E20 fuel & older motorcycles in India: What riders must know

Long story short: Explore the impact of India’s E20 fuel on older bikes and scooters, pros, cons, discover additives and maintenance tips for compatibility.

There has been considerable buzz, discussion, and concern regarding the impact of e20 fuel on motorcycles and scooters. Nowadays, social media is flooded with posts and messages related to this. There are surely concerns for older motorcycle and scooter owners.

There may be various opinions about the execution of the rollout of the e20 fuel scheme in India, but our discussion here will not focus on that; instead, we will explore what can be done proactively as an owner.

Let’s start by discussing what e20 fuel is all about and its basics. After that, we will discuss the impact of e20 fuel on motorcycles and scooters in India.

Key Takeaways

1. Octane is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist knocking. E20’s higher octane compared to regular petrol helps prevent this, so engines built for it run more smoothly and efficiently.
2. Ethanol has less energy than gasoline, so you may notice a drop in your fuel economy of 1–6%, especially if your bike is older or not optimised for E20.
3. Many older bikes have parts that aren’t compatible with ethanol, so hoses and seals can wear out or leak faster on E20.
4. Ethanol attracts water from the air, which can lead to rust in steel tanks and fuel system buildup. Over time, this can affect how your engine runs.
5. Ethanol burns cleaner, helping cut carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides by up to 30%, supporting India’s climate goals for cleaner air.

What is ethanol-blended petrol (E20 fuel) & types of ethanol-blended petrol in India?

E20 fuel mixes 20% ethanol from renewable sources with 80% gasoline. This blend helps reduce emissions, supports farmers, reduces oil imports, and promotes more sustainable transportation.

For detailed answers to these questions and related queries, please visit our related blog, written by our team, here.

1. Ethanol blended petrol for Indian bikers – E10 & E20 Fuel
2. Motorcycle fuel – Types, things to know & take care in India

Now let’s examine the pros and cons of E20 fuel for motorcycles and scooters in India. Next, we will explore the drawbacks of E20 fuel in bikes.

Pros and benefits of E20 Fuel for Motorcycles and Scooters

1. Lower Emissions: Ethanol burns cleaner, helping cut carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides by up to 30%, supporting India’s climate goals for cleaner air.
2. Higher Octane Rating: The octane rating indicates how effectively fuel prevents engine knocking, which occurs when fuel burns too early, potentially damaging the engine. Octane is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist knocking. E20’s higher octane compared to regular petrol helps prevent this, so engines built for it run more smoothly and efficiently.
3. Support to Economy and Farmers: Locally produced ethanol benefits the agricultural sector, generates rural income, and lowers costs from imported fuel.
4. Compatibility with New Models: Most bikes and scooters manufactured after 2023 are designed to use E20, with engines optimised for optimal performance and extended lifespan.
5. Future-Ready Fuel: E20 meets India’s new emission rules and fuel policies, helping vehicles stay on the road longer.

Cons and Challenges of E20 Fuel for Motorcycles and Scooters

1. Slight Drop in Mileage: Ethanol has less energy than gasoline, so you may notice a drop in your fuel economy of 1–6%, especially if your bike is older or not optimised for E20.
2. Older parts: Many older bikes have parts that aren’t compatible with ethanol, so hoses and seals can wear out or leak faster on E20.
3. Corrosion and Moisture Problems: Ethanol attracts water from the air, which can lead to rust in steel tanks and fuel system buildup. Over time, this can affect how your engine runs.
4. Maintenance Needs: With E20, you’ll need to clean the throttle and fuel system more often, and change filters and hoses regularly to keep your engine running well.
5. Potential Engine Performance Issues in Older or 2-Stroke Engines: Older BS3 or earlier bikes may experience overheating, misfiring, or fuel delivery problems if using E20 without modifications.

Pros and cons of E20 Fuel for Motorcycles and Scooters – Table

Here is a detailed table summarising pros and cons of E20 fuel in motorcycles for India:

What are the issues faced by older motorcycles and scooters using E20 fuel in India?

To further understand the situation, it’s helpful to examine the specific issues that older motorcycles and scooters encounter when using E20 fuel in India.

1. Fuel Efficiency Drop

Older bikes with carburettors or those made before BS4 standards can lose up to 20% of their mileage because ethanol has less energy, and their engines aren’t designed for it.

2. Material Degradation in Fuel System

Ethanol can wear down rubber and metal parts in older bikes if they aren’t made for it, which can cause leaks or breakdowns.

3. Moisture Absorption and Corrosion

Ethanol’s hygroscopic properties can cause rust in tanks, water contamination, and corrosion of engine parts, particularly in humid regions.

4. Engine Performance Issues

Older motorcycles may idle roughly, be difficult to start when cold, knock, hesitate, or even stall when using E20 fuel. Carburettor bikes have a tougher time adjusting to ethanol than newer fuel-injected ones.

5. Gum and Carbon Deposits

Ethanol-rich fuel can leave gum and carbon deposits in the engine, so you’ll need to clean it regularly to keep your bike running smoothly.

6. Specific Cases of Engine Damage

Some riders have noticed engine compression loss, vibrations, and oil leaks in older bikes after switching to E20. These issues are typically caused by worn gaskets, inadequate upgrades, and insufficient maintenance.

Comparison of E20 Petrol vs Normal petrol in bikes in India

Here is a detailed table comparing E20 petrol (20% ethanol blended) and normal petrol (0% ethanol) in motorcycles for India:

How can older motorcycles and scooters be made compatible with E20 fuel in India?

To prepare older motorcycles and scooters in India for E20, tune the carburettor, upgrade fuel system parts to those that can handle ethanol, and monitor for leaks or rust. This is especially important for bikes made before the BS6 era, since newer models are usually already built to use E20 fuel.

Older bikes, made before the BS6 era, do have some challenges. Here are some practical steps and manufacturer tips to help keep them running well on E20:

1. Manufacturer Inputs and Existing Compatibility

1. Manufacturers state that most BS4 and newer models have fuel systems designed to tolerate ethanol in E20, but older bikes require specific upgrades and careful maintenance to prevent wear, leaks, or performance loss.
2. Royal Enfield confirms that its BS6 bikes are compatible with E20 and is developing retrofit kits for older models to address any compatibility issues.
3. Older bikes with carburettors—which are mechanical parts that control the air-fuel mixture—need more attention, since they can’t adjust on their own for ethanol’s lower energy, unlike newer fuel-injected models.

2. How to Make Older Two-Wheelers Compatible with E20 Fuel

1. Carburettor Rejetting or Tuning: If your bike has a carburettor (a device that mixes air and fuel), tuning it changes the air-fuel mix so it works better with ethanol. This helps reduce misfires and gives a smoother ride.
2. Upgrading Fuel System Components: Replace old rubber hoses, seals, and gaskets with ones that are compatible with ethanol. Consider installing a new fuel tank if necessary. This helps protect against rust and worn-out parts, thereby extending the bike’s lifespan.
3. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Check for rust in the tank, clean or replace filters as needed, repair leaks, and ride your older bike regularly to prevent water issues.
4. Using Fuel Additives and Stabilisers: Some riders add stabilisers to keep fuel fresh and reduce deposits. However, manufacturers are cautious, and more research is needed to know the long-term effects.
5. Retrofitting with Upgrade Kits: You can also consider retrofit kits from reputable brands, such as Royal Enfield. These kits update parts and engine settings, allowing older bikes to handle E20 more effectively.

3. Warranty and Support

Check with manufacturers about warranty coverage for older vehicles running on E20, particularly if your manual does not mention E20 use. This ensures support during the transition period.

What long-term impacts might using E20 fuel have on older bikes that are retrofitted for compatibility?

It’s essential to consider the long-term implications of retrofitting older bikes to use E20.

1. Material Wear and Corrosion Mitigation: Upgrading to ethanol-friendly seals, gaskets, and fuel lines reduces corrosion and wear, extending the lifespan of your bike’s fuel system.
2. Reduced Engine Wear: Tuning the carburettor with retrofit kits helps the engine burn fuel more efficiently, preventing overuse of the throttle and resulting in less wear on clutch and engine components.
3. Fuel System Maintenance Needs: Even with upgrades, you’ll need to clean and check the fuel system often. If you skip this, ethanol can still cause gum buildup and rust.
4. Marginal Fuel Efficiency Loss: Retrofitted bikes still experience a reduction in mileage (generally 3-6%) due to ethanol’s lower energy content; however, this is offset by improved performance compared to non-retrofitted ones, thereby balancing emissions benefits with performance.
5. Engine Starting and Idling: Retrofitting makes it easier to start your bike when it’s cold and helps it idle smoothly, which reduces long-term problems for older carburettor models using E20.

What specific modifications would be recommended for older motorcycles to adapt to E20 fuel?

For older motorcycles in India, it’s best to use fuel system cleaners regularly, check and replace fuel lines and rubber parts frequently, and avoid storing E20 fuel in the tank for extended periods. These steps help prevent common issues with ethanol blends.

1. Fuel System Cleaner Additives: Add 40-50 ml of fuel system cleaner to a full tank every 1000 km to stop gum and deposits from building up. It’s a cheap way to keep your engine running smoothly with E20.
2. Regular Inspection and Replacement: Since ethanol absorbs water, it can cause rust and damage rubber parts. Check and replace fuel lines, filters, and rubber parts, such as gaskets and seals, regularly to prevent problems.
3. Avoid Long Fuel Storage: Don’t leave E20 fuel sitting in your tank for too long, since it attracts moisture. Use your bike regularly, top it up with fresh fuel, and use stabilisers to lower the risk of rust.
4. Engine Control Unit (ECU) Tuning: Adjusting the ECU (a small onboard computer that manages engine operations) for the optimal air-fuel mix and ignition timing can help your bike burn E20 efficiently and maintain optimal performance.
5. Use of Retrofit Kits (Upcoming): Brands like Royal Enfield are developing retrofit kits to enable older bikes to use E20. These kits will likely include better fuel system parts and new materials.
6. Material Compatibility: Some older bikes (BS-IV and newer) may already have parts that are compatible with E20, but you may still experience lower mileage or minor performance issues. Very old models may require more adjustments or additional care.

In short, keep your fuel system clean, check and replace weak parts, and adjust engine settings if needed to handle ethanol. These steps help keep your older bike reliable and minimise problems with E20 fuel.

What specific retrofit upgrade kits is Royal Enfield developing for older bikes?

Let’s take a closer look at the upgrade kits being developed for older bikes, such as those from Royal Enfield.

1. Target Models: These kits are designed for BS3 and BS4 carburettor models, including the Classic 350, Bullet 350, and Meteor 350.
2. Carburettor Jetting Kit: This kit features a new jet needle and jets specifically designed to achieve the optimal air-fuel mix for E20, allowing your bike to burn fuel more efficiently and respond more quickly to throttle input.
3. Ethanol-Compatible Fuel System Components: The kit includes seals, gaskets, and hoses made from materials that are resistant to damage from ethanol.
4. Installation Process: The kit can be installed in approximately 10–12 minutes at a Royal Enfield service centre. They’ll swap out the old carburettor parts for new ones made for E20.
5. Performance Benefits: The kit helps you avoid overusing the throttle, reduces clutch wear, extends engine life, smooths out idling, and makes cold starts easier with E20 fuel.
6. Availability: These kits are officially provided by Royal Enfield and are promoted for customers who need to comply with ethanol blending regulations for older motorcycles.

Are there any specific fuel additives recommended for improving the compatibility of older bikes with E20 in India?

To improve older motorcycles’ compatibility with E20 fuel in India, consider the following recommendations:

1. Fuel System Cleaner Additives: Use a fuel system cleaner additive every 1000 km (about 40-50 ml per full tank) to prevent gum and deposit buildup in the throttle body and injectors. This helps maintain engine smoothness.
2. Ethanol Fuel Stabilisers: Products like STA-BIL 360° Protection protect against ethanol-induced corrosion, remove excess water, and prevent varnish deposits. While specific brands may not be widely available in India, look for similar products with corrosion inhibitors and water removers.
3. General Recommendations: Manufacturers like Bajaj and Hero suggest using fuel cleaning additives in older bikes not optimised for E20. Regular fuel system cleaning and more frequent fuel filter replacements are also advised.
4. User-Reported Additives: Some users recommend products like Star Tron enzyme treatment and Seafoam as effective for addressing ethanol-related fuel issues and preventing corrosion.
5. Preventive Measures: Upgrade rubber and plastic fuel system parts that come into contact with ethanol, avoid prolonged fuel storage, and perform frequent oil changes to keep older bikes running smoothly with E20.

In summary, for older motorcycles using E20 fuel, regularly use fuel system cleaner additives, ethanol fuel stabilisers, and maintain diligent upkeep to minimise ethanol-related problems.

How E20 Fuel Will Affect Fuel Prices in India for Motorcycles and Scooters?

The introduction of E20 fuel in India is expected to have a minimal direct impact on pump prices. Still, it will effectively increase the real cost of fuel per kilometre for motorcycle riders due to reduced fuel efficiency.

1. Pump Price Impact

E20 fuel is priced approximately the same as regular petrol at fuel stations across India. Despite ethanol traditionally being cheaper to produce, the current procurement cost of ethanol has risen to ₹71.32 per litre (including transportation and GST), which is higher than the base cost of petrol at ₹52.83 per litre before taxes and dealer commissions. This reversal in cost dynamics means oil marketing companies cannot offer E20 at a discount to consumers.

The government has not provided tax incentives or subsidies to offset the higher ethanol costs, resulting in E20 fuel being sold at market rates similar to regular petrol.

2. Real-World Cost Impact for Motorcycles

While pump prices remain stable, motorcycle riders face higher effective fuel costs due to reduced mileage:

Fuel Efficiency Drop

1. Government estimates: 3-4% mileage reduction for two-wheelers designed for E0 (pure petrol) and calibrated for E10.
2. Industry reports indicate a 2-5% efficiency drop for motorcycles, with some experiencing a reduction of up to 6-8%.
3. Real-world user experiences: Some motorcycle owners report mileage drops of 5-8% or even higher in older, non-E20 optimised bikes

Cost Per Kilometre Increase

Even with stable pump prices, the reduced fuel efficiency means riders need to purchase fuel more frequently, effectively increasing the cost per kilometre travelled by 3-8% depending on the motorcycle’s compatibility with E20 fuel.

3. Motorcycle Compatibility Considerations

E20-Compatible Motorcycles

1. Honda: All two-wheelers manufactured from April 2023 onwards are fully E20-certified
2. Hero MotoCorp: All vehicles produced from April 2023 are E20-compliant
3. TVS and Bajaj: Most BS6-compliant motorcycles support E20 fuel

4. Older Motorcycles

Pre-April 2023 motorcycles may experience:

1. Higher mileage drops of 6-8% or more due to non-optimised fuel systems
2. Potential component wear, including fuel rubber hoses, gaskets, and seals, in the long term
3. Increased maintenance costs for fuel system components over time

5. Economic Impact Summary

For motorcycle users in India, the introduction of E20 fuel means:

1. Stable pump prices, but no cost savings despite the ethanol blend
2. Effective fuel cost increase of 3-8% due to reduced mileage
3. Higher impact on older motorcycles not designed for ethanol blends
4. No government price concessions to offset efficiency losses

The net effect is higher running costs per kilometre for most motorcycle riders, particularly those with older or non-E20 optimised vehicles, despite the environmental and energy security benefits that E20 fuel provides to the nation.

FAQ about E20 fuel for older motorcycles & scooters in India

1. Can we still get 100% petrol in India for motorcycles?

Yes, XP100 (IOCL) and Power100 (HPCL) are the only fuels in India that are ethanol-free.

2. Is E20 fuel safe for older motorcycles and scooters?

It can be used, but older bikes not designed for ethanol blends may face reduced mileage and potential fuel system wear.

3. Will E20 fuel reduce the mileage of my two-wheeler?

Yes, mileage can drop by 3-8% due to ethanol’s lower energy content.

4. Does E20 fuel cause engine damage to older bikes?

Ethanol can corrode rubber, plastic, and metal parts not designed for ethanol, causing damage over time.

5. Are fuel additives beneficial for using E20 in older bikes?

Yes, additives help prevent corrosion, deposits, and water absorption in fuel. Please consult an expert mechanic before using it.

6. Will using E20 fuel void the warranty on my older bike?

Some manufacturers may not cover damage in non-E20-compatible older models, but newer E20-ready bikes have full coverage.

7. Which Indian motorcycles are officially E20-compatible?

Most bikes from April 2023 onwards by major brands like Hero, Honda, Bajaj, and TVS are E20-compliant.

8. Do I need to modify my motorcycle to run on E20 fuel?

Generally, no, but regular maintenance and additives are recommended for older bikes.

9. What performance changes occur with E20 in older two-wheelers?

Some experience slight rough idling or hesitation, but significant performance loss is unusual with proper care.

10. Does ethanol in E20 fuel absorb water?

Yes, ethanol attracts moisture, which can lead to phase separation and fuel contamination if stored for long periods.

11. How frequently should I use fuel additives with E20 fuel?

It’s recommended to add fuel system cleaners every 1000-1500 km to protect the engine.

12. Can E20 fuel cause issues with restarting or stalling the engine?

Older engines may experience occasional hesitation or restart issues, particularly if the fuel system is not correctly maintained and clean.

13. Is E20 fuel more expensive than regular petrol?

Pump prices are similar, but the effective cost per kilometre may increase due to a drop in mileage.

14. Does E20 fuel affect oil change intervals?

Ethanol combustion may produce more deposits, so it is essential to check and change the oil according to schedule.

15. What parts of the motorcycle are most affected by E20 fuel?

Fuel lines, seals, gaskets, and carburettors/injectors can degrade if not ethanol-compatible.

16. Can I store E20 fuel for long periods in my motorcycle?

Long-term storage is not recommended due to ethanol’s risk of water absorption and separation.

17. What is the government’s rationale for introducing E20 fuel?

To boost ethanol use for energy security, reduce import bills, and lower pollution.

18. Are there any health or environmental benefits of E20 fuel?

Yes, ethanol is renewable, burns cleaner than petrol, thus reducing emissions.

19. Does E20 fuel have a different smell or colour?

It may have a slight ethanol odour, but it looks similar to regular petrol.

20. Can I switch back to regular petrol from E20?

Regular petrol without an ethanol blend is almost phased out; only XP100 (IOCL) and Power100 (HPCL) are the only fuels in India that are ethanol-free.

21. What maintenance tips help older bikes run smoothly on E20 fuel?

Use ethanol-resistant parts, add fuel additives regularly, keep the fuel system clean, and monitor any changes in mileage.

Other related links from Bikeleague India

1. Ethanol blended petrol for Indian bikers – E10 & E20 Fuel
2. Motorcycle fuel – Types, things to know & take care in India
3. Bike nitrogen filling & air filling – FAQ & Myths
4. Electric scooter vs Petrol scooter – Which is best
5. Electric motorcycles & scooters in India: Examining the pros & cons

Conclusion

We hope you have got a clear cut idea about the solutions, tips, challenges & concerns faced by older motorcycle and scooter owners using E20 fuel in India. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We’re always happy to help. You can also find us on social media for more updates from Bikeleague India.