Tank Sports, another one of the many, many Chinese motorcycle companies we’ll be hearing a lot more about in the near future, has tested both a 150cc and 250cc version of their motorcycles for use with E85 ethanol.
After 7 months of research and development along with 3000km of road testing, Tank quality control has inspected and the research results in aspects of technology, safety measures, and performance,” said Tank CEO Jiangyong Ji. “We have verified that the core development process has been completed, and the second stage of testing will commence, including 5000 km of road testing.
Tank’s goal is to bring the E85 ethanol fueled units into the U.S. and international market by August of 2007.
Whether or not there is a huge demand or need for E85 capable motorcycles, it seems to me that testing and approving motorcycle engines for use with the alternative fuel would be a good marketing move, if nothing else. Many flex fuel cars today are able to fill up with either gasoline or ethanol and why at least some motorcycle companies haven’t done that already is a little surprising. A company like Honda, for instance, whose Gold Wing would be a natural and probably easily configured for E85, could get a jump on their competitors and gain a few points with some potential customers. Perhaps some companies already approve of E85 but I haven’t heard of it and it is surely not well advertised if those bikes are out there.
Tank Sports is probably trying to differentiate themselves from all of the other Chinese brands by doing this and it may get their name out there for a while so it’s a good move on their part. Will other companies begin the flex fuel certification process? Stay tuned.
Link: Tank Sports
Related: E85 Motorcycles – When?
Prester John says
Uh….is this Tank a ~Flexfuel~ vehicle, or configured to only run on E85? I think Flexfuel would be darn difficult without sophisticated EFI. Being restricted to E85 sounds like a bummer.
Tom
Blaine says
Hi there. If it’s strickly E85, the market will be limited. But, it’s a start. Also, an E85 only engine, can be set up to make good power for it’s size. I live in east central illinois. E85 is pretty easy to obtain around here. Most of the midwest is Corn country, so E85 is available. I’ve thought of taking one of my bikes and setting it up for E85. The biggest problem would be a decent alchohal carb. Blaine
Baxter Blue says
In order to go from standard pump gas to E-85 would require EFI.
Was involved in research for blended fuels and carburetors and anything past E-10 requires additional fuel flow. Feed back controlled carburetors would handle about 20% alcohol.
If they claim otherwise it’s a pipe dream.
kneeslider says
The news release was a bit vague about E85 capable versus flex fuel, actually they never said flex fuel. I used the term flex fuel because I think that is the only direction that makes sense, E85 only would be less than ideal unless you are in a very unusual area where E85 is available everywhere, like the midwest as Blaine notes above. Otherwise, this is just for marketing.
hawg says
there has been an e85 conversion on the market in the since 2006 for harley-davidson type engines.the ALKYHAWG, by D.E.A.D. has proven that its possible to not only gain power ,but also mileage with e85.if anyone is actually interested in an e85 powered bike,id contact Dabbs Engineering And Design.they seem to be way ahead on ethanol power.ive tried one of their bikes with the conversion,couldnt believe it.i did buy a GAZZHAWG package for myself,no e85 in tn where i live.
Richard says
It is possible to set up a carb for e85. It just requires larger diameter fuel ports and regulators. If the system uses a fuel pump it may need to be upgraded to move more fuel.
Anything is possible but Im with these guys. Theres really no benefit unless it can run on gas also.