Motorcycle fuel – Types, things to know & take care in India

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Long story short: Your motorcycle’s fuel can impact performance and efficiency. Discover how to choose the right motorcycle fuel types from a petrol pump for your bike with this helpful guide.Here we discuss CNG fuel,types of petrol and octane rating,etc in india.

Fuel is like blood for a human. Yes, without that, both will not survive. The relevance of fuel is declining as the years pass by due to the advent of electric vehicles. But one thing is sure: fuel will stay in the market for at least five years. Beyond that, we cannot say the future. Still, there are a lot of concerns and discussions regarding electric vehicles and their effect on the environment.

In this article, we will discuss in depth all you need to know about motorcycle fuel, petrol pump tips, myths, types of fuel, octane rating, etc., right here. Motorcycle fuel types vary depending on engine design, with common options being gasoline, diesel, and electric. Gasoline remains the most popular among the motorcycle fuel types, offering a balance between performance and availability.

Some motorcycles are designed to run on alternative fuels like biofuels or compressed natural gas (CNG fuel) to reduce emissions. Electric motorcycles are growing in popularity, providing a cleaner option with zero emissions but limited range compared to traditional fuel types. Understanding the pros and cons of different motorcycle fuel types can help riders choose a model that best fits their needs and environmental concerns. First things first, let’s discuss the octane rating.

Types of motorcycle fuel in India

1. motorcycle petrol fuel

Pros of petrol

1. Widespread Availability: Petrol is readily available across the country, making it a convenient choice for riders.
2. Performance: Petrol engines are known for their high performance and efficiency.

Cons of petrol

1. Environmental Impact: petrol combustion releases significant amounts of CO2 and other pollutants, contributing to environmental degradation.
2. Cost: The cost of petrol can be high, leading to increased operational expenses for riders.

2. motorcycle Ethanol (Flex-Fuel) fuel

Pros of ethanol

1. Environmental Benefits: Ethanol is a biofuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to petrol.
2. Renewable Resource: Ethanol can be produced from renewable resources like sugarcane, which is abundant in India.
3. Government Support: The Indian government is promoting ethanol blending to reduce oil imports and support local agriculture.

Cons of ethanol

1. Infrastructure: The infrastructure for ethanol distribution is still developing, which may pose challenges for widespread adoption.
2. Engine Compatibility: Not all existing engines are compatible with high ethanol blends. However, newer models are being designed to handle this.

Honda Flex-Fuel Bike: Honda plans to launch its first flex-fuel bike in India by late 2024, featuring a 293.52cc engine that can run on up to E85 fuel (85% ethanol and 15% petrol).

3. Electric

Pros of electric

1. Zero Emissions: Electric bikes produce no tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly.
2. Lower Operational Costs: Electric bikes have lower running costs due to cheaper electricity compared to petrol and minimal maintenance requirements.
3. Technological Advancements: Modern electric bikes come equipped with advanced features like IoT, AI, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Cons of electric

1. Range Anxiety: The limited range of electric bikes can be a concern for long-distance commuters.
2. Charging Infrastructure: The availability of charging stations is still growing, which can be a limitation for some users.

Different types of petrol fuel for motorcycle in India

1. Regular petrol among petrol fuel types in india(87 Octane)

Regular petrol is the most commonly used fuel for motorcycles among the petrol fuel types in India. It has an octane number of 87 and is suitable for bikes with low to moderate compression ratios.

Pros of Regular petrol

1. Cost-Effective: Regular petrol is the cheapest option among petrol fuels, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious riders.
2. Widespread Availability: It is readily available at almost all fuel stations across India, ensuring convenience for riders.

Cons of Regular petrol

1. Lower Performance: Due to its low octane number, regular petrol may not provide the best performance, especially in high-compression engines.
2. Environmental Impact: Regular petrol combustion releases significant pollutants, contributing to environmental degradation.

2. motorcycle Midgrade petrol (89-90 Octane) among petrol fuel types in india

Pros of Midgrade petrol

1. Balanced Performance: Midgrade petrol offers a balance between cost and performance, making it suitable for a variety of motorcycles.
2. Reduced Knocking: The higher octane number compared to regular petrol helps in reducing engine knocking, leading to smoother operation.

Cons of Midgrade petrol

1. Moderate Cost: Midgrade petrol is more expensive than regular petrol but cheaper than premium, which may not justify the performance improvement for some riders.

3. Premium petrol (91-100 Octane) among petrol fuel types in india

Premium petrol is a higher-octane fuel that offers better performance and efficiency. There are several types of premium petrol available in India:

1. 91-Octane petrol: This is a standard premium petrol with an octane number of 91.
2. XP95: Indian Oil Corporation offers XP95, a 95-octane petrol aimed at high-performance bikes and luxury vehicles.
3. XP100: Another offering from Indian Oil Corporation, XP100 is a 100-octane petrol designed for racing cars and high-end motorcycles.

Pros of Premium petrol

1. High Performance: Premium petrol provides the best performance due to its high octane number, making it ideal for high-performance motorcycles.
2. Engine Protection: The higher octane rating helps prevent engine knocking and can prolong engine life.

Cons of Premium petrol

1. High Cost: Premium petrol is the most expensive option, which can significantly increase the operational costs for riders.

4. Ethanol-blended petrol

Ethanol-blended petrol is a mixture of ethanol and regular petrol. It is part of India’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on crude oil imports.

1. E10: This blend contains 10% ethanol and 90% petrol. It is widely promoted by the Government of India and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
2. E20: This blend contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. As of 2024, E20 petrol is available at 13,569 outlets across India, with plans to achieve 20% blending by 2025.

Pros of Ethanol-blended petrol

1. Environmental Benefits: Ethanol-blended petrol is greener and more sustainable than regular petrol, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe pollutants.
2. Cost-Effective: Ethanol is cheaper to produce than petrol, potentially lowering fuel costs for consumers.
3. Improved Combustion: The higher oxygen content in ethanol leads to more efficient combustion, enhancing engine performance.

Cons of Ethanol-blended petrol

1. Compatibility Issues: Not all motorcycles are designed to run on Ethanol-blended petrol, requiring modifications or retrofits for older models.
2. Infrastructure Requirements: Significant investments in infrastructure, such as storage tanks and pumps, are needed for widespread adoption.
3. Corrosive Nature: Ethanol can be corrosive to certain materials used in fuel systems, potentially causing component damage.

5. motorcycle CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Fuel

Pros of CNG Motorcycle Fuel

1. Cost-Effectiveness: CNG fuel is generally priced lower than petrol, leading to significant savings on fuel expenses.
2. Environmental Benefits: CNG fuel burns cleaner than petrol, emitting fewer harmful pollutants, contributing to reduced emissions and aligning with India’s sustainability goals.
3. Government Support and Infrastructure: The Indian government supports the adoption of CNG vehicles through various initiatives, including expanding the CNG refuelling network across the country.
4. Fuel Efficiency: CNG motorcycles offer impressive fuel efficiency, with some models boasting a mileage of over 100 km/kg.
5. Safety and Design: CNG fuel motorcycles are designed with safety in mind, with the CNG tank often enclosed within a tubular trellis frame to enhance safety.

Cons of CNG Motorcycle Fuel

1. Higher Initial Cost: CNG fuel motorcycles tend to be more expensive to purchase compared to their petrol counterparts.
2. Maintenance and Performance: CNG fuel motorcycles may require more maintenance and have less power compared to petrol motorcycles.
3. Limited Highway Use: CNG fuel motorcycles are not ideal for highway cruising and are better suited for city commuting.
4. Availability of CNG: The CNG refuelling network is expanding. However, it is still not as widespread as petrol stations.
5. Reduced Storage Space: The installation of a CNG tank can significantly reduce the storage space in two-wheelers, especially scooters

What is an octane rating in motorcycle fuel?

According to the dictionary, an octane rating is a figure that indicates a fuel’s anti-knock properties based on a comparison with a mixture of isooctane and heptane.

The government of India has prescribed the minimum octane rating for petrol to be 91. That means all oil companies need to retail 91-octane regular petrol. In premium and extra premium petrol, additives and detergents are present to avoid the formation of carbon deposits and sludge inside the engine. Now, let’s compare the different types of petrol in india in the comparison chart below to get a clear understanding.

Next, we will discuss engine knocking and the relation between octane rating.

What is engine knocking:The impact of motorcycle fuel on performance?

Engine knocking is a term for the tapping, pinging noise from the engine. It occurs when fuel burns unevenly in the engine due to the buildup of oily carbon deposits inside the combustion chamber. Knocking can be caused by burning oil or incomplete combustion from misfires, which coat pistons, cylinder heads, and other parts of the engine with residue.

What is the relation between engine knocking and octane rating?

Suppose the octane rating of the fuel is high. In that case, the engine knocking will be low and improve the engine’s longevity and performance.

Next, we will talk about fuel density and its importance.

What is fuel density?

The motorcycle fuel density indicates the quality and cleanness of the fuel. Generally, the government has set the standard density range within which petrol must be featured on every petrol pump. For petrol, this range is 730-770 kg/m3. If the density does not come within this value in the petrol pump you are trying to refill, avoid that petrol pump at all costs. There might be water or other contaminants in the petrol, which will affect the engine and performance of the motorcycle.

Things to note while refilling motorcycle fuel at the petrol pump

1. Check for fuel density

Always check the density of petrol, which should lie between 730 and 770 kg/m3. If the fuel density does not fall within this value, avoid that petrol pump at all costs, as the petrol might be contaminated with water or substances.

2. Make sure the fuel dispenser is set to zero

Monitoring whether the meter is reset to zero while refuelling your motorcycle is essential. There are many distractions in a petrol pump, and they extensively utilise that opportunity to cheat you. This cheating method is known as short-fueling.

3. Check the quality of petrol using filter paper if there is doubt

If you doubt the quality of the petrol, you can ask for a paper test of the engine filter. According to the Consumer Protection Act 1986, every petrol pump should have filter papers and be provided with the same to consumers when needed. To know whether the petrol is adulterated or not, put some drops of petrol on filter paper; if it leaves stains, then the petrol is adulterated; if not, it is pure.

4. Check the quantity of petrol if there is doubt

An electronic chip is sometimes installed in fuel dispensing machines to fill less oil. Still, the meter will show the total amount. If you feel suspicious about the quantity of petrol, you can ask for a five-litre quantity test. Petrol pumps have a 5-litre measure certified by the Weights and Measures Department. Suppose five-litre petrol delivered by fuel dispensing machine fills up the measure entirely. In that case, you can be assured that the petrol station will not short-fuel your vehicle.

5. Avoid all distractions and deviation

While entering a petrol pump, avoid all distractions and deviations, and focus only on the actions of the attendant and fuel meter.

6. Turn off the engine

Always turn off your motorcycle’s engine before refuelling. This reduces the risk of sparks that could ignite fuel vapours, ensuring a safer environment for everyone at the petrol pump.

7. Avoid Smoking and Open Flames

Do not smoke or use lighters at the petrol pump. Fuel vapours are highly flammable, and any open flame can lead to dangerous situations.

8. Do Not Use Mobile Phones

Refrain from using mobile phones while refuelling. Mobile phones can cause sparks, which could ignite fuel vapours.

9. Avoid overfilling the tank

Do not fill the fuel tank to the brim. Leave some space for fuel expansion and vapour creation, which helps maintain engine performance and prevents fuel spillage.

Future of Motorcycle Fuel in India

1. Ethanol Blending in motorcycle fuel

The Indian government is pushing for higher ethanol blending in petrol, with plans to introduce 20% ethanol blends in some regions by April 2023 and nationwide by 2025-26. This initiative aims to reduce the country’s oil import bill and support the local sugarcane industry.

2. Flex-Fuel Technology

Honda’s introduction of flex-fuel bikes in India by late 2024 marks a significant step towards adopting alternative fuels. The success of flex-fuel technology in other countries, like Brazil, provides a promising outlook for its implementation in India.

3. Electric Vehicles

Electric bikes are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits and lower operational costs. The narrowing price gap between electric and petrol bikes and advancements in battery technology suggest a growing market for electric two-wheelers in India.

FAQ about motorcycle fuel

1. What should we check while refuelling in the petrol pump?

Check for fuel density first, then make sure the fuel dispenser is set to zero, avoid all distractions, and focus on the fuel reading meter to prevent cheating.

2. What things can we do to check the quality of petrol?

Ask for an engine filter paper test. According to the Consumer Protection Act 1986, every petrol pump should have filter papers and be provided with the same to consumers when needed.

3. What can we do to check the quantity of petrol?

You can ask for a five-litre quantity test. Petrol pumps must have a 5-litre measure certified by the Weights and Measures Department.

4. What is the fuel density range in India?

Petrol’s density should lie between 730-770 kg/m3.

5. What if the fuel density is outside the 730-770 kg/m3 range?

Avoid that pump at all costs.

6. Is a higher or lower octane rating better?

Higher octane-rating fuel means a lesser chance of engine knocking and better engine longevity.

7. Is there any benefit to using higher-octane petrol for normal motorcycles?

No, motorcycles with higher compression engines can only use premium petrol; otherwise, there is no benefit. Check whether your motorcycle supports premium petrol.

8. What services can you avail of petrol pump free of cost?

Quality & quantity check, First aid kit, Emergency call, Washrooms, Drinking water and tyre pressure check

Other related articles from Bikeleague India

1. Ethanol blended petrol in India – Unveiling the facts
2. Electric motorcycles & scooters in India: Examining the pros & cons
3. Two wheeler tyre code & size – How to read & understand
4. Bajaj Freedom 125
5. Bajaj Chetak Premium

Conclusion

We have discussed in depth the essential things an owner should know about motorcycle fuel, types of fuel, and tips and tricks for refuelling at petrol pumps for bikes.

If you have any other doubts or queries about bike fancy number booking, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. You can also share your doubts or opinions in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.