Motorcycles And The New Gas
Word is circulating that the US Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to allow ethanol portion of blended gasoline to be increased from the current 10 percent to 15 percent for certain vehicles, which could pose a danger for motorcycles.
Online, January 18, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Word is circulating that the US Environmental Protective Agency has agreed to allow ethanol portion of blended gasoline to be increased from the current 10 percent for certain vehicles, which could pose a danger for motorcycles, as reported by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).
On October 13, 2010 the EPA announced approval of a waver for E15. According to that waver, E15 is now approved for use in model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. It has not been approved for use in any other gasoline-fueled engines.
The AMA is concerned that gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol could result in premature engine damage or failure while a motorcycle is being ridden. Imre Szauter, the government affairs manager, is concerned about any degradation in performance, fuel economy and rideability that may resort from the long-term use of blended fuels with greater than 10 percent ethanol.
In allowing more ethanol in gas, the EPA specifically said, that its decision covers model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks, and no other vehicles at this time, including motorcycles.
Szauter also pointed out, that motorcycle manufacturers only certify their bikes to run on gasoline or a blind with up to 10 percent ethanol, known as E10. An owner unknowingly using the 15 percent blend in a motorcycle could void the bike's warranty.
An ethanol lobbying group, Growth Energy, asked the EPA in March 2009 to allow gasoline to contain up to 15 percent ethanol. The drive is part of an effort to meet a Congressional mandate to increase to 36 billion gallons the amount of renewable fuel available in the U.S. by 2022. Ethanol, made from corn and other crops, is considered a renewable fuel.
Ever since the drive started, the AMA has been on record as opposing increases in the ethanol level allowed in gasoline until studies show that an increse won't damage motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines. The AMA also wants assurances that the E15 gasoline won't make motorcycles emit more nitrogen oxides than are allowed by the EPA.
The EPA said a decission on the use of E15 in model year 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made after new test results are received. The EPA is also proposing E15 pump labeling requirements so that consumers do not mistakenly put E15 in the wrong vehicles.
The spokesman for the American Petroleum Institute, Bob Greco, reported to the Wall Street Journal that by approving E15 without fuel testing, the EPA is putting politics before science. Greco warned the EPA was allowing fuels in the marketplace that could damage engines and void warranties.