Gas question
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Gas question
With my work schedule as of late, I'm not able to ride that much. Maybe one or two short rides every few weeks. Is it best to keep the tank full in between rides? I've been adding seafoam lately because there has been times where it has sat for a month or longer between ride. I have a 2009 Sportster 883.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,227
Likes: 7,803
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
As mentioned above..keep full.
I think those short periods between rides don't require additives. All my engines run like crap for that first tank in the spring if I use storage additives...have to empty the tank and get good fresh gas in there until they run well. If you're just doing short rides every month or so...your bike will always run like ***.
Todays fuel has tons of stablizers 'n cleaners in it right from the pump. For the past "many many years" I've stopped using storage additives, and they always fire up just fine in the spring. Boats, bikes, lawn equip, whatever.
I think those short periods between rides don't require additives. All my engines run like crap for that first tank in the spring if I use storage additives...have to empty the tank and get good fresh gas in there until they run well. If you're just doing short rides every month or so...your bike will always run like ***.
Todays fuel has tons of stablizers 'n cleaners in it right from the pump. For the past "many many years" I've stopped using storage additives, and they always fire up just fine in the spring. Boats, bikes, lawn equip, whatever.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 3
From: St.Pete Beach
Tank full... But glad I get to ride year round...
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: .....
I try to keep mine full but I have let 2-3 days go by before getting more gas.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Full Tank
Keep the tank full as possible and as often as possible for a couple of reasons...First of all ethanol collects moisture in the air and it winds up in your tank. The more air space in your tank the more room for humidity and therefore moisture in the tank and yes it will rust the inside of a non coated tank.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Gas a few years ago would be okay to just sit in your tank for awhile. Gas today has at the minimum 10% ethanol. This ethanol will absorb moisture and start doing what's called phase separation. The moisture start's showing up. Maybe I fell for it but I have been using ethanol fuel treatments with full tank fill ups. No problems with fuel delivery, and the bikes run good.