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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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What is the Best Gas for Dirt Bikes?
When it comes to maximizing performance and maintaining the longevity of dirt bikes, the type of gas used plays a crucial role. The question often arises among enthusiasts and professionals. The answer, however, may vary based on the specific requirements of the bike.
While regular unleaded gasoline is commonly used, many recommend high-octane gas or race gas for optimal performance. It’s essential to consider factors such as your dirt bike’s engine type, manufacturer’s recommendations, and riding conditions when deciding what gas to use.
- Ultimately, high-quality fuel can significantly impact the overall performance and lifespan of dirt bikes.
- Two-stroke bikes require fuel pre-mixed with oil.
- Four-stroke bikes consume more gas and offer a better biking experience with faster speed.
In the US, the number of households with motorcycles rose from 6.9% to 8.02% in 2018. Although that’s just a fraction of the approximately 1.2 billion functional vehicles that exist on our planet, it still contributes to carbon emissions. The type of gas you use can have an impact on that.
A dirt bike appears like a regular bike, but one has to follow special protocols for its upkeep and maintenance. As a biker, you might be eager to know what is the best gas for dirt bikes. With the help of 
this information, you can explore appropriate fuel options available in the market.
In this post, I will share the best gas types for dirt bikes. As a bonus, I will give tips on choosing the right type of gas for your particular dirt bike.
Gas Dirt Bikes
The era of 1800 is credited for introducing the concept of gas-fueled motorbikes. Later on, these regular gas-fueled bikes underwent a series of changes and came out as gas dirt bikes. What had changed? Everything.
The newly invented gas dirt bikes were lightweight and had improved shock absorption ability. Consequently, the overall performance, speed, and power had increased. The best part was that people could finally use these bikes for off-roading.
The Engines for Gas Dirt Bikes
Gas dirt bikes operate with a two-stroke engine or a four-stroke engine. Bikes with a two-stroke engine are lightweight and use less fuel. However, these don’t perform very well and produce a lot of back-end smoke.
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A four-stroke gas dirt bike has a larger engine and is expensive. These bikes operate by consuming more fuel. More importantly, they offer a better biking experience with faster speed.
Fuel Requirements of Gas Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes with a two-stroke engine are designed to combine oil and fuel. These bikes require fuel pre-mixed with oil.
Similarly, it can also work with oil that is inserted in a reservoir, which is then mixed with the fuel. A four-stroke dirt bike takes in oil directly from the reservoir without mixing any fuel.
Advantages of Gas Dirt Bikes
Following are some of the benefits that you will get with every model of gas dirt bike:
- They function with simple engines, which makes them easy to manage
- You can use these bikes anywhere as long as the fuel tank is full
- These bikes are available at cheaper price rates
- Unlike electric dirt bikes, these are suitable for riding in remote areas
Disadvantages of Gas Dirt Bikes
Despite having multiple benefits, gas dirt bikes do come with a fair share of disadvantages:
- The engines of these bikes tend to create a lot of noise. This factor can distract the driver while riding
- These bikes are time-consuming because of their maintenance routine, like cleaning the air filter, changing the oil, and checking leaks
- The combustion process performed by its engine releases fumes that are harmful to the environment
- Users face difficulty in using these bikes in quiet neighborhoods
How To Maintain a Gas Dirt Bike?
This section will cover some critical maintenance steps that you must follow to keep your dirt bike up and running:
- Use new oil after 8-10 riding hours
- Check regularly for oil leaks
- If possible, then carefully wash your bike after every ride
- Do check the chains and make sure there are no weak points or tension issues
- Check the air filter to ensure it is clean and coated with oil
- Inspect the tires and tire pressure after every ride
- Ensure there are no leaks in the coolant and brake fluids with regular checkups
Types of Gas For Dirt Bikes
Before we pass our final verdict regarding what kind of gas you should use for your dirt bike, let’s take a close look at the types of gases available in the market.
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Ethanol Blends
As you can understand by the name, this type of gasoline has ethanol mixed in it. Since this product is a combination of both ethanol and gasoline, hence its octane ranking is high. The higher octane ranking makes it a suitable fuel source for motorbikes.
Additionally, this gas also does not generate any dangerous chemicals during the process of burning. It is produced from sustainable resources. However, it can cause corrosion over time.
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87 Octane Gasoline
The 87-octane gasoline works with a balanced amount of N-heptane and octane. Hence they do not cause any damage to the engine of motorbikes. Experts explain that this gas is not highly refined and also has a high amount of unstable hydrocarbons.
Over time, it forms varnishes and lower octane hydrocarbons, especially when it is stored in unsuitable conditions. Some professionals have estimated that one can notice these side effects within a period of three months.
Keep in mind that this gas is cheaper than the other options. Also, this type of gasoline is listed as the mid-grade fuel.
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90+ Octane Gasoline
90+ octane gasoline is mainly for heavy-duty and high-performance bikes. Why? Basically, high-performance bikes have a higher compression ratio, hence they require 90+ octane to perform better. This gasoline is graded as the premium fuel.
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85 Octane
This low-octane fuel is usually available at gas stations located in places of high altitude. Fuel with low octane assists vehicles at higher locations to run smoothly. However, the low octane levels and higher ethanol levels have made the use of this gas debatable.
A lot of automobile experts and fuel companies do not endorse the use of this gas on a regular basis.
What is Octane?
It is worthwhile to discuss what octane really is, and how it will affect the 
performance of your dirt bike. Octane is used to measure the performance capacity of any type of gasoline. The primary function of octane is to facilitate the performance of a motorcycle’s engine.
Moreover, it also makes the fuel resistant to knocking. Knocking refers to the sound a vehicle’s engine produces when it is operating with higher levels of RPM.
This sound happens because of two reasons, either the piston is touching a valve, or the bottom of the engine is touching the cylinder’s wall. Higher octane levels protect your bikes from knocking.
Another reason to consider higher octane gasoline for your bike is that most motorcycles have high compression ratios. As a result, such bikes can perform best only with high-octane gasoline.
What is the Best Gas for Dirt Bikes?
If you are still wondering what the best gas for dirt bikes is, then let me share some details that will solve this dilemma for you. Generally, the regular 87-octane pump gas works well with a four-stroke dirt bike. This gas is most commonly used because it’s budget-friendly.
Subsequently, a two-stroke dirt bike will also function with regular 87-octane gas. However, experts recommend using ethanol-free 92 or 93-octane gas.
Do keep in mind that if your bike’s engine has been remodified with advanced timing or increased compression feature, then it should be fueled up with high-octane gas. Not only will this drastically improve the performance of the bike, but it will also prevent it from knocking.
Whichever option you prefer, make sure it is a non-ethanol blend.
The biggest problem that ethanol blend gasoline creates is corrosion. Ethanol becomes the main source of moisture to a bike’s engine which eventually weakens it. Similarly, ethanol blends gasoline thickens up over time, and clogs vital engine parts.
However, if you do have an ethanol-based fuel in the tank and that also for a long period of time, then you should add a fuel stabilizer to it or just drain it from the tank.
Lastly, avoid riding with a fuel that has more than 10 percent of ethanol.
A word of caution: if you are an experienced rider, only then consider getting race gas for your vehicle. A lot of people are charmed by race gas because of its unique smell and high performance.
Unfortunately, only super-skilled drivers can manage to get the best out of this super-expensive gas.
Do fuel additives work or are they a waste of money?
Debating whether fuel additives work or are a waste of money is a common discussion among vehicle owners. The utility of fuel additives largely depends on their consistent and correct usage. When used as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, they aid in maintaining optimal engine performance by keeping the fuel system clean and shielding the engine from harmful deposits.
However, overuse can lead to counterproductive results, potentially harming the engine. Consequently, they are not a waste of money if used appropriately and can contribute significantly towards enhancing engine longevity and efficiency.
Can I use additives each time fill my tank?
Yes, you can use additives each time you fill your tank, but it’s not always 
necessary or beneficial. Additives can improve fuel efficiency, increase vehicle performance, and prolong engine life. However, overuse can sometimes lead to residue build-up in the fuel system and engine.
It’s important to follow the additive manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results. Furthermore, high-quality fuels often contain necessary additives, making additional ones redundant. While you can use additives each time you fill your tank, it’s crucial to consider the type of fuel you’re using and the specific needs of your vehicle.
What gas do pro Motocross riders use?
Professional motocross riders typically use high-octane, unleaded gasoline in their motorcycles. While the specific type can vary based on the rider’s preference and the requirements of the motorcycle, it is generally agreed that a higher octane fuel can provide a slight performance advantage. This is due to its ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion, allowing for a smoother and more efficient power delivery.
So, to answer the question, it is primarily high-octane, unleaded fuel. However, it’s important to note that using the right type of fuel is just one aspect of maintaining optimal motorcycle performance.
Should I run premium gas in my dirt bike?
The answer largely depends on the specifications of your dirt bike’s engine. While some high-performance engines require premium fuel to prevent knock and ensure optimal performance, many standard engines are designed to run efficiently on regular gas.
It is crucial to consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding fuel type. An unnecessary upgrade to premium gas might not enhance performance but will certainly increase your fuel cost. Therefore, the question, “Should I run premium gas in my dirt bike?” can be best answered by understanding your bike’s specific needs.
How long can gas sit in a dirt bike?
The duration for which gas can sit in a dirt bike largely depends on the type 
of fuel used. Generally, gasoline stored in a dirt bike’s fuel tank can last for anywhere between 30 to 60 days without any significant degradation. This timeline, however, may vary based on factors such as the quality of the gas, the condition of the fuel system, and the storage environment.
After this period, the gasoline starts to oxidize and form varnish deposits that can clog the carburetor and fuel injectors, hampering performance. Therefore, it is advisable to drain out old gasoline if your dirt bike has been idle for long periods. It’s to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the bike’s engine.
Wrap Up
The question, “What is the Best Gas for Dirt Bikes?” remains a significant concern for many off-road biking enthusiasts. As it turns out, the best fuel for dirt bikes largely depends on the type of bike and its engine specifications. For most standard dirt bikes, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 is sufficient. However, for high-performance dirt bikes with high-compression engines, higher octane gas, typically premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher, is recommended.
The type of gas you use can significantly impact your bike’s performance and longevity. Using a higher octane fuel than necessary won’t necessarily improve performance, but using a lower octane fuel can cause engine knocking and potential damage over time. Therefore, it’s crucial to refer to your bike’s manual or consult with the manufacturer to ascertain the most suitable type of gasoline.
Determining the Best Gas for Dirt Bikes requires understanding your specific bike’s needs and requirements. While regular unleaded may be suitable for some, others may require premium gasoline. Irrespective of the choice, ensuring the gas is fresh and free from contaminants is paramount to maintaining optimal bike performance.
Gas dirt bikes have long dominated the biking field. All in all, these bikes have good performance along with many other benefits. More importantly, they are affordable and a reliable option for long off-road adventures.
Even though your bike can survive with regular 87-octane gas, it is better that you keep your bike filled up with high-quality gas. I hope this post turns out to be helpful for you!
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