E85 anyone???
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
You can retain stock compression. Flex fuel factory vehicles have one compression ratio. You need to up your jetting/fuel about 30% as stated and can add some timing. Other than that, enjoy the benefits!!!! I'd add wideband O2 capability to mine and run E85 but the hit and miss fuel availability keeps me on Gasoline where I'm at. It's really like buying race fuel at the pump in a lot of aspects.
ill add this- make sure your fittings, O rings, fuel lines, and any internal carb parts are meant to handle the high alcohol content. If not, they'll fail in short order. My original statement above was meant toward the tuning side of things, a few hardware changes are needed as well but are easily overcame.
ill add this- make sure your fittings, O rings, fuel lines, and any internal carb parts are meant to handle the high alcohol content. If not, they'll fail in short order. My original statement above was meant toward the tuning side of things, a few hardware changes are needed as well but are easily overcame.
Last edited by 67Shuv; Mar 31, 2018 at 05:24 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 867
Likes: 160
From: Vermont
I know a bunch of guys doing it and have done it to sport quads. Naturally carb mods to deliver fuel needed which is near twice the amount for gas. Theyare adding a/f ratio gauges to monitor and keep in the 13 range. I see no issue especially with fuel injection.
One good thing is the motor will run as cool as a cucumber and you can add much timing. Down side would be more frequent oil changes due to water in oil due caused by cold running motor. Remember e 85 is not much different than alky motors used in racing apps. Same rules apply
One good thing is the motor will run as cool as a cucumber and you can add much timing. Down side would be more frequent oil changes due to water in oil due caused by cold running motor. Remember e 85 is not much different than alky motors used in racing apps. Same rules apply
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
You can get away with much more compression on E85, the fuel is much more resistant to predetonation, so higher compression and tighter quench areas can be utilized and deliver much more power. It will run cooler, yes. But, not so cool you'll never get water out of the oil. It's still an air cooled V-twin. Like I mentioned before, I'd run it in a heartbeat if I had reliable fuel availability. Even then, it couldn't be a road trip bike. I'd had to be out on the road and not be able to find it. Those reasons keep me on gas.
However, my shovel has drank more than a few gallons of E90 race fuel. 12.5:1, a big Mikuni, and hot ignition. Thing is a beast. I normally start it with a gas soaked rag stuck in the carb throat, and once it builds the slightest bit of heat in the heads you're in business. It's a kick-only bike, I've built a set of rollers to put the rear wheel on for cold starts after it's been dormant a while. I start it with a golf cart, my knees aren't in shape to kick like they used to.
However, my shovel has drank more than a few gallons of E90 race fuel. 12.5:1, a big Mikuni, and hot ignition. Thing is a beast. I normally start it with a gas soaked rag stuck in the carb throat, and once it builds the slightest bit of heat in the heads you're in business. It's a kick-only bike, I've built a set of rollers to put the rear wheel on for cold starts after it's been dormant a while. I start it with a golf cart, my knees aren't in shape to kick like they used to.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 77
From: Temecula, CA
What about a flex fuel type application? For my car, a Subaru BRZ, there is a kit that allows me to run anything from full e85 to 91. No need to worry about if there is no e85 around, just fill up with 91 and go. Doesn't matter if I'm on empty, or half tank or whatever with e85. Just like the stock flex fuel vehicles, just put in what is available and the ECU automatically adjusts. So is there something like that out there for motorcycles and/or has anyone done it?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 6
From: Machesney park
Building e85 bike is not a problem. First off I did not see which model bike you have. You can run external fuel systems that rated for e85 that wont eat way at pump and fuel lines and injectors. You will need a much larger pump and higher volume so you dont max it out and the right Injectors that can be used with e 85. Also I would recommend the gauge that tells you if your gas is at e 85 not e70 or less.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 353
From: Tyler Tx
And thats lean as hell for E85. Like burn **** up lean. 13:1 compression isnt an issue. I ran 13.5:1 on the street for 15k miles years ago and also made some seriously stupid power with turbo cars using it. Afr is going to be a lot closer to 10:1 than 13:1 for it to be healthy.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dhc8guru
Exhaust System Topics
5
May 3, 2007 12:01 PM