Regan Brown
MR12 is a highly oxygenated race fuel designed for four-stroke dirt or street bikes with stock or mild modifications. It has a Motor Octane Rating of 87 and is supposed to be 90 octane. It is manufactured by VP Racing Fuels and sold in 5-gallon and 6-gallon cases. MR12 is known to be maintenance-heavy, with a short shelf life and the need for frequent draining and flushing. It is also associated with increased horsepower and top speed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motor Octane Rating | 87 |
| Octane Rating | 90, 93 |
| Horsepower Increase | 5-8 hp, 10+ hp |
| Price | $30 per gallon |
| Price Difference | $10/gal cheaper than U4.4 |
| Use Case | 4-Stroke Dirt or Street Bikes |
| Use Recommendation | Use within 2 months of opening |
| Use Recommendation | Do not leave in the tank for longer than a week |
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What You'll Learn
MR12 is a highly oxygenated race fuel
MR12 is said to be similar to MR9, another race fuel, but with some key differences. MR12 has a higher oxygen content, which can lead to increased horsepower. However, this also means that it may require a richer fuel map to avoid running too lean and potentially causing damage. MR12 also seems to be more sensitive to temperature and altitude changes than MR9, performing better in cold and stable temperatures.
When using MR12 fuel, it is important to note that it should not be left in the tank for extended periods. Some users recommend flushing the system with pump gas after use to avoid potential issues with fuel pumps and injectors. It is also important to consider the octane requirements of your vehicle, as using fuel with too low of an octane rating can result in engine damage.
MR12 has met the fuel requirements for various racing organizations, including AMA Pro/Am, CCS, WERA, NMA, WORCS, SCORE, and Best in the Desert, making it a popular choice for racers. However, it is currently not legal for AMA Pro Racing. When considering the use of MR12, it is essential to follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by the manufacturer and racing organizations to ensure optimal performance and safety.
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It has a Motor Octane Rating of 87
MR12 is a highly oxygenated race fuel with a Motor Octane Rating of 87. It is designed to make maximum power in four-stroke dirt or street bikes with stock or mild modifications. While some sources claim that MR12 has a higher octane rating of 90, 93, or even 103, multiple users have stated that it has a rating of 87.
The Motor Octane Rating of 87 for MR12 fuel is suitable for stock motor applications. However, it is important to note that MR12 fuel is maintenance-heavy and has a short shelf life once the container is opened. Users have reported a loss of horsepower when the fuel is not used within this timeframe.
Additionally, MR12 fuel requires proper tuning to achieve optimal performance gains. Without a richer fuel map, the engine may run too lean and cause damage. Proper tuning can result in horsepower gains of up to 10-18 hp, depending on the original air-fuel ratio.
It is worth noting that the octane rating of a fuel is inversely proportional to its power rating. Higher octane fuel is used to prevent pre-detonation in high-compression systems. However, in some cases, high octane fuel can actually decrease power. Therefore, it is recommended to use the lowest octane rating that can operate the engine without pre-detonation.
In conclusion, while MR12 fuel has a Motor Octane Rating of 87, it is a powerful fuel option for four-stroke bikes when used and tuned correctly.
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It's designed for four-stroke dirt or street bikes
MR12 is a highly oxygenated race fuel with an octane rating of 90 or 93. It is designed for use in high-performance motorcycles such as the ZX-14 Ninja and can provide a significant power boost of up to 18 horsepower. However, it is important to note that MR12 fuel should not be left in the tank for extended periods as it can cause damage to fuel pumps and injectors. It is recommended to use it up or flush the system with pump gas after a few days.
Now, onto four-stroke dirt or street bikes. These bikes are designed for off-road riding and racing applications. They offer a smoother, steadier power output compared to two-stroke engines, making them easier to handle and control. The four-stroke engine completes one power cycle during two crankshaft revolutions, resulting in a more even and tractable power delivery. This makes the bike feel more ""planted" in slick conditions, which is ideal for newer off-road riders.
The four-stroke engine has more moving parts, but it endures less stress, resulting in reduced maintenance requirements. It also delivers more power and torque, providing excellent stump-pulling capabilities. A typical 450-cc four-stroke engine can produce about 50 horsepower, which is impressive given its compact size. However, this high power output comes at a cost, with increased maintenance needs and expenses. Manufacturers recommend rebuilding the top end of the engine every 50 hours, which can be a significant expense.
Four-stroke dirt bikes are also heavier than their two-stroke counterparts, which can be advantageous for beginners as it provides more stability. They are generally more expensive to purchase and maintain, but they offer a more comfortable and manageable riding experience. Additionally, four-stroke bikes can fill up at local gas stations, whereas two-stroke bikes often require pre-mix oil, which can be inconvenient to carry.
When choosing between a four-stroke and a two-stroke dirt bike, consider your riding style, experience, and goals. Four-stroke bikes are ideal for those seeking maximum power and torque, while two-stroke bikes offer a lighter and cheaper option. Ultimately, both engine types have their advantages and dedicated enthusiasts, so the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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It's not suitable for long-term storage in the tank
MR12 is a type of racing fuel, and while I could not find specific information about how long it can be stored, I did find some general information about the long-term storage of racing fuel.
Racing fuel is not suitable for long-term storage in the tank because it does not contain the additives that extend the tank life of pump gasoline. It is designed to be used as quickly as possible. It is recommended that you get it out of the tank as soon as possible after use and do not leave it in for longer than a week. Some people even recommend removing it from the tank immediately after use. This is because it can cause issues with the fuel pumps and injectors when left too long.
The stability of stored fuel depends on several factors, including the type of fuel, storage conditions, and the presence of additives or stabilizers. In general, gasoline and diesel can be stored for 6 months to 1 year without significant degradation if stored correctly. This means keeping it in a clean, sealed, and dry container or tank, away from sunlight, heat, and sources of ignition.
Fuel that is exposed to oxygen, moisture, or contaminants can deteriorate more quickly, resulting in reduced quality, lower octane rating, and increased levels of sediments or sludge. This is due to the growth of microorganisms at the interface between fuel and water, which can cause sludge to develop and lead to injector deposits and particulates that can plug filters or the fuel injection system.
To extend the shelf life of fuel, manufacturers often add chemical stabilizers to prevent oxidation and microbial growth. Fuel polishing is another method used to maintain fuel quality, which involves removing impurities and contaminants through a filtration system.
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$89.99
It's more expensive than other fuels
MR12 is a highly oxygenated race fuel with an octane rating of 93. It is considered expensive by some users, who spend around $30 per gallon of gas.
There are several reasons why fuel may be expensive. The primary factors impacting gasoline prices are global crude oil cost, refining costs, distribution and marketing costs, and federal and state taxes. Crude oil accounted for 52% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline in January and 61% as of February 2022. Since the 2020 COVID-19 recession, crude oil prices have been the primary driver of gasoline prices.
Demand and supply also play a role in determining fuel prices. For example, in 2023, higher demand for gas led refineries to work at full capacity, causing outages and maintenance issues, which resulted in lower fuel supply and higher prices. Additionally, the switch from winter-blend to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, contributes to seasonal price increases during spring and summer.
Geopolitical factors, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, can also influence fuel prices. Inflation is another factor that contributes to higher fuel prices, although it is not the sole reason.
It's worth noting that the average gas price can vary significantly from state to state, with a difference of up to $2 per gallon between the most and least expensive states.
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Frequently asked questions
MR12 is a highly oxygenated race fuel designed for four-stroke dirt or street bikes with stock or mild modifications.
MR12 has an octane rating of 93. However, some sources state that it is 87.
MR12 fuel costs around \$30 per gallon.
Users have reported gains of 5-8 hp with no tuning and stock fuel mapping. With tuning, gains of over 10 hp are possible.
It is recommended to use MR12 fuel as soon as possible after purchasing, as it has a shelf life of around six months. Some users recommend draining the tank or flushing it with pump gas after a few days.
