Ethanol Treatment?

[Stig / Major Tom]

OK, my manual for the LIKE 200i says not to use any ethanol laced fuel.
There are a couple of marinas (now closed for winter) about 65 miles away that sell ethanol free gas. And I suspect that this is the case for most of the USA....no one can find ethanol free gas. So, this is a pretty stupid statement from Kymco USA.
Full stop.
So, while I wait for a reply from Kymco HQ to see what they advise  - what is the best ethanol treatment/additive to use? And just how is the ethanol 'treated' by these additives?
What are we using to 'treat' the ethanol? > Techron, Stabil, GumOut, SeaFoam, Mountain Dew, etc. ??
I've searched this topic - and am getting all kinds of answers.
I've learned to trust some of you guys.
{riding to work today, changed the trans. oil on my lunch break}
Stig

[bluesin]

My dealer recommends ( and only uses ) K100 treatment. I do understand that our ratings (U.S. ) are different than overseas (at least for octane rating...our regular octane is the same as their high test, as I've read ..true?? ) .

[tortoise]

Testing ethanol videos.

[Vivo]

Stig, I don't use any fuel additives... I have been using 10% ethanol fuel ever since and with no problems... just use your scoot everyday.... What ethanol treatment treats is "Scooterista Paranoia"...

[CosmoKorny]

Stig, I don't use any fuel additives... I have been using 10% ethanol fuel ever since and with no problems... just use your scoot everyday.... What ethanol treatment treats is "Scooterista Paranoia"...

My local Simplicity/Honda/Yamaha dealer has seen a rash of fuel related problems and advises against ethanol in any small engine.  They rebuilt my lawnmower carb to the tune of 150.00 this spring.

There are two stations near me that sell "recreational" ethanol free gasoline, Shell and Kwik Trip.

[MaryK]

In the mid-south, many Valero gas stations carry ethanol-free premium gasoline.
http://www.valero.com/stores/storelocator/pages/home.aspx

Or use this web site to find ethanol-free gas in your area:  http://pure-gas.org/

scoot safely and Happy New Year

[bluesin]

Many small airports sell ethanol free, as well.

[donandrews]

Guess I must be living a "good life" here in a small (pop 1630) town in the Willamette Valley about 100 miles south of Portland, OR. 50% of our gas stations (1 out of the 2 in town) sell non-ethanol premium. I can fill up my Like for well under 5 bucks and ride carefree.

[big blue]

Hello Don, You are right I also live in the Willamette Valley and I have three places where I can get non- ethanol. I have been using a fuel treatment this winter to keep the gas fresh but when riding all the time just pure gas and no issues at all. 

[GLV55]

I have been using a fuel treatment this winter to keep the gas fresh but when riding all the time just pure gas and no issues at all. 

Exactly the same for my riding habits - we've had no problems at all with our 2 scooters doing this.

[donandrews]

So big blue and GLV55 - My dealer in Albany OR and a lot of the farmers around here (we are the "Grass seed capital of the world") have told me that ethanol is a nono because it will clog injectors and cause rubber and plastic tubing to decompose. Would like to know for sure so I can do more than a 100 mile round trip without the little container of additive I carry under the seat. How long/far have you ridden with ethanol fuel? Many thanks!

And hey big blue..let me know if you're down this way (45 mins. south of you) and we'll take a scoot tour of the lower valley - or I can come up there, too. I know how to do it without using I-5. And the same for anyone else in the area.

And STIG - my dealer recommends Safeguard by Lucas Oil Products. Good for E-10, E-15, and E-85. About $8 for a 16 oz bottle that will treat about 80 gals.
Peace and ride safe.

[big blue]

Hi again Don, I have been using STP engine treatment (similar to Seafoam). My dealer is also Albany Powersports and I always enjoy "chewing the fat" with Barry when I stop in. I have used ethanol premium when I was away from a place where I could not get the good stuff. I would then go back to the no-ethanol on the next fill-up. The only way I have found to avoid the I-5 trip is on the back roads through Jefferson or on 99. I worked for about 14 years with a guy from Brownsville.

[donandrews]

Hello big blue. Jefferson is a nice ride to the lower valley. I have also ridden to Salem by crossing the Buena Vista ferry north of Albany and coming into Salem on Liberty/Commercial. There is an intersection just east of the ferry that will also take you across I-5 to Jefferson - another nice ride.

Was in to see Barry a couple of days ago. He's trying to sell me a People 300gti. Told him I would have to at least sit on in it first before shelling out over five grand. The gold one is a gorgeous scoot, thought. He reluctant to order one without it being sold first. Maybe if I tell him you'll buy it if I don't?

Would be interesting to see if we have a mutual acquaintance here. My e-mail address is dwa@peak if you want to tell me his name, but don't want to post it here.

Nice to connect with you. Any other forum members in the area?
Peace and ride safe.

[GLV55]

Hey don, I always use 91 octane ethanol free gas, so I don't usually have to use treatment for about 95% of the year. When the weather turns cold and it may be weeks before I can take a ride, I use ethanol treatment in that 91 octane e-free gas for extra insurance against possible gumming. Got to take the scoot out for a quick run last week, after 3 weeks of snowy roads, and she started up on the first push of the starter, idled smoothly, and ran flawlessly.

[ophelia]

I run E10 87 octane year round with no problems. However, my bikes do not sit in storage.

Ethanol or not, I like to use fuel stabilizer in my gas if I am storing a bike for someone else.