The Thruxton R went into hibernation last October. Today it emerged into the sunshine but it wasn't happy. Missing, stuttering and stalling at lights all the way. There was about 50 miles left in the tank so made it (just) to a petrol station and filled up. Took ages to get it started again, but when it did I set off with the same issues, then, a couple of miles later, she was away, all problems gone and a great 60 mile ride in the winter sun. So, I guess petrol does go bad over winter after all !!!
Good to know the bike sorted itself out. You know I put a hornet back on the road last year it had stood for seven years in a garden. I emptied the tank and refreshed didn't touch the carbs and it fired right up after a few splutters and has run ever since. Ride Safe Joe.
Bit late now for any tips, though I find a glug of fuel conditioner in the tank at the end of season works for me.
Not so much bad as the more volatile elements (which ignite most readily) evaporate off leaving varnish residues that fresh fuel will fairly quickly dissolve. We tend to forget petrol/gasoline is itself a mix of the top end compounds in crude oil.
The cracking tower always makes me giggle. Remember when diesel was cheaper than petrol? Yet it has several less refining processes to go through!
Hi Since Nov I have started my bike up monthly and allowed it to warm up. Ran idle no problem. Finally I got to take my Thruxton R out for a spin for the first time this year. It had a small amount of fuel left from Nov, went straight to the fuel station and filled up. Travelled about 15 or so miles without issue. Then shortly after when I changed from first gear to second the bike almost stalled. I carried on home and when I pulled up the bike died under idle. Just to be sure I then put my bike on paddock stands to make it level as possible and again stalled, same again about 3 times. I've checked in darkness for a known issue with the spark plug caps nothing there as far as I can see. Is it worth me trying fuel conditioner now? If so which one works well? Or is there some other gremlin that has evaded my simple mind? Note my bike only came back from having it's barrells replaced in October, serviced at same time, should I be thinking more outside of the box? I have since spoken with a dealer and they advised I drain the fuel tank Any advice is most welcome
Erm daft thing is i have used the same station since owning my bike. Not so sure which one they use unless all of a sudden they have swapped. Is there something obvious that would allow me to quickly identify?
Well yes, both the pump and nozzle say either E5 or E10, the E10 is supposed to be compatible with your machine, however the reality is different, my STRS runs appallingly on E10 and does my youngest sons 19 plate Katana, my eldest sons Panigale 1299s destroyed some sensors, these had to be ordered direct from Ducati Italy (not cheap), so it can and does make a difference to a variety of makes and models, the E5 can very quickly go off and you would be surprised how much water it leaves in the tank, given it was a small amount of fuel, and I am basing this on you had E10 in the tank, then the fuel will undoubtedly be the cause, it has sat in the tank for 4 months, if you filled it up with more E10 then drain the tank and re fill with E5 and all should be well. Even with E5 4 months is a long time to have fuel sat in the tank, a stabiliser will help if laying it up again.
Thanks for your advice if I opt for high octane each time will that be an easier option? Surprised the uk has not made this clearer arghhhh. I say surprised with a hint of sarcasm. Are u aware of anything triumph have done to increase compatibility between e5/10?
Hi timboo, it will run great on E5, it is dearer to buy, however an awful lot of drivers and riders are saying that their MPG has increased since switching back from E10 to E5 so the cost balances out, interestingly the RAC and AA have been warning about E10 fuel for some time, the amount of problems some people are experiencing is awful.
Cheers I have ordered some fuel optimizer arriving tomoz. Then will only put E5 in moving forwards looked at shell today e5 seems to be apply to the high octane fuel. Plan on limping my bike to shell amd adding high octane plus optimizer at same time Edit Optimizer added fuel topped up with E5 Didn’t stall on idle. Positive thus far.
Further update. Since adding fuel stabilizer and now only using e5 high octane the bike feels more like its old self. I bought an extra bottle in prep for the end of the year. I’m never going to use e10 again. Here is a link to the stabilizer https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/mo...MIhKHBtIWv_gIVhe_tCh2JugBIEAQYASABEgIQJfD_BwE
