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Old fuel & riding

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 1, 2021, 8:02 pm

Taxed and insured the Speedmaster today and took it out for its first proper ride since buying it.

Riding position - feet forward takes some getting used to, adjusting the bars made it a little more comfortable to ride, moved them upwards and forwards a little so I have to reach forward a bit more.

Earlier in the week I took the H2 out for its maiden run of 2021, still just as much fun as I remember.

Both bikes had old fuel in them from around November last year, both bikes ran like pigs until I put some new fuel in, once I did that it made a huge difference.

On the Triumph there was this weird vibration - enough to make me think to myself why did I buy this piece of crap, new fuel totally transformed it, runs very smoothly.

On the H2 it was hessitant on the throttle, and was surging really badly, new fuel and it felt like a new motor.

Anway just goes to show how something so simple can affect running.

Spoilt for choice now do I take the Spudmaster, H2 or give the Him a well earned rest, decisions, decisions...........

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 1, 2021, 10:54 pm, in reply to "Old fuel & riding"

My old fuel always works normal. Using Shell high octane on the old bikes and supermarket fuel on the two new Triumphs. The R111 has not been out in over 6 months so i might get it ready for May. It has no MOT now

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by jimmy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=jimmy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 1, 2021, 11:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

Mine is the same
The only 'precaution' I take is to turn the fuel off and run the engine until the carbs are empty.
Never had an issue on restarting

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2021, 8:43 am, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

My trouble i had in anearlier post about my new mower not running on stale petrol...the last time I filled up with new was over a year ago ..I drained the mower fuel it was a dark orange/yellow colour once I put in new it started on the button
The Pan same fuel full tanks (two) started no problems but only let it warm up until the cooling fan kicked in but didn't ride ..it does have an electronic ignition and injection system that compensates for low grade fuels ..but I didn't try it on the road to see if it was different
The new fuel was almost clear..

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by CrazyFrog <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=CrazyFrog' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2021, 8:58 am, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

I never have trouble laying my bikes up. I do put a splash of StarTron additive in the fuel in November, but I think that keeping them in a heated, dry garage is what helps the most.

You don't have to be crazy to post here, but it helps....

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2021, 9:15 am, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

No starting issues, just poor running.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by Sparrow <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Sparrow' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2021, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

Likewise, the MZ was almost empty a couple of months back so shot an amount ? in.
Yesterday put it on reserve just in case but would not start and this is with a brand new Mikuni

.
Decided to fit one of the supplied bigger pilot jets. Just as well I did as like Tonups mower, it looked like hangover pee in the float bowl.
Tried it straight from the tank and not on reserve - crystal - Wunderbar - second kick.
So I'm thinking the water/mouldy fuel has sunk to the bottom of the tank.
Something to ponder perhaps for the next time you are running low on fuel after a long layup.

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by Nigel B <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Nigel+B' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2021, 6:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

My MZ has been on SORN for a couple of years & did minimal mileage for the couple of years before that. I have got the bits to sort the issue that cuase that lack of use (bloody gearchange shaft O-ring !), changed insurers so it is now insured and decided to take some fuel out to have room to add some fresh - I have a diesel hot air heater in the garage & decided to add a litre of the old petrol to 20+ litres of red to get some use out of it. I was suprised that the fuel I took out was clear, pink with the 2T oil and just smelled like petrol.

Mrs B informed me that she wanted her R65LS ("Old Rattler" ) back on the road this year after 2 years on SORN since she got the V7 Guzzi. I gave it an oilchange & general service, pumped up the tyres and replaced the battery (only 3 years old & regularly charged but knackered) and a leaky fuel hose (also 3 years old but perished - damned ethanol !). It passed it's MoT last weekend without advisories & seemed to be running OK on fuel that is at least 2 1/2 years old.

We have been out today & filled it up part way round & it is apparently running better than before. It didn't feel bad before, but with fresh fuel it feels smoother & more responsive.

The Interceptor started first caress of the button for the first time since October last year & I can't say it felt any different after it was filled up - just as smooth, responsive and generally satisfying to ride as I recall from last year.

Nigel B.

Re: Old fuel & riding

Out in the country today and using the lower octane fuel as the garage had no premium fuel. Rounded up some bullocks when i stopped for a break. They all came over to look at the bike.

Bullocks !

Re: Bullocks !

Posted by Lannis <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Lannis' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2021, 2:52 pm, in reply to "Bullocks !"

They're not dumb. They knew that your bike sounded EXACTLY like the David Brown tractor that the farmer uses to bring them their hay bales ...

Lannis

Re: Old fuel & riding

"it looked like hangover pee in the float bowl"

Thanks for that comment Sparrow that made me laugh been a few years since I have experienced that...

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by Leon Novello <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Leon+Novello' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2021, 3:59 am, in reply to "Old fuel & riding"

I put in a tankful of Shell V- power occasionally to clean the fuel system in the Mazda.

An extract from their blurb.

Shell V-Power contains Friction Modification Technology (FMT), developed to reduce friction in the engine so it can operate more efficiently and deliver greater power to the wheels*.

FMT is also designed to form a protective film on metal surfaces, decreasing the rate of wear and corrosion that can adversely affect precision fuel system components*.

Leon Novello

Re: Old fuel & riding

Posted by Sparrow <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Sparrow' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2021, 4:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Old fuel & riding"

Yes, had a very interesting evening at their RnD place with my Vintage & Vet. Club section.
Told us all about that stuff. Lots of engine test bays running motors forever.
The best they had tested was a Kawasaki twin which after running God knows how many hours, showed no measurable sign of wear.

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