By Will Burgess

Washington, D.C. — Is ethanol ruining your powersports product?

The U.S. Court of Federal Appeals ruled last week that a mandate permitting E15 grade fuels at gas stations during set periods may have impacted any manner of vehicles or equipment not rated for the use of higher concentrations of ethanol in the combustion process. This includes motorcycles, off-road vehicles, watercraft, power equipment, even lawncare implements, in addition to many other gas-powered consumer products.

The lawsuit alleged that the introduction of these fuels in summer riding months, as well as failure to indicate the presence of this fuel mixture and disclaimer that certain modern vehicles may be incapable of handling a higher than 10% ethanol blend, puts the liability of damage to the combustion and exhaust systems in these vehicles at a higher risk of damage, increasing danger for the rider or equipment owner.

Read more about this ruling from the American Motorcyclist Association.

Will Burgess is a journalist with Adrenaline Powersports Mag