Hitchcocks Forum

I've not been on this forum for a long time and for no particular reason so big 're-hello' to everyone.

I've been reading about the switch over to E5 fuel and found that Royal Enfields are not on the government checker site.

So here's my question if anyone has an answer - I have a year 2000 Bullet 500 cc and wondered if I can use the new fuel or am I likely to damage the engine if I do?

Thanks up front for any replies.

It is the E10 coming in in September that could be a problem. E5 has been with us for a long time now.

I've started using Shell Supreme or Esso Synergy it has a higher octane and it will stay E5 I think. I'm told most stations will keep an E5 pump for awhile.

You won't damage the engine. You can run enfield engines on pure alcohol with appropriate modifications to the jetting and ignition.

Where ethanol can cause issues is degredation of fuel system plastic, rubber and brass componants either by direct chemical attack or corrosion due to the tendancy of the ethanol to absorb water over time.

It should be relatively simple to "ethanol proof" a 2000 enfield. Fuel lines being one thing to keep an eye on but they've probably been replaced ages ago anyway. Soldered brass floats and needle valves with rubber rather than viton sealing washers are potential issues. You will have plastic floats on a mikcarb, a moder mikuni needle would drop in if needed. 6" of fuel hose is easy to replace, as is a fuel tap.

I suppose carb rubbers might take a hammering too but again, easily replaced with modern componants if they are having an issue. They weren't the best even before ethanol anyway.

The main issue enfields will have is they tend to have periods of disuse. The ethanol will absorb water from the atmosphere over time and can settle out as a layer of watery ethanol in the bottom of the tank causing running issues and corrosion. The best thing would be to drain the tank and empty the float bowls if laying it up for a while. Or make sure it's brimmed with low ethanol, stabilised fuel.

Chances are, you have already been running your bike on E5.

Here's a little trick....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD9a3nH_Ulw

Just remember that by watering out and removing ethanol from E10, you drop the octane rating. 97 becomes 95 and 95 becomes 93. That's because the ethanol content is high octane (116).

Not an issue on a standard bullet but could well be if you've tuned one.

Are you not perhaps meaning E10.

From GOV Uk.

"E10 is becoming the standard petrol grade in Great Britain, meaning E10 petrol will be available at almost all petrol stations across England, Scotland and Wales.

Petrol stations that offer 2 grades of petrol will stock E10 (95 octane) and E5 (97+ octane) petrol.

E5 (97+ octane petrol with no more than 5% renewable ethanol), however, will remain available at filling stations that sell 2 grades of petrol."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e10-petrol-explained

https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10 ... ufacturer/

I have been using modern fuel E10 in all my bikes: 1957 B31 / 1971 T120 / 1977 R75 / 02 sixty five. have not found any problems or difference in performance.

Many thanks guys for all the very helpful replies. I DID mean E10 and now feel I understand any issues involved.

Cheers

Riggers.