We’ve recently started receiving a lot of questions from our customers asking how the introduction of the new E10 fuel, which has started to arrive at fuel stations across the country, will affect them and their motorcycle. E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which will help to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with petrol vehicles. The leading reason for the UK Government’s move to E10 fuel in the UK is to help combat climate change. While the introduction of E10 fuel is good for the environment and reducing CO2 levels, you might notice that your fuel economy has taken a bit of a hit with the Government reporting a 1% reduction while other sources referencing numbers as high as 5%.
Can E10 fuel be used in all motorcycles?
In short, no. The Government has advised that around 95% of all petrol-powered vehicles currently on the road are compatible with the new E10 fuel with this figure rising all the time with the additions of new models.
Vehicles at particular risk of not operating correctly with E10 fuel generally fall into one of the
following categories:
● classic, cherished and older vehicles
● some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s
● some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under
For models which are unable to operate on the new E10 fuel will still have the option to use the E5 fuel. However, this will be available at larger fuel stations that offer a 97+ octane – usually branded as V-Power, Ultimate or Super.
Will my motorcycle be able to use E10 fuel?
The UK Government has provided information on some of the major manufacturers’ compatibility with regards to the use of E10 which we have summarised below. If your make or model is not listed below it is suggested that you contact the manufacturer for guidance or continue to use E5 fuel in the 97+ octane form.
BMW Motorrad
All models are compatible with E10. However, the number of octanes needs to be compatible with the model according to the user handbook.
Ducati
The following models are approved for use with E10 petrol from the dates listed:
● Ducati Desmosedici 990 RR (vehicles registered as from 18/05/2007)
● Ducati Diavel 1198 (vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010)
● Ducati Diavel 1198 ABS (vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010)
● Ducati Diavel 1198 Diavel Carbon (vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010)
● Ducati Diavel 1198 Diavel Carbon ABS (vehicles registered as from 27/10/2010)
● Ducati Hypermotard 1100 (vehicles registered as from 15/02/2007)
● Ducati Hypermotard 1100 evo (vehicles registered as from 02/07/2000)
● Ducati Hypermotard 1100 evo SP (vehicles registered as from 29/09/2009)
● Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S (vehicles registered as from 15/02/2007)
● Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S+ (vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009)
● Ducati Hypermotard 1100+ (vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009)
● Ducati Hypermotard 796 (vehicles registered as from 02/07/2009)
● Ducati Monster 1100 (vehicles registered as from 10/07/2008)
● Ducati Monster 1100 ABS (vehicles registered as from 14/10/2009)
● Ducati Monster 1100 evo ABS
● Ducati Monster 1100 S (vehicles registered as from 10/07/2008)
● Ducati Monster 1100 S ABS (vehicles registered as from 14/10/2009)
● Ducati Monster 659
● Ducati Monster 659 ABS
● Ducati Monster 696 (vehicles registered as from 15/01/2008)
● Ducati Monster 696 ABS (vehicles registered as from 14/10/2009)
● Ducati Monster 796 (vehicles registered as from 04/02/2010)
● Ducati Monster 796 ABS (vehicles registered as from 04/02/2010)
● Ducati Multistrada 1200 (vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009)
● Ducati Multistrada 1200 ABS (vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009)
● Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition
● Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport (vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009)
● Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring (vehicles registered as from 04/12/2009)
● Ducati Streetfighter 1098 (vehicles registered as from 12/01/2009)
● Ducati Streetfighter 1098 S (vehicles registered as from 12/01/2009)
● Ducati Superbike 1098 R Corse (vehicles registered as from 30/10/2007)
● Ducati Superbike 1198 (vehicles registered as from 03/09/2008)
● Ducati Superbike 1198 SP (vehicles registered as from 03/09/2008)
● Ducati Superbike 848 evo (vehicles registered as from 20/05/2010)
Models not listed should continue to use E5 petrol and for further information contact your local Ducati dealer.
Harley Davidson
All Harley-Davidson models from Model Year 1980 are compatible with E10 fuel. All models before this model year should use RON 98 E5 fuel.
Honda
All Honda motorcycles and mopeds produced for the EU market since 1993 can use ethanol-blended gasoline up to 10% although carburettor-equipped models could experience poor driveability in cold weather conditions.
Kawasaki
The below Kawasaki motorcycle models are compatible with E10 petrol from the year of manufacture stated. If your model is not listed, or it was manufactured before the stated year you should continue to use E5 petrol:
● KLX125 (vehicles registered as from 2010)
● D-Tracker 125 (vehicles registered as from 2010)
● KLX250 (vehicles registered as from 2008)
● Ninja 250R (vehicles registered as from 2008)
● Ninja ZX-6R (vehicles registered as from 2007)
● ER-6n (vehicles registered as from 2006)
● ER-6f (vehicles registered as from 2006)
● Versys (vehicles registered as from 2007)
● Z750 (vehicles registered as from 2007)
● W800 (vehicles registered as from 2011)
● VN900 (vehicles registered as from 2006)
● Z1000 (vehicles registered as from 2009)
● Z1000SX (vehicles registered as from 2011)
● Ninja ZX-10R (vehicles registered as from 2006)
● ZZR1400 (vehicles registered as from 2006)
● 1400GTR (vehicles registered as from 2008)
● VN1700 (vehicles registered as from 2009)
● VN2000 (vehicles registered as from 2008)
KTM
KTM motorcycles and ATVs are compatible with E10 from model year 2000 onwards.
Peugeot
Older petrol models should continue to use E5.
Piaggio
Most models over 50cc belonging to the Piaggio Group are compatible with E10 from 01/01/2011 onwards. Piaggio does not recommend use of E10 on mopeds and scooters with a 50cc engine size currently in production.
Suzuki
Models produced from 2002 onwards can use E10 with no problems. For models produced between 1992-2001 should continue to use E5 fuel or contact their Suzuki dealer for clarification. Models produced before 1991 should continue to use RON 98 (no bio-fuel content).
Triumph
All models, starting from 1990 are compatible with E10.
Victory
All Victory motorcycles can use gasoline that has been blended with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Check fuel’s octane rating for compatibility with the vehicle according to the owner’s manual.
Yamaha
All Yamaha models from 1990 onwards are compatible with E10. Older models should continue to use E5.
