Does time alters gasoline chemical properties?

Question

I have a brand new 2002 Honda 919 motorcycle sitting in my garage with 1 mile on it and a full tank of gas. Is the gas still good for it?

Answer 1

possibly, depending on how the motorcycle was stored.

if the gas tank cap seals well, and the motorcyle was stored in a location where it didn't get too warm (below 80 degrees F), then maybe, although you have a good chance that the fuel system components will pick up some gum deposits from sitting for so long.

Answer 2

Not true first answer. Gasoline slowly oxidizes and turns to varnish. It coats fine surfaces and can clog carburetor jets and float valves, as well as filters. You might be able to burn it but after 5 years of sitting you might want to drain the fuel and flush the system with a cleaner/ solvent. Don't run the motor hard because the stuff to dissolve the varnish often causes overheating of the motor. Air cooled motors should be moving when they are running, sitting still they are starved for air flow and overheat too.

Answer 3

If the bike starts, and if it runs, then the gas is good. Some gasolines have butane in them for a fast winter start in cars. Also, gasoline is mostly octane, C8, type hydrocarbon. Benzene, toluene, and xylenes added to boost octane number (not the same as the octane content) may evaporate on standing. The butane will leave also.

Answer 4

The answer is yes, the gasoline is still good. Gasoline contains very few impurities (from the nature of the cracking process) but it does evaporate...so you have less gas, but not necessarily more impurities. Gasoline can be stored for years without a change in its chemistry (given the nature of the container).