Tag Archives: gasoline

MAG Survey Shows 31% of Participants Would Rather Give Up Riding Than Conform to Electric

The United Kingdom has plans to eventually phase out diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles in favor of low-carbon emitting and carbon-neutral/electric vehicles.

While this new diet plan is extremely ambitious, the drive to end the sale of fossil fuel engines by 2030 has become a very real goal – and one that will also impact the motorcycle world.

In a recent survey held by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), participants were asked a series of questions surrounding the potential of a future without fossil fuel engines.

Some of the results may come as a surprise, but overall the survey pointed toward a community still very much in love with internal combustion engines. 

a back right view of a lineup of motorcyclists

The report states that 4805 participants (both affiliated with MAG and not) were asked a series of questions on the future of motorcycle riding – here they are, with their responses.

On the potential of gas-fueled vehicles being phased out:

  • 8% of respondents accepted the inevitable
  • 36% wanted a delay of the phase-out
  • 55% completely refused and opposed the idea

On whether participants would like MAG to partner with other organizations to fight the ban:

  • 83% were in favor
  • 17% were opposed

On the eventual removal of fossil fuel vehicles (with the expected switchover being EV, of course):

  • 31% said they would quit riding
  • 56% would delay the switchover to EV for as long as possible
  • 13% would adapt and move on

A lineup of Motorcycle riders affiliated with the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)

Satoshi Uchida in front of Suzuki Motorcycles logo

Selena Lavendar, Chairman of MAG, states, “MAG always represents the views of all riders, regardless of their choice of motorcycle.  We have worked hard to develop the channels that get riders’ opinions heard by Government. We will not misrepresent those opinions.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Does premium fuel give bikes a boost?

Using a premium fuel with a higher octane than specified by the motorcycle manufacturer will not improve engine power or economy, RACQ technical officer Steve Spalding advises.

He says the energy content of fuel is the same no matter what octane rating it has.

“We see a lot of claims made about using premium fuels over standard and often motorists/riders believe they get a benefit from their use,” he says.

“The reality is by using a fuel with a higher octane than specified, there is only an economic or performance benefit if the engine management system can utilise the higher octane. Some will and others won’t.”

The anecdotal evidence of riders saying they get more power and higher range from a higher octane than their bike needs may simply be justifying to themselves the extra expense of PULP, Steve suggests.

Steve Spalding DIY bike maintenance Easter safety message duty easter pulp ulp premium
Steve Spalding

Premium advantages

However, there are other advantages to using a PULP fuel over ULP.

“Some premium fuels such as Caltex and BP advertise they have additional cleaning additive packages that can offset the need to periodically buy fuel cleaners,” Steve says.

However, riders would have to work out if it is cheaper to pay the extra price for PULP over ULP rather than buying the occasional cleaner additive.

It may have been an economically wise decision about a decade ago, but the price differential between ULP and PUP has crept up and is now about 12-14c a litre.

“Fuel makers have worked out that people will buy it, not often on an evidence-based reason,” Steve says.

Steve says fuel companies and retailers make the most profit from the sale price of PULP.Fuel petrol servo service station helmet pulp ulp premium

Steve also points out that while ULP also has cleaning additives, it just doesn’t have the additional cleaners in some of the higher octane fuels.

However, it is certainly more convenient to have the cleaner additives in the fuel than having to periodically buy and add the fluid separately.

Steve also says PULP has lower levels of sulphur.

“While these are beneficial in reducing the build-up of engine internal deposits, they won’t make the bike travel further for each litre of fuel purchased,” he says.

“The best advice is to use the fuel specified for the bike.”

Low octane risksDirty fuel premium

Most modern motorcycles recommend a minimum of 95 or 98 RON.

If you fill up with a lower octane rating you run the risk of harmful engine detonation and pinging, Steve warns.

Also the higher sulphur content in RULP can damage catalytic converters and prevent them from working properly.

Some motorcycles have knock sensors that sense detonation or pinging and alter the ignition timing to effetely down-tune the engine.

Knock sensors are a preservation measure in case you are stuck at a remote service station that doesn’t have premium fuel.

Lastly, with E10 being common in services stations, ensure your bike is compatible with it before using, older carburettor models shouldn’t use an ethanol-based fuel.

Click here for more advice on using ethanol fuel in motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com