Gasoline

bstig60 said:
I run mostly 87 with 10% ethonol in all my bikes. I have run a couple of tanks of ethanol free thru both the GW and the ST, can't see any difference in fuel mileage on either bike....
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When I can find non-ethanol gasoline, either 87 or 91/93, I notice an increase in 'power'/get up an go and also increased miles per gallon.
Just saying...(Howdy Tom) YMMV.
 
My understanding is that 1100's are designed for regular, but 1300's for premium.

Also, the FI processor retards timing when triggered by the knock sensors, so shouldn't ping, but will make less power, when using regular.
 
I run a mix of Paint Thinner and Used Engine Oil in my KLR 650. 32 reliable steady horse power in a Motorcycle so Simple a Monkey could work on it.
 
ST1300 Alicia said:
I run a mix of Paint Thinner and Used Engine Oil in my KLR 650. 32 reliable steady horse power in a Motorcycle so Simple a Monkey could work on it.
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That's all well and good but what type/brand of moly does that KLR use?
 
Andrew Shadow said:
The biggest problems I have repeatedly read about on this site regarding using ethanol fuels in the ST1300 relate to extended periods of down time. The etanol seems to form a build-up on the valve stems when the engine has been left unused for a period as short as two weeks. This causes the valves to stick in the open position causing hard starting. Once the engine starts the problem clears its self. Much longer storage times people have cited rusting of the lower fuel tank and fuel pump assembly requiring treatment/replacement.

Based on what I have read on this forum I have come to three conclusions regarding using ethanol fuels (respecting the maximum concentrations recommended by Honda) in the ST1300;
1- It can cause a slight decrease in power and miles per gallon. This is claimed by many and disputed by just as many so you may or may not notice either.
2- It is of no concern if your bike is used regularly. (My own experience is my bike gets stored for five months every winter and I have never had any fuel related problems.)
3- If your bike will not be used for an extended period I would suggest you burn off the ethanol fuel and fill up with ethanol free fuel with SeaFoam added to it and run it through the system before parking. If ethanol free is not available I don't consider it a big concern but would suggest the use of SeaFoam (or similar) for the better safe than sorry factor.
What qualifies as an extended period? People have reported the stuck valve problem after leaving the bike sit for as little as two weeks so that might be a good marker.

So the solution is to just don't stop riding!
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where did you read the reports of " I have repeatedly read about on this site regarding using ethanol fuels in the ST1300 relate to extended periods of down time. The etanol seems to form a build-up on the valve stems when the engine has been left unused for a period as short as two weeks. This causes the valves to stick in the open position causing hard starting."
 
I use super unleaded 91 octane only in the last 3 or 4 tanks before putting it up for the winter. Other than that, I use regular unleaded 87 octane.
 
I’ve been running REC 90 ethanol free since I adopted STrykr August ‘18. Not afraid of running 10% E gas when I’m riding a lot. But try to make it Chevron premium or any other top tier brand when I do. Ethanol free seems to be a small price to pay for longevity reliability. This bike is a keeper
 
Top tier 91 with ethanol. I suppose if I saw a place with 0 ethanol and it was not overly expensive I might stop.
 
Al st1100 said:
where did you read the reports of " I have repeatedly read about on this site..................."
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On this site.
A quick search turned up the below. I only did a quick cursory search. There are quite a few other mentions of the same phenomenon if you wish to search further.
Note also that I wrote that these were reports that I have read here. I did not making any claim to be passing on scientifically proven truths.
'04 1300 not starting - Good battery
Dreaded Sticking Valves!
Bike Won't Start...Only Makes Wheezing Sound!
100% Failure on Leak down Test
Ethanol kills the ST?
 
Only a guess, and a poor one at that. Read further down and there are better reasons. Fuel pressure for one and most likely. A weak fuel pump would take longer to build pressure but would hold the pressure once running constantly. The cylinder heads are no different that a auto engine and if that was the case there would be countless complaints of hard starting or long crank time. The only time I have seen valve stick is with autos with 100k + miles and EGR systems. Egr systems dump exhaust carbon into the intake resulting in excessive carbon building up on the valves. St do not have egr systems , the valve springs are very strong and if the valve was stuck open, because its an interference engine, the valve would hit the piston and bend. The problem with ethanol and older vehicles is that many of the rubber seals and diaphragms are not alcohol resistant. Don't blame the ethanol ! :thumb:
 
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This is just a theory but when my bike sits all winter and spring I go to start it, It takes a maybe 3 or 4 cranking cycles before it finally awakens from its slumber. My theory is its got nothing to do with fuel quality......I blame it on the remaining gasoline in the float bowls have dried up after 5 months of storage. Maybe on you guys 1300 your fuel injectors no longer have fuel in them and have to be primed. Finally my bike doesn't run right until I run the fuel stabilizer out of the tank.
 
red one said:
This is just a theory but when my bike sits all winter and spring I go to start it, It takes a maybe 3 or 4 cranking cycles before it finally awakens from its slumber. My theory is its got nothing to do with fuel quality......I blame it on the remaining gasoline in the float bowls have dried up after 5 months of storage. Maybe on you guys 1300 your fuel injectors no longer have fuel in them and have to be primed. Finally my bike doesn't run right until I run the fuel stabilizer out of the tank.
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Red One, re your comment on Fuel Stabiliser, that's obviously the same as Stabilizer, I don't notice any difference with additive in or not. I use Honda Pro, I can get it from agricultural suppliers or online. Doesn't work out that expensive either, also put it in garden tools.
Upt'North.
 
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Upt' North said:
Red One, re your comment on Fuel Stabiliser, that's obviously the same as Stabilizer, I don't notice any difference with additive in or not. I use Honda Pro, I can get it from agricultural suppliers or online. Doesn't work out that expensive either, also put it in garden tools.
Upt'North.
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i did not know Honda made fuel stabilizer. I'm going check it out because i'd rather use the Honda stuff.
 
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