E85 Flex Fuel
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
E85 Flex Fuel
Sorry if it's a stupid question, but can you run E85 in the newer Harleys, or buy a kit that will allow them to run it? I'm thinkin' that could save quite a bit over time at the pump. I read an article that says Harley says it's ok to run E10, but I'm curious about E85 that you see at a bunch of gas stations now.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Columbia MO/Breese IL
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
i wouldnt, there is quite a bit of tuning to do, you would have to have the insde of the tank lined since it is metal and the e-85 can hurt it, the a/f ratio is complety diffrent, it can also burn up your rings quicker if there not made for it. Ive actualy researched it a decent amout because i was going to try running it in my trans am when i still had it because its around 100 octain and i coulda bumped the timing even more
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
This is what I found about running E10 in Harleys. However, it doesn't mention E85.
Ethanol-Blended Fuel and Your Motorcycle
The use of E-10 Unleaded is approved for use by major motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. Harley-Davidson goes so far as to recommend the use of renewable, clean air fuels such as E-10 Unleaded because of their environmental and performance benefits.
http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/main/your_car.htm
Ethanol-Blended Fuel and Your Motorcycle
The use of E-10 Unleaded is approved for use by major motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. Harley-Davidson goes so far as to recommend the use of renewable, clean air fuels such as E-10 Unleaded because of their environmental and performance benefits.
http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/main/your_car.htm
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 11
From:
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
No, dont run E85. It will eat away at rubber in the system and the fuel system needs much more(way rich)of it to run. I dont think the fuel system can adjust enough to make it work. I have ran E85 in my Ford, which is designed to use it....the gas milageis very very bad! It will lower my milage by about 25% and it is only about 10%-15% cheaper then gas.
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
I knew that it lowered fuel mileage. I read a study that said a 2007 Tahoe averages 14 mpg with regular gas. It dropped to 10 mpg with with E85. However, when you crunch the numbers, it pretty much balances out to the same cost in the end. More expensive fuel + more gas mileage = Less expensive fuel + less gas mileage. But with Premium gas being $.20 more per gallon than regular gas, it should wind up being cheaper runnin' E85. None of that matters though if you can't run it in the bikes. So I guess the answer to my question is: No. You can't run E85 in a stock Harley. Is there a company that makes a kit to change out the stuff on a bike to make it compatible? Not sure if it's worth it, but it was just a random thought that popped in my head, so I was curious.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Glen Cove NY
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
E85 is 85% ethanol 15 gasoline. It will destroy any fuel system that was not designed to run it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From:
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
That whole ethanol thing is ridiculous ... I won't even run E85 in a vehicle designed for it. If ever there was a non-solution to a problem, E85 is it. Step away from that pump - Pull upto the real fuel :-)
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Thread Starter
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
ORIGINAL: Midwest Muscle
That whole ethanol thing is ridiculous ... I won't even run E85 in a vehicle designed for it. If ever there was a non-solution to a problem, E85 is it. Step away from that pump - Pull upto the real fuel :-)
That whole ethanol thing is ridiculous ... I won't even run E85 in a vehicle designed for it. If ever there was a non-solution to a problem, E85 is it. Step away from that pump - Pull upto the real fuel :-)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
RE: E85 Flex Fuel
ORIGINAL: Live2Ride
Gotta disagree with ya. I'm all for giving less money to the Middle East and giving more money to the American farmer.
ORIGINAL: Midwest Muscle
That whole ethanol thing is ridiculous ... I won't even run E85 in a vehicle designed for it. If ever there was a non-solution to a problem, E85 is it. Step away from that pump - Pull upto the real fuel :-)
That whole ethanol thing is ridiculous ... I won't even run E85 in a vehicle designed for it. If ever there was a non-solution to a problem, E85 is it. Step away from that pump - Pull upto the real fuel :-)