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Ethenol (ethyl alcohol) is an alternative fuel made from corn, sugar cane and other grains. Currently, gas in the United States can contain up to 10% ethanol (known as E10), however the federal government is considering increasing that amount to 15% (E85). Unless you ride a “flex-fuel” designated bike, you are advised not to use E85.
While an overwhelming majority of us fill up our cars with E10 and have no problems, this alternative fuel can have a very different effect on motorcycles. For starters, it can seriously damage and corrode steel, aluminum and rubber parts in the fuel system.
Known to loosen sludge in fuel tanks, ethanol can clog fuel lines and filters and block carburetor jets and fuel injectors. Also, for those of us who aren’t able to get out on our bikes as much as we would like to, ethanol is known to attract water. If your bike is left with ethanol blend gasoline in the tank for a long period of time, I have been told that adding a stabilizer is essential. Otherwise condensation, particularly an issue in high humidity climates, can cause the ethanol and water to separate, leading to serious engine trouble.
A variety of fuel conversion kits are available to convert your motorcycle to run on E85, but I am hesitant to make the switch myself. The American Motorcycle Association is not yet convinced, either, and has questioned the lack of research proving that an increase in ethanol will not harm motorcycle engines and parts. For the time being, I plan to be ethanol free!
As a personal injury, criminal and workers compensation lawyer practicing across the South Carolina area, I find myself frequently fueling up. Below is a map I started, which identifies gas stations in the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester county areas that sell ethanol-free gas. Some of these stations may be limited on the type of ethanol-free fuel they offer.
There’s also a great post from the Post & Courier about Ethenol. Check it out here.
I plan to keep updating this map and welcome anyone to add to this list by posting a comment. To visit the map in your web browser, click here.
My name is Paul Uricchio. I was born and raised in the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina where I have been an attorney for more than forty years. Upon admission to the Bar in 1970, I worked with my father, Paul N. Uricchio, Jr. and his law buddies Arthur Howe, OT Wallace, Bob Wallace, Bubba Ness, Richard Fields and a host of others, where I learned the ins and outs of practicing criminal law.
In 1986, I partnered with my close friend, Grady Query, to form the law firm of Uricchio and Query (yes, we were responsible for that commercial in the eighties featuring the overly cheerful secretary answering the phone). It was during this time that I began to focus on personal injury and workers compensation law in addition to continuing my criminal defense practice.
In 1993, I formed Uricchio Law Firm in order to more deeply pursue my personal interest in criminal defense as well as serious injury cases involving auto, trucking, and motorcycle accidents. Over the years, I have also handled numerous cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and abuse, animal attacks, premises liability, products liability, sexual abuse, toxic mold and wrongful death. I guess you could safely say that I’ve seen it all—there is little that can shock or surprise me anymore.
On the weekends, I can be found either on my boat, riding my motorcycle or shooting at some type of target. My love for riding goes back to 1967 when I bought my first bike—a 1967 650CC Triumph TT racer built by none other than my friend Frank R. Now, I enjoy riding my highly modified 2006 Fatboy and I am a member of HOG, ABATE, and Tri-County Bikers Helping Bikers. I also like to ride with certain clubs not affiliated with the American Motorcycle Association including a now defunct club called the Tribulators.
I feel fortunate that I am able to combine my love for motorcycles into practicing law. It has been a pleasant surprise to find that my experience with motorcycles and my passion for riding have proven to be invaluable resources to my clients, as well. I have met few insurance adjusters who actually have any level of experience with riding motorcycles, yet many who are quick to dismiss the unique hardships faced by riders.
