My Streetfighter will only ever see BP Ultimate (0% Ethanol) when it comes back with it's 3rd new tank on. :Finger: I already have a fuel can full of the stuff to give to the dealer tomorrow, the full tank he drains off will be going in the lawnmower.
Ethanol, when present in petrol, damages many coatings, plastics and rubbers pre 2009 manufacturing. This is 'devils fuel'. Post 2009, changes have been made in manufacturing to make plastics and rubbers coming into contact with this 'devils fuel' more resilient, to enable them to resist perish, dissolve and deform. Ethanol must be added by fuel manufacturers, and can be between 5-10% Some superunleaded fuel does not contain ethanol, but not enough. At first hand, I have witnessed the following damage from the 'devils fuel' Excessive swelling of plastic petrol tank on Aprilia Rs250, to the point of the top yolk hitting the tank! Removal of devils fuel, and addition of ethanol free fuel, saw a reversal of the swelling. This process caused a jelly like by product to block the fuel lines on the same bike. The ethanol free fuel did not create the same jelly. The 'devils fuel' rotted a fuel filler hose on my friends 2006 BMW. An internet search showed this was a common fault. All pre 2009 cars and bikes will suffer extensive repairs, in relation to this devils fuel. As ethanol levels increase, the damage will increase. The manufacturers dont care as they get to sell lots of extra parts, the government dont care, as they get all the tax on the increased profits. Ethanol. It is shit.
As Robanaro said, I now only use BP Ultimate in my bikes and have experienced no ill effects, likewise my neighbour who has a fleet of classic machines from the sixties and seventies plus a couple of pre 1920 Triumphs all of which he runs on Ultimate. Costs abit more but my personal experience indicates it is money well spent.
How much are stock Ducati tanks? Should I get one and try to coat the inside..? Either that or a carbon one and paint it. Don't fancy the cost of that. I try to use BP but its not always possible. When you need fuel, you need fuel..
I don't know the cost as I'm not paying @Gimlet If I can't find BP ultimate when out and about from now on, I'm going to drain the tank when I return home and put a fuel can's worth of BP Ultimate in just to make sure, I bought one of these a few weeks back for just this eventuality. 4 Litre Petrol/Oil/Fluid Extractor Pump Syphon Transfer Water/Engine Vacuum New | eBay
I'm not aware of the 1098 family suffering with this. Just certain other models. I suppose it depends on who Ducati farmed the manufacturing of the tanks out to. KTM's suffer badly, apparently.
My 848 suffered it every so often common fault, in North America I think they swapped the tanks if you took the bike back in a certain period, bit like the radiators over here I'm sure 5 years and you could still get a replacement from Ducati I did.
Some of the older ones do. Haven't heard of any issues with current bikes and (touch wood) my five year old SMT has reached the same mileage as the Ducati without problems.
Where is the technical spec or official info that says BP ultimate has 0% ethanol? I had a look at the BP literature, in which they make a number of claims. None mention ethanol or the lack of it as far as i can see.
There's quite a bit about it on the net, especially classic car and bike sites with some listing specific fuel stations. Ethanol seems to be added in the South West counties though for some reason.
Deformed Motorcycle Fuel Tanks 848/1098/1198 were affected but possibly due to design/rigidity have not been as much of a problem. Anything made from PA6 has the potential to distort due to prolonged contact with water. Next time you have your tank removed have a look round it to find the manufacturer (usually Acerbis) next to this you will find the material spec.
