E10 petrol and classic motorcycles
Not sure if your bike should run on E10? GOV.UK has a free checker that covers motorcycles and mopeds. Here’s how to use it, and what GOV.UK says to do when your bike isn’t on it.
Pick a line above to see what GOV.UK advises.
Go by what the checker says for your bike. It may ask for the maker, the model, the engine size and the year, so have the V5C log book to hand. And GOV.UK's rule of thumb holds: "If in doubt, continue to use E5 (97+ octane) petrol."
GOV.UK says owners of vehicles not in the checker "should continue to use E5 (97+ octane) petrol", the "super" grade. It suggests asking classic vehicle owners' clubs and associations, and garages that can give advice.
GOV.UK says a single tank of E10 in a vehicle that isn't compatible "should not be a major problem". Just fill up with E5 (97+ octane) next time.
Quotes from GOV.UK's E10 petrol explained, read on 30 October 2026. We don't repeat what the checker says about any bike: ask it yourself, it's free.
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What E10 is
In GOV.UK's words, E10 petrol "contains up to 10% renewable ethanol". Filling stations that sell two grades of petrol stock E10 and E5, which has up to 5%. GOV.UK says E5 "will remain available in the 'super' grade", the 97+ octane pump. Pumps and nozzles carry a round E10 or E5 label, so check before you fill up.
Which bikes GOV.UK flags
GOV.UK says "most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are also approved by manufacturers to use E10". It lists the vehicles that may not be compatible: "classic, cherished and older vehicles", "some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s" and "some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under".
So the age of the bike is a clue, not an answer. The answer is in the checker.
Using the checker
The E10 vehicle checker is free and covers cars, motorcycles and mopeds. GOV.UK says you'll need the maker's name, and may also need the model, engine size and year. If you're not sure of those, GOV.UK points you to the log book (V5C). We don't repeat what the checker says about any bike: it's the official source, so ask it directly.
When the bike isn't listed
GOV.UK says many makers of classic cars aren't in the checker, and where older brands no longer trade it can't give specific advice. For any vehicle that isn't listed its advice is plain: owners "should continue to use E5 (97+ octane) petrol". It suggests asking classic vehicle owners' clubs and associations, and garages that can help. And if you fill up with E10 by mistake, GOV.UK says one tank "should not be a major problem": go back to E5 next time.
Written by Craig Fearn, Throttlefolio. Last updated .
Questions answered
Can I put E10 in my classic motorbike?
Look it up in GOV.UK’s free E10 vehicle checker. If it isn’t listed, GOV.UK says to keep using E5 (97+ octane) petrol.
Does the E10 checker cover motorbikes?
Yes. GOV.UK says it covers cars, motorcycles and mopeds.
What if I put E10 in by mistake?
GOV.UK says a single tank in a vehicle that isn’t compatible should not be a major problem. Fill up with E5 next time.