Most recreational riders don’t give much attention to how old the gas in their dirt bike is.
You just fill ‘er up, leave in the garage and she’s good to go six months later, right? Not really.
Knowing how long does dirt bike gas last, in fact, is an important consideration if you want to get the best performance from your bike.
In general, gasoline can start to degrade and lose its potency after about 30 days. This is due to the evaporation of the volatile compounds in the gasoline, which can cause the fuel to become less efficient and less combustible.
If you store your dirt bike gas in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, it can last for up to six months without significant degradation.
However, if the fuel is exposed to air, moisture, or high temperatures, it can go bad much more quickly, sometimes within just a few weeks.
To ensure that your dirt bike runs smoothly and safely, it’s best to use fresh fuel whenever possible.
If you’re not sure how old your gas is, it’s a good idea to replace it before taking your bike out for a ride.
Factors Affecting the Life of Dirt Bike Fuel
Here’s a quick guide on the factors that can affect the lifespan of your gas.
Type of fuel
Different types of fuel have different chemical compositions, which can affect how quickly they degrade.
For example, ethanol-blended fuels (such as E10, which contains up to 10% ethanol) tend to have a shorter shelf life than non-ethanol fuels.
Storage conditions
Gasoline should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Exposure to high temperatures, humidity, and sunlight can speed up the degradation of the fuel.
Container type
The type of container used to store gasoline can also impact its lifespan.
Gasoline should be stored in a tightly sealed, approved container that is designed for fuel storage.
Plastic containers can allow oxygen and moisture to pass through, which can contribute to the degradation of the fuel.
Age of the fuel
Gasoline begins to degrade as soon as it is produced, and its lifespan can be affected by how long it has been stored.
The older the fuel is, the more likely it is to have lost some of its potency.
Quality of the fuel
The quality of the fuel can also affect its lifespan.
Fuel that has been contaminated with water, dirt, or other substances can degrade more quickly than clean fuel.
It’s important to keep these factors in mind when storing gasoline for any purpose, including for use in a dirt bike.
By following best practices for fuel storage, you can help extend the lifespan of the gasoline and ensure that it remains safe and effective to use.
How to Store Your Dirt Bike Gas Properly
Proper storage of your dirt bike gas is important to keep your fuel fresh and ensure that your dirt bike runs smoothly and safely.
Here are some tips for storing your dirt bike gas properly:
- Use a fuel stabilizer: Fuel stabilizers are additives that help to extend the lifespan of gasoline by slowing down the process of oxidation. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before storing your dirt bike can help to keep the fuel fresh for longer (more on this below).
- Store in an approved container: Gasoline should be stored in a tightly sealed, approved container that is designed for fuel storage. Make sure the container is made of a suitable material, such as metal or plastic, and is in good condition without any cracks or leaks.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Gasoline should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing the fuel in a damp or humid area, as this can speed up the degradation of the fuel (read more about long term motorcycle storage).
- Keep the container full: When storing gasoline, it’s best to keep the container as full as possible to minimize the amount of air in the container, which can contribute to the degradation of the fuel.
- Label the container: Label the container with the date of purchase or storage, so you know how long it has been stored.
- Replace old gas: If your gas has been stored for more than six months, it’s a good idea to replace it with fresh fuel before using it in your dirt bike. Old gasoline can cause engine problems and may not perform as well as fresh fuel. Seriously, I can’t stress enough how important this is, especially for older bikes with carburetors. Don’t be cheap using old gas, it will cost you more in the long run.
Benefits of using fuel stabilizers
Using fuel stabilizers has several benefits for anyone who stores gasoline for any length of time.
Fuel stabilizers are additives that help to extend the lifespan of gasoline by slowing down the process of oxidation.
By using a fuel stabilizer, you can help keep your gasoline fresh and prevent it from breaking down and losing its potency over time.
This can help to save you money by reducing the need to replace old or degraded gasoline.
Additionally, using a fuel stabilizer can help to prevent engine problems that can result from using stale gasoline, such as hard starting, rough idling, and reduced power.
Fuel stabilizers are also beneficial for the environment, as they help to reduce the need for frequent fuel replacements and minimize the amount of fuel waste.
Overall, using a fuel stabilizer is a simple and effective way to maintain the quality of your gasoline and keep your equipment running smoothly.
Dirt bike bad gas symptoms
As we discussed above, using bad gas in your dirt bike can cause a number of problems that can affect its performance and reliability.
Below I’ve listed some common symptoms of bad gas in a dirt bike.
Hard starting
Bad gas can cause your dirt bike to have difficulty starting. You may need to crank the engine several times before it finally starts, or it may not start at all.
Rough idling
If your dirt bike is idling roughly or inconsistently, it could be a sign of bad gas. The engine may sound like it’s misfiring or struggling to run smoothly.
Reduced power
Bad gas can cause your dirt bike to lose power or perform poorly. You may notice that it doesn’t accelerate as quickly as it used to, or that it struggles to maintain its top speed.
Stalling
If your dirt bike is stalling frequently, it could be a sign of bad gas. The engine may cut out unexpectedly while you’re riding, which can be dangerous and cause you to lose control of the bike.
Fuel system problems
Bad gas can cause a variety of fuel system problems, including clogged fuel filters, corroded carburetor components, and gummed-up fuel lines.
These problems can affect the overall performance of your dirt bike and may require costly repairs.
If you suspect that you have bad gas in your dirt bike, it’s important to drain the fuel tank and replace the gasoline with fresh fuel.
This will help to prevent further damage to your engine and ensure that your dirt bike runs smoothly and safely.
Wrapping up
Gasoline is a vital component of a dirt bike’s performance, and bad gas can cause significant problems for the engine.
Symptoms of bad gas in a dirt bike include hard starting, rough idling, reduced power, stalling, and fuel system problems.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to store gas properly by using a fuel stabilizer, keeping the container full, storing it in a cool, dry place, and using an approved container.
If bad gas is suspected, the fuel tank should be drained and replaced with fresh gasoline to prevent further damage to the engine.
By following these tips, dirt bike riders can ensure that their fuel is fresh and effective, and their bike runs smoothly and safely.
