CB650R E10 fuel

[Roomy]

I've just started using the new E10 fuel in my 2021 CB650R. I bought the bike in June this year and it is completely standard apart from front screen, quick shifter and heated grips.
Since using this fuel I think the bike seems a bit "fluffy" at very low revs. Especially when cold. The bike runs fine above 2000 revs.
Has anyone else noticed this ?
Maybe I'll pay a bit extra and use the E5 stuff.

 

[mcphatty]

I won't say that the E10 fuel is causing your problems, but I wouldn't rule it out. The manual says to run 87 octane, which typically does not have ethanol in it so perhaps the fluffiness is a result of that.

Before I read the manual (who does that, anyway!?), I was running 93 octane (I was always told when I was younger that bikes "needed" it), but the performance was lower, and MPG went WAY downhill. I'm only sharing that because it proved to me that when the manufacturer is recommending that you spend less money than what could be spent, it's generally good advice.

Try regular 87 octane fuel and see if that makes any difference. If not, perhaps there's something else going on.

One other thing to add, is that ethanol-free fuel is recommended when storing your motorcycle for the winter. The reasoning being that ethanol blended fuel breaks down more readily, and perhaps those conditions could be related in your situation.

 

[Atucker]

Nearly all fuels in the US are E10 regardless of octane. To get gas in the US that doesn't contain alcohol you would have to seek out a specialty station at this point. I run 87 with up to 10% alcohol and have zero issues. The times I have ran 93 with 10% blend I seemed to have more "buzziness". Not really sure there was any true correlation, but it definitely had a different feel to me.

 

[mcphatty]

I hadn't realized that ethanol-free fuel was not typical. The gas station I usually fill up at offers it and I had made the assumption that there wasn't anything special about it.

 

[Ive]

I hadn't realized that ethanol-free fuel was not typical. The gas station I usually fill up at offers it and I had made the assumption that there wasn't anything special about it.

Like Atucker said, you have to seek out Ethanol-free gas stations in the US.
Because they are far and few between, they usually delineate E-free gas at the pumps, and they are more expensive than your typical E10 high-octane gas pump fuel:

 

[Roomy]

Thanks for the replies guys, I should have said that I am in the UK.
The E10' fuel i am using is 95'ron. My owners manual recommends 91 Ron so that's ok.
The other option I have is E5 at 99ron.
The storage issue doesn't come into it as it's only 2 months old and is currently used every other day.
It's not too big an issue, i just wondered if anybody else has noticed this.

 

[MotoDonner]

I'm using E10 in Germany. No changes in responsiveness, fuel consumption or power/speed.

I usually run at 4.8l/100km both with E10 and E5.

Though i currently have the 35kw restricted version so i'm guessing when mine get's unrestricted the bike might need fuel with less ethanol to keep the fuel consumption/performance

 

[Patent]

I've been through two tanks of E10 95 in the UK now without issues. When you say fluffy, what does it do?

 

[volkein]

I've rode thousands of kms with E10 fuel on both CB500F and CB650F without issues.

 

[Brammers]

On my 3rd or 4th full tank of e10, no problems at all. Even running a custom pc5 map.

J

 

[Goblin]

I always fill up with Shell V-Power, free from bio-ethanol and with 98/99 octane in my bikes. I also use it in my scooter.

 

[Roomy]

Looking at the replies I am satisfied that it's probably ok and I will just give it more revs when setting off.
Thanks for all your inputs.

 

[JH09]

just to make sure this horse is dead, and as stated in other threads, the best bet is to probably go to a "busy" well-known-brand gas (er... petrol) station that should have fresher gas.

enjoy the bike, looks great!

 

[Brammers]

Looking at the photo, please check your chain slack

Some adjustable levers would also make it more rideable I'm sure

J

 

[ducatiman]

E10 only in my area....no issues/problems, starts/ accelerates/cruises just fine with consistent use of my chosen Stabilizer additive. Seems to run best on 87 octane "regular" Exxon stuff. Busy station/fresh fuel. Note I own 3 street legal/registered bikes, so my 650 will sit time to time.

 

[Roomy]

Ok thanks all, will check my chain tomorrow 👍👍