If you've seen a Ducati, Hayabusa, BMW GS, Triumph Tiger, or Honda Africa Twin on a long ride with two 15-litre fuel cans strapped to the luggage, you might assume the riders are preparing for a remote expedition.
In reality, they may simply be carrying pure petrol.
As E20 petrol becomes more common across India, owners of many imported and older motorcycles are finding it harder to buy the fuel their motorcycles were originally designed to use as its not available at all fuel pumps.
Why It Matters
E20 contains 20% ethanol, which helps reduce crude oil consumption and emissions. It's an important step toward cleaner transportation, and motorcycles designed for E20 can use it without concern.
However, many imported motorcycles and older premium bikes were engineered for lower ethanol blends such as E5 or E10. Prolonged use of E20 in motorcycles that are not E20-compatible can lead to issues such as:
Faster deterioration of rubber seals and fuel hoses
Swelling of some plastic fuel tanks
Moisture absorption that can increase corrosion in the fuel system
Reduced fuel economy due to ethanol's lower energy content
Fuel system and engine calibration that may not be optimized for higher ethanol blends
While occasional use may not cause immediate damage, manufacturers generally recommend using only the fuel grade approved for the motorcycle.
The New Touring Essential
For many owners of imported motorcycles, carrying extra fuel isn't about extending riding range—it's about avoiding the uncertainty of finding pure petrol along the route.
Ride planning now includes more than choosing scenic roads. It also involves locating fuel stations that still sell conventional petrol.
So the next time you spot a group of foreign motorcycles carrying extra fuel cans, they're probably not preparing to cross a desert.
They're simply making sure their motorcycles get the fuel they were built to run on.
Are they overreacting? Maybe. 😆
Is it funny? Absolutely.
Would anyone actually carry 60 litres of petrol across the Himalayas? Probably not... at least not officially.
The image is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to every rider who's spent more time discussing octane ratings than hotel bookings, and who believes the real touring checklist is:
- Helmet ✔️
- Riding gear ✔️
- Camera ✔️
- Pure petrol ✔️✔️✔️
If you are a rider, every long ride creates stories that become funnier with every retelling.
And if your panniers ever end up carrying more fuel than clothes, congratulations, you've officially reached expert touring mode.
Ride safe, laugh often, and remember: the best motorcycle trips are measured in smiles per litre, not kilometres per litre.
— RouteAndRider.com
Note: Always use recommended fuel by your motorcycle manufacturer
