AMA Brings Attention For Need Of Testing Of E15

On Wednesday, June 19, the American Motorcyclist Association will host a lobby day – “Fuel For Thought” — in Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the need for additional testing of E15 fuel (gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol by volume). All motorcyclists and those who are concerned about the possible effects of E15 gasoline are invited to attend!

Currently, E15 is not approved for use in any motorcycles or ATVs. But the possibility for misfueling is real.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of E15 for 2001-and-newer light-duty vehicles, which includes cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles. However, motorcycles and ATVs are not on the approved list. While the EPA contends that the fuel is safe to use for certain other vehicles, misfueling of motorcycles and ATVs is a significant concern.

To increase awareness of the E15 issue to members of Congress, the AMA will host a motorcyclist lobby day on Capitol Hill on June 19. The program will begin with a motorcycle ride, followed by a rally and will culminate in a lobbying effort with participants visiting their congressional delegations’ offices. Motorcycle riding participants will have first priority to receive a gift bag and a fuel gift card.

The decision by the EPA to allow E15 in the marketplace comes after only one test – a test that did not include any motorcycles or ATVs. E15 has reportedly been found to cause accelerated corrosion of fuel pump parts, plugged filters, decrease in fuel efficiency and damage to emissions control systems.

Auto manufacturers such as Honda, BMW and 10 others responded to an inquiry from U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner. Their responses state that many warranties will be voided if E15 is used in their products. This will affect millions of consumers nationwide as they purchase fuel for their motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and lawn equipment.

The AMA is calling for an independent test by the National Academy of Sciences on the effects of E15 on engines, including those of motorcycles and ATVs.