with gas containing ethanol. Corrosion of fuel related components in marine engines is a big one.

In Canada you can get ethanol free gasoline. Shell sells it as their V-Power (premium) blend. Their mid grade is 5% ethanol, their regular blend is 10%.

BTW, ethanol, when burned, produces formaldehyde, not good.

Yeah it's not the best for your engine or mileage but supposedly it's better for the environment. Not sure how that works as it cuts down your gas mileage, but who am I to question the infinite wisdom of our dear, beloved government?
I'd say if you have a choice do ethanol free, if not, don't worry about it.
As for using Shell. I love shell, I use it in my vehicles, but if you have a carbureted bike don't use it. The cleaning agents that they advertise are abrasive, and while it's good for fuel injectors and such, it'll actually slowly widen out the jets in your carb, making it run richer and richer.

Wrider wrote:Yeah it's not the best for your engine or mileage but supposedly it's better for the environment. Not sure how that works as it cuts down your gas mileage, but who am I to question the infinite wisdom of our dear, beloved government?
I'd say if you have a choice do ethanol free, if not, don't worry about it.
As for using Shell. I love shell, I use it in my vehicles, but if you have a carbureted bike don't use it. The cleaning agents that they advertise are abrasive, and while it's good for fuel injectors and such, it'll actually slowly widen out the jets in your carb, making it run richer and richer.

Now that is strange, with respect to abrasive cleaners. First, I find it difficult to believe. Secondly, I have been using Shell gas for years in my carburetted bikes and never had a problem with the jets or any other part of the fuel system for that matter.

From my own understanding the chemicals Shell uses are similar to Techron, and the V-Power formulation is about 5 times the concentration of regular gasolines.

Again, I use V-Power in my bike(s), no problems with jetting whatsoever.

paul246 wrote:

Wrider wrote:Yeah it's not the best for your engine or mileage but supposedly it's better for the environment. Not sure how that works as it cuts down your gas mileage, but who am I to question the infinite wisdom of our dear, beloved government?
I'd say if you have a choice do ethanol free, if not, don't worry about it.
As for using Shell. I love shell, I use it in my vehicles, but if you have a carbureted bike don't use it. The cleaning agents that they advertise are abrasive, and while it's good for fuel injectors and such, it'll actually slowly widen out the jets in your carb, making it run richer and richer.

Now that is strange, with respect to abrasive cleaners. First, I find it difficult to believe. Secondly, I have been using Shell gas for years in my carburetted bikes and never had a problem with the jets or any other part of the fuel system for that matter.

From my own understanding the chemicals Shell uses are similar to Techron, and the V-Power formulation is about 5 times the concentration of regular gasolines.

Again, I use V-Power in my bike(s), no problems with jetting whatsoever.

Hmm, that info came from an instructor I trust, but it could be he's misinformed too. That's what he told the class about gasolines.

I was told that Husky or Mohawk run hotter than other gasolines and that for that reason it's not so great.

However...I have used Mohawk several times due to convenience and have had no problem.

Liquid abrasives? Alcohol that burns hotter than gasoline? Is the room spinning? My head is all fuzzy.... is that the floor about to hit me in the face?... why is it so dark?