When Old Vehicles Are Not Compatible With 10 Percent Of Etanol Fuel, What Should Be Done?

The street atmosphere in Jakarta City. (Photo: Karisa/VOI)

JAKARTA A number of motorcycle manufacturers in Indonesia are compact to ensure that their latest products are ready to use 10 percent Ethanol or E10 mixed fuels, if later the government officially enforces the policy. For example, Suzuki said that all models in 2010 and above were compatible, as well as Honda who gave similar statements.

However, an important question arises: What is the fate of old motorbikes that are still widely used in the country? Is it safe to use fuel with 10 percent ethanol content?

As is known, the government is preparing a new policy to implement the use of centralized fuel as an effort to reduce dependence on oil imports while having a positive impact on the environment.

Responding to this, 2W Service Area Section Head of PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales Victor Assani, explained that there are two possibilities related to the compatibility of the motorbike against E10.

There are two possibilities. First, it could be that old bikes are actually compatible, because this technology has been implemented in several countries such as Japan and India since the early 2000s. In Brazil, it has even been known since the 1980s. However, it may not be explicitly mentioned in the vehicle guidebook," he told VOI, Thursday, October 30.

"But if it turns out that the motorbike is not compatible, what else can we do? This is a national policy, so everything will be 'in arrears of 10 percent ethanol'. What's important now is that we focus on finding solutions," he added.

According to Victor, the best step for motorcycle owners is to carry out regular service at official workshops, so that engine conditions are always monitored. That way, the potential problem due to the use of zeroled fuel can be immediately identified and handled before causing more damage.

If there are initial symptoms, the workshop can immediately provide solutions. From various theories, there are indeed certain effects of using zero fuel. But I hope the government implements it in stages, so that people have time to adapt," he concluded.