Why your bike runs bad after storing it. A MUST READ!

[adidasguy]

I've been looking up information on gas and crappy ethanol E10 gas.
Seems it has a shelf life of 3 months or less. That means if you store gas in your bike for the winter, the tank is full of crappy liquid of some unknown composition - which is why your bike won't run. Some recommendations are to change gas every 3 weeks.

They have a gas ethanol test kit. Also indicates if water in the gas. I think I'll get one.

Here's a site with lots of information and links:

http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_engine_precautions.html

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=WA

[Bluesmudge]

Yeah, I'm still battling the fuel gremlins left in the tank when it sat for 3 months as a rebuilt the engine. I think I finally got it sorted today with a proper carb cleaning. There are a few privately owned independent gas stations around WA that still carry real gasoline/petrol. E0, the good stuff. I like to support them whenever I can since they go out of their way to provide it. The spirit station in Ballard is the closest I know of.

[centuryghost]

I think it is more important now with the whole govt subsidized corn mafia, but you should never store any motor over a prolonged period of time with gas inside.

Side note: I have received some amazing deals on old sohc hondas because people couldn't get them started. All it took was a little carb cleaning because the gas tarnished and gummed everything up!

[centuryghost]

Yeah, I'm still battling the fuel gremlins left in the tank when it sat for 3 months as a rebuilt the engine. I think I finally got it sorted today with a proper carb cleaning. There are a few privately owned independent gas stations around WA that still carry real gasoline/petrol. E0, the good stuff. I like to support them whenever I can since they go out of their way to provide it. The spirit station in Ballard is the closest I know of.

Yep, and there is a Spirit in Lake City that is ethanol free.

http://www.buyrealgas.com/Washington.html

[KnuckleBallz]

I put Stabil in my tank before I store it, and haven't had any issues yet. Have you tried this? Works up to 12 months according to them:

http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/stabil/default.aspx

[dam]

I put Stabil in my tank before I store it, and haven't had any issues yet. Have you tried this? Works up to 12 months according to them:

http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/stabil/default.aspx

That works for me

[BaltimoreGS]

+1 on the Stabil.  I have many bikes that sit for long periods and have had good luck using the marine formula Stabil in them.

-Jessie

[redhawkdancing]

[xunedeinx]

If you bike wont run, check to make sure it wasn't previously on fire.

The flames may have melted the battery, causing it not to turn over...

Has it been long enough yet?

[jmelchio]

+1 on the Stabil.  I have many bikes that sit for long periods and have had good luck using the marine formula Stabil in them.

-Jessie

Same here, always store it for the winter but make sure I drain the carbs and put stabilizer in the tank. Always starts on the first crank after opening fuel flow and putting the battery back in.

Joris.

[SS Adrenaline]

If you bike wont run, check to make sure it wasn't previously on fire.

The flames may have melted the battery, causing it not to turn over...

Has it been long enough yet?

LOL, Sorry buddy but that was funny even though I feel bad for it happening to you.....LOL.

I also use Stab Fill in addition to using 91 octane.  And yes we have all read forums about the different grades of gas however Im not putting 91 in do to the octane level but rather thats the only type of gas that doesnt have ethenol in it that i can get around here.  I normally run 87 till the end of the year and then run 91 with stab fill.  It works very well for me.  I never have an issue with bad fuel for start up in any of my equipment at the beginning of the season.

[knowles]

If you bike wont run, check to make sure it wasn't previously on fire.

The flames may have melted the battery, causing it not to turn over...

Has it been long enough yet?

LOL, Sorry buddy but that was funny even though I feel bad for it happening to you.....LOL.
was thinking the same thing LOL

I also use Stab Fill in addition to using 91 octane.  And yes we have all read forums about the different grades of gas however Im not putting 91 in do to the octane level but rather thats the only type of gas that doesnt have ethenol in it that i can get around here.  I normally run 87 till the end of the year and then run 91 with stab fill.  It works very well for me.  I never have an issue with bad fuel for start up in any of my equipment at the beginning of the season.

I put 91 in it over winter, make sure and run the bike out of gas, do it to everything from lawn mower to sleds. Everything starts better after sitting. then i just put the gas in a car or something so i dont waste it and put new gas in. i have tried stable before with mixed results so i personally don't use it.

[runabout879]

I used Stabil in mine as well. I had to quit riding in September, as it was just too darn cold, and didn't get it back on the road til this past Friday. I did start it a few times over the winter, though it would barely turn over when it dipped below zero. Got on it and ran it down the road, and no issues at all.