⚠️ ATTENTION: Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements when taking care of tasks for your motorcycle. Click below for a free insurance quote.
Please answer the questions below to get started:
If you own a motorcycle, you already know that it needs to be fueled up with gas in order for it to run properly.
But did you know that gasoline can go bad if left unused for too long?
This is why it’s important to understand how long gas can last before going bad and what signs may indicate that the fuel has gone bad.
Here we’ll discuss some of the factors that affect how long your motorcycle’s fuel will last and provide tips on how to prevent your gas from going bad.
By understanding more about your motorcycle’s gas, you can ensure that your bike runs smoothly and safely at all times.
How Long Does Gas Last?
Generally, gas can last anywhere from 1-3 months in the tank of a motorcycle before it starts to go bad.
This timeframe depends on several factors such as:
- The type and quality of fuel.
- How well the bike is maintained.
- How often you ride.
For example, using higher quality fuel that contains detergents will help to keep the fuel in the tank fresh longer, while using lower quality fuels with fewer detergents may cause the gas to go bad more quickly.
Similarly, regularly maintaining your motorcycle and keeping it in good running condition can help ensure that your fuel lasts longer.
Considerations for Storing Your Motorcycle with Gas
If you plan on storing your motorcycle for an extended period of time, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure that the gas in the tank doesn’t go bad.
First, make sure to use high-quality fuel with detergents and additives.
This will help keep the fuel fresh longer while also providing other benefits such as better engine performance.
Next, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to further help keep the gas fresh.
This will prevent the gasoline from degrading over time and can help extend its shelf life up to 12 months or more.
Finally, make sure to fill your motorcycle’s tank with fuel before storing it away for an extended period of time. This will help prevent condensation and other moisture in the fuel tank, which could lead to gas going bad more quickly.
If you are storing your bike indefinitely, you might want to completely drain the gas tank and carburetor to prevent the fuel from degrading.
Be sure to consult your motorcycle’s manual for instructions on how to properly drain the fuel and replace it with fresh gas before you start riding again.
Symptoms of Bad Fuel in Your Motorcycle
If you ride your motorcycle regularly and the gas tank is not emptied for an extended period of time, it’s important to watch for signs that the fuel may have gone bad.
The most common sign that you have bad gasoline in your bike is if it has trouble starting or runs poorly when trying to accelerate.
You might also notice that your bike stalls or has poor fuel economy. (Learn more about typical motorcycle MPG).
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to check the fuel tank and carburetor for signs of contamination or moisture.
Can bad gas damage your bike?
Yes, bad gas can cause damage to your bike if left unused in the tank for too long.
Gasoline begins to break down and separate over time, forming sludge that can clog up the fuel lines and injectors. Leaving fuel in the carb bowls for too long will almost guarantee the need for a carburetor cleaning.
This can lead to poor engine performance or even complete engine failure if not addressed immediately.
It’s important to check your gas tank regularly and replace the fuel with fresh gasoline if it has been sitting in the tank for more than a few months.
By understanding more about how long gas can last before going bad and taking steps to prevent damage, you can ensure that your motorcycle runs smoothly and safely at all times.