I read an article recently claiming that using E5 gave better fuel consumption figures, so I gave it a (not very scientific) go. On my modern Honda I improved tank range by about 40 miles on a non-motorway journey (2 up, fully loaded), getting over 70 mpg as opposed to mid 60s. This is on a booster plug equipped bike. Even motorway journeys stayed in the 60s on E5. Of course, price plays a part but it looks like it may be worth it if buying from supermarkets. Not applicable to my S3 'cos I only use super 97/98/99 E5.
I’ve never put E10 in any of my bikes, we don’t have it here in NI yet. When I went for a trip to England in the summer I had to ride around a bit one night to find a pump selling E5 before I could fill up again. I used a website to find one in the end because the first 2 or 3 places I went didn’t have any E5.
Even comparing E5s with different octane I get more miles per tank on 97 or 99 compared to 95.
I read an article where someone had recorded their fuel usage on E10 and then E5. Ethanol doesn’t burn as well as petrol so he found a % improvement and better tank range. The corresponding price increase for the E5 (over E10) was a lower % increase so his “pence per mile” dropped on E5.
That was good enough for me…, I’ve used E5 ever since. I managed over 200 miles on a tank on my 1400 , having previously run out at 173 and 183…
I read this (older) post with interest, as I have just completed an E5/10 fuel trial with my company car, over a period of the last 12 months.
First 6m with E10 (37.8mpg), next 6m with E5 (44.2mpg).
Rough calcs suggest E5 between 6-9% more expensive, however gain of ~15% more mpg. Crude calcs, but will be sticking with E5 from now on.
For the V1200 Sport, always E5 premium brand…obviously!
Thanks for that. It’s rare to get some objective numbers! The difference in mpg between the two grades is surprisingly large. I might do my own test on the V85TT.
I read of someone having done the sums on their bike and that was good enough for me to go E5 Super-Unleaded ever since!! V11 Le Mans and a California 1400 Custom. In particular, the extra mpg gives me an increased range so I can ride to my brother’s and fill up at the local Asda rather than have to stop on the Motorway and fill up at their prices!!
My Breva kacked up on that E10 rubbish in Europe, misfiring and spluttering like a bantam
I then filled it with E5 when I got home, and nailed it through the gears before I took it to Tony Botto for its service
fault cured
E10 is kack
so I use either 5 or superpower stuff
6 miles???
6 months each
Or maybe meters, metric you know lol
Not wrong…