What's the fuel for his motorcycle?

Choosing fuel for a motorcycle is not easy. Because, unfortunately, the price is not the only criterion that needs to be taken into account. And even if most of the work is done, because you don't have to choose between diesel and petrol, the task is no less difficult.

Because of the gasoline, the stations have not one, but at least 4. And, despite what we would like to believe, not all of them are "good" for the engine of our two wheels. Some of them cannot be adapted to older models. Which gasoline should you choose for your motorcycle? What's the difference between SP95 and SP98? Can I add SP95-E10 fuel to my motorcycle? here are some tips to help you choose the right fuel for your motorcycle next time you go to refuel.

What is gas?

Gasoline is the second known and used fuel today. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons, benzenes, alkenes, alkanes and ethanols, obtained from the distillation of petroleum.

Gasoline, which has a lower density than diesel fuel, is designed for spark ignition engines. It is a particularly flammable product capable of generating large amounts of heat. You should also be aware that gasoline is the only fuel compatible with a motorcycle. No two-wheeled vehicle can run on diesel fuel.

Motorcycle fuels: SP98, SP95, SP95-E10 and E85 ethanol.

Almost twenty years ago, we had a choice between two categories of gasoline: unleaded and superleaded. But since the latter has been taken off the market since 2000. Today in France you can choose from 4 types of unleaded gasoline for your motorcycle : SP95, SP98, SP95-E10 and E85.

Gasoline SP95

Lead-free 95 was introduced in France in 1990. It is considered the reference European gasoline, has an octane rating of 95 and can contain up to 5% ethanol in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Gasoline SP98

Unleaded 98 is popular with everyone and has a reputation for being better than SP95 for its higher octane rating. In particular, it features a new additive: potassium. In addition, unleaded petrol 98 has the advantage of being sold at all filling stations in France.

Gasoline SP95-E10

The Super Lead 95 E10 hit the market in 2009. As the name suggests, it stands out for two characteristics:

• Its octane number is 95.
• The ethanol capacity is 10%.

In other words, it is SP95, which can contain up to 10% ethanol by volume.

E85 fuel (or super ethanol)

E85 is a new fuel that was introduced to the French market in 2007. As the name suggests, it is a mixture of gasoline, biofuels and gasoline. That is why it is also called "superethanol". This fuel has a high octane number (104).

Thus, Superethanol-E85 is a biofuel. Due to the rise in gasoline prices, it is rapidly becoming the top-selling fuel in France today. From 2017 to 2018, its sales grew by 37%. According to the National Union of Agricultural Alcohol Producers, “in August 17 alone, more than 85 million liters of E2018 were sold”.

What's the difference between unleaded 95 and 98?

La The most noticeable difference between the two super unleaded gasolines is the octane rating. : one at 95 and the other at 98. For vehicles such as cars or motorcycles, the difference between the two is minimal in the sense that it is not noticeable. In addition, all the latest bikes are fully compatible with both the SP95 and SP98.

Engine protection

We remind you that the octane number is a parameter that allows you to quantify the resistance of a fuel to self-ignition and detonation. The higher it is, the more additives in the fuel that effectively protect the engine from wear and corrosion. In other words, we can say that motorcycles using SP98 are better protected.

Increase in power

Many users claim that power gain with SP98... But to date, there is no evidence to support this. The performance of the machine seems to remain the same whether you are using the SP95 or the SP98. Unless, of course, the machine in question is equipped with an engine with improved performance and a compression ratio of more than 12: 1.

Fuel consumption

According to users, SP95 can cause over consumption, while SP98 does the opposite. We note a reduction in consumption by about 0.1 to 0.5 l / 100 km. However, this it is very difficult to demonstrate this fall consumption when switching from gasoline SP95 to gasoline SP98. The main factors in consumption are the power of the motorcycle and the driving style of the rider. The smoother you ride, the less fuel your motorcycle will use.

Pump price

The SP98 is priced higher than the SP95. Despite the higher price per liter, Unleaded 98 gasoline is the most popular among bikers. I must say that dealers often recommend this fuel when buying a motorcycle.

What gasoline to put in his recent motorcycle?

All essences that can be found on the market are compatible with latest models... Since 1992, manufacturers have ensured that their models can receive unleaded gasoline. The most famous Japanese models such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and others used it for years before the superstructure was canceled.

Therefore, the choice becomes difficult. That's why it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to optimize the performance and extend the life of your two-wheeled bike.

Install SP98 in Your Motorcycle: Manufacturer Recommendations

Unleaded 98 is compatible with all models produced since 1991. With an octane rating of 98, it provides better engine protection.

. The main strengths of SP98 fuel for motorcycles :

• It protects the engine and its components from wear and corrosion.
• It cleans the engine and its components and protects them from dirt.

The end result is a more efficient machine that uses less energy. In short, according to bikers, it is the ideal gasoline for a motorcycle.

Install SP95 on your bike: the default for the bike

Unleaded 95 can also be used with all models produced since 1991. Its main advantage: it effectively protects the engine and its components from dirt.

Its disadvantages: Many bikers complain that it slows down the engine and makes it especially voracious. In other words, the machine not only consumes more, but is also less efficient.

In other words, it may be appropriate, but should only be selected as the second option. That is when you cannot use SP98.

Mounting the SP95-E10 on a motorcycle: good or bad?

. opinions on the SP95-E10 are mixedespecially among bikers and construction workers. Because, according to some users, this fuel is not suitable for certain models. This is why it is best to stick to SP95 or SP98 whenever possible. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The main advantages of SP95-E10 gasoline are:

• Provides good engine protection against dirt.
• It is more environmentally friendly as it helps to reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.

The main disadvantages of SP95-E10 gasoline are:

• Compatible with 2000s models only.
• As with the SP95, this would also result in excessive fuel consumption.

Using E85 Ethanol in a Motorcycle: Compatible?

Super ethanol E85 is very popular in France, where the prices of SP95 and SP98 are skyrocketing. Although negative reviews are still rare at this time, manufacturers are still calling for caution.

Of course, the E85 is much cheaper on the pump. But do not forget that he consumes a lot more. Therefore, when in doubt, it is preferable to remain loyal to a brand that has already proven its worth. And that, moreover, never disappointed.

Select fuel for your motorcycle according to your model

Do you want to make sure that you are not mistaken in your choice? The best advice we can give you: adhere to the manufacturer's instructions... Indeed, the different fuels compatible with your motorcycle are listed in the owner's manual. If in doubt, consult your dealer. In addition, the choice of fuel should be made depending on the model of the motorcycle and, in particular, the year in which it was first put into service.

What gasoline for a Suzuki motorcycle?

Suzuki has been using unleaded fuel long before superlead was discontinued. For most of its models, the brand recommends the oldest gasoline with the highest octane number, i.e. SP98.

What gasoline for a Honda motorcycle?

Honda motorcycles have been using unleaded fuel since 1974. Depending on the brand, they should be used with motorcycles with an octane rating higher than 91. So you can use it with either the SP95 or the SP98.

The SP95-E10 can also be used, but only with mopeds and scooters with 2-stroke (2T) and 4-stroke (4T) engines.

What gasoline on a Yamaha motorcycle

Yamaha is one of the famous Japanese manufacturers that has been using SP since 1976. All brand models are compatible with SP95 and SP98.

What gasoline for a BMW motorcycle

BMW motorcycles can work with the SP98 as well as with the SP95. We also find in the technical manuals of some models that they are compatible with the SP95-E10.

What is gasoline for old motorcycles?

After ditching super-lead, it became difficult to find fuel that would really fit the old ones. Most manufacturers recommend SP98. Potassium can indeed replace lead. And the high octane rating helps to better protect the engine. The use of SP95 should be avoided as it promotes anarchic explosions and can cause engine overheating.

Here is a table summarizing a list of older models that cannot support unleaded gasoline :

Year of construction	Motorcycle brand
Before 1974	Yamaha Kawasaki Honda
Before 1976	Suzuki
Before 1982	Harley Davidson
Before 1985	BMW
Before 1992	Ducati
Before 1997	Laverda

Choose fuel for your motorcycle based on your use

Fuel selection should also be based on how and how you use the motorcycle. Indeed, riding a motorcycle in the mountains, commuting to work, traveling at the circuit ... There are so many use cases that do not require the motorcycle to be used in the same way. For example, for intensive use such as driving on a track, the highest quality gasoline should be preferred. Here are our tips for select the fuel for your motorcycle depending on the use what are you doing.

What gasoline when driving on the highway?

For the bike we will be riding on the highway, the SP98 is the most suitable. In fact, this gasoline was developed for engines with high efficiency and compression ratio. Because, in addition to providing moisture to the engine, it also allows consumption to be controlled even at high revs.

What gasoline when driving off-road?

SP98 remains the benchmark for optimum engine protection. The only difference from the SP95 other than that is the price. So SP98 and SP95 are pretty much the same and you can use them on your bike. Just be aware that the SP95 will save you some money.

2-stroke and 4-stroke engine: the same needs?

No, and you must be very careful not to use the wrong fuel. If you have 2Time it is better to use SP95. Because the engine is not compatible with either SP98 or SP95-E10. On the other hand, if you have 4Time, you can use SP95 as well as SP98. However, using the SP95-E10 is not recommended.

The choice of fuel for a motorcycle: the price of a pump

Of course you can choose fuel for the price at the filling station. The most overloaded fuel, and therefore the most expensive, is SP98. Superethanol E85 is the cheapest. The French government has set up a website www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr to track fuel prices at various points of sale.

Here is a summary table of fuel prices at gas stations in France.

fuel	Average price per liter
Lead Free 98 (E5)	1,55€
Lead Free 95 (E5)	1,48€
SP95-E10	1,46€
Superethanol E85	0,69€

Good to know: These prices are for guidance only and represent the average prices in France during November 2018. Forecasts show that with higher fuel taxes, prices will rise in 2019.

The result: SP98, the benchmark motorcycle.

You would understand that. The SP98 remains the benchmark for biker gasoline. Thanks to its high octane number, this unleaded fuel is suitable for both old and new models with two- and three-wheel motorized engines.