AMA concerned about Ethanol levels
(AMA Pro Racing Release)
The American Motorcyclist Association has expressed concern about
unanticipated consequences of proposals that might allow gas stations to
increase the level of ethanol in the fuel they sell.
Currently, pump gasoline in the United States can contain up to 10
percent ethanol, which is used to increase octane, reduce carbon monoxide
emissions and provide an alternative to petroleum-based fuels.
But now, the state of Minnesota is seeking permission from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to allow the sale of fuel that includes
20 percent ethanol. And that has led to concerns about the effects on
motorcycle engines, which manufacturers say are only certified to run on
fuels containing the current 10 percent blend.
The difference could be significant, since burning ethanol creates more
heat than conventional gasoline, which has the potential to damage
air-cooled motorcycle engines. In addition, fuel systems on bikes may be
susceptible to corrosive effects of higher concentrations of ethanol in
gas. And while ethanol helps reduce carbon monoxide levels in engine
exhaust, it can also increase the levels of oxides of nitrogen, one of
the components of smog.
"The AMA supports the use of cleaner-burning fuels, but we are concerned
about premature engine damage or failure while a bike is being ridden on
a highway if the allowable level of ethanol is raised to 20 percent,"
said Imre Szauter, AMA legislative affairs specialist. "We are also
concerned about any degradation in performance, fuel economy and ride-ability
that may result from the long-term use of blended fuels with greater than
10 percent ethanol."
The proposal currently under consideration comes from Minnesota, but the
AMA notes that an EPA waiver would open the door to the sale of 20
percent ethanol blends across the country, without any evaluation of the
long-term consequences. With the limited number of choices at gas
stations, that could force out existing blends and leave some riders
without a suitable fuel choice for their vehicles.
"Until studies show that a 20 percent ethanol blend won't damage
motorcycle or ATV engines, and won't make motorcycles emit more nitrogen
oxides than are allowed by the EPA, the AMA can't support the Minnesota
proposal," Szauter said.
The AMA is a member of AllSAFE, the Alliance for a Safe Alternative Fuels
Environment, a group formed to ensure that new bio-based fuels such as
ethanol are promoted in a thoughtful manner. AllSAFE is made up of
associations that represent consumer and commercial users of ethanol
blends, manufacturers of boats, vehicles, engines and equipment, and
retailers who sell gasoline and ethanol-fuel blends.
