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Motorcycle Racing Fuel
Built for High-RPM Power, Precision, and Peak Performance

From road racing circuits to drag strips, Sunoco delivers race-proven fuels engineered for the extreme demands of motorcycle competition where weight, throttle control, and power delivery define victory.

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Why Motorcycles Demand Purpose-Built Fuel

Motorcycle racing places extraordinary demands on fuel performance. High-revving engines, extreme power-to-weight ratios, and precise throttle control requirements create an environment where fuel must deliver instant response and maintain consistency across a wide RPM range. Unlike automotive racing, motorcycles operate with minimal weight and maximum engine stress, making fuel quality critical to both performance and reliability.

Purpose-formulated race fuels support aggressive ignition timing at peak RPM, deliver smooth power delivery for rider control, and maintain thermal stability under sustained high-load operation.



 

 

 

Moto_Racing

Motorcycle Racing Fuel Recommendations

Sunoco offers several race fuels engineered for motorcycle racing applications, from track day enthusiasts to professional road racing and drag bike competition.

260 GT Plus

Sunoco Race Fuel Pail 260 GT Plus

260 GT Plus (104 Octane) is a high-octane, street-legal unleaded fuel perfect for sport bikes, track day motorcycles, and street/strip builds. It provides pump-gas convenience with race fuel performance, making it ideal for bikes ridden to the track or used in dual-purpose applications.

Best for: Track days, street/strip sport bikes, liter bikes, aggressive street builds

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Supreme

Sunoco Race Fuel Pail Supreme

Supreme (112 Octane) delivers serious octane for serious performance. This unleaded race fuel supports high-compression naturally aspirated engines and turbocharged applications while providing the knock resistance needed for extreme RPM operation and aggressive tuning.

 

Best for: Road racing, club racing, naturally aspirated race builds, four-stroke motocross

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Maximal

Sunoco Race Fuel Pail Maximal

Maximal (116 Octane) is engineered for professional motorcycle racing where maximum power and consistency are non-negotiable. Its advanced formulation supports extreme compression ratios, aggressive timing curves, and the thermal demands of sustained race operation.

Best for: MotoAmerica, professional road racing, drag bikes, record-setting builds

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E85-R

Sunoco Race Fuel Pail E85-R

E85-R (85% Ethanol) the cooling benefits and octane advantages of high-ethanol content with the consistency pump E85 cannot match. Its reliable 85% ethanol blend supports aggressive tuning in turbocharged sport bikes, providing repeatable performance and superior charge cooling for maximum boost applications.

Best for: Turbocharged sport bikes, drag racing motorcycles, flex-fuel builds

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Tuning for Motorcycle
Racing Performance

Motorcycle tuning requires balancing maximum power with precise throttle control. High-revving engines demand fuels that maintain combustion stability across wide RPM ranges while supporting aggressive timing at peak power.

  • Ignition timing: Higher octane enables more aggressive timing at high RPM without detonation
  • Air-fuel ratios: Proper fuel delivery across the entire rev range ensures smooth power and rider control
  • Throttle response: Consistent fuel quality delivers predictable power application in corners and acceleration zones
  • Thermal management: Race fuels help manage cylinder temperatures during sustained high-RPM operation

Fuel Storage and Handling
for Motorcycle Racers

Motorcycle fuel systems are smaller and more sensitive to fuel quality than automotive applications. Proper storage prevents contamination and maintains fuel integrity between race weekends or track days.

  • Use sealed, opaque containers and label with fuel type and purchase date
  • Store fuel in climate-controlled environments away from heat and UV exposure
  • Drain fuel systems for off-season storage or switch to long-term storage fuels
  • For ethanol-based fuels, use within 30 days for optimal performance

 

Drag Racing
Performance Tuning Tips

Drag racing tuning focuses on maximizing power output during peak acceleration while maintaining engine safety under extreme loads. Unlike circle track or road racing, drag engines operate at or near maximum output for the entire pass.

  • Ignition timing: Higher octane enables more aggressive timing for increased power without detonation
  • Air-fuel ratios: Drag racing often requires richer mixtures for maximum power and thermal protection
  • Boost control: Consistent fuel quality allows precise boost tuning without safety margins for fuel variations
  • Launch consistency: Repeatable fuel performance translates directly to consistent 60-foot times and ETs

Fuel Storage and Handling
for Drag Racers

Drag racing fuel management requires attention to detail, especially for teams running multiple classes or testing different combinations. Race fuel should be stored in sealed, labeled containers away from heat and direct sunlight.

  • Label containers with fuel type, octane rating, and date purchased
  • Use dedicated containers for each fuel type to prevent cross-contamination
  • Store fuel in climate-controlled environments when possible
  • Keep containers sealed between uses to prevent moisture absorption
  • Transport fuel in approved containers meeting safety regulations
  • For alcohol-based fuels, ensure all storage materials are alcohol-compatible
Motorcyclist

Racing Discipline Considerations

Different forms of motorcycle racing place distinct demands on fuel performance. Road racing requires sustained high-RPM operation and thermal stability as engines operate near redline for extended periods. Fuels like Supreme and Maximal provide the knock resistance needed for lean angles, hard acceleration, and consistent lap times through technical circuits.

Drag racing motorcycles face instantaneous peak loads and extreme acceleration forces. High-octane and ethanol-based fuels support maximum boost in turbocharged applications and aggressive timing in naturally aspirated builds. E85-R offers charge cooling benefits critical for turbocharged sport bikes pushing extreme power levels.

Track day riders need reliable performance without race fuel complexity. 260 GT Plus offers street-legal convenience with enhanced performance, making it perfect for sport bikes that see both street and track duty.

Motorcycle_Racing_Fuels

Why Sunoco Wins on Two Wheels

Sunoco powers motorcycle champions across every racing discipline, from MotoAmerica road racing to land speed record attempts. The Double Distilled™ process delivers race fuel with critical advantages for motorcycle applications:

Consistency you can trust: Batch-to-batch reliability means your tune stays locked in, delivering predictable power through every corner and straightaway.

Purity that protects: Cleaner combustion reduces carbon buildup in high-RPM engines and protects sensitive fuel injection systems.

 

 

Dirt Track
Racing Fuels

From sprint cars to late models, discover fuels built for traction, throttle response, and lap-after-lap consistency on clay and dirt surfaces. 

Explore Dirt Racing Fuels

Powersports
Racing Fuels

Maximize off-road performance with fuels engineered for motocross, UTVs, and high-RPM powersports applications.

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The Double Distilled™
Advantage

Discover how Sunoco's proprietary Double Distilled™ process creates race fuels with unmatched purity, consistency, and performance.

Explore The Process

Dirt Track Racing Fuels

From sprint cars to late models, discover fuels built for traction, throttle response, and lap-after-lap consistency on clay and dirt surfaces.

Learn More

Powersports Racing Fuels

Maximize off-road performance with fuels engineered for motocross, UTVs, and high-RPM powersports applications. 

Learn More

Motorcycle Racing Fuel Frequently Asked Questions

What octane rating do I need for my sport bike or race motorcycle?

Octane requirements depend on your engine's compression ratio, modifications, and intended use. Stock or mildly modified sport bikes typically perform well on 100-octane fuels like 260 GT Plus. High-compression race builds and aggressive street/track bikes benefit from 112-octane Supreme. Professional road racing and drag bikes with extreme compression or boost often require 116-octane Maximal. Always match fuel to your specific tune and engine specifications.

Yes, race fuel is safe for street use and can improve performance in high-compression or modified sport bikes. However, if your bike runs well on premium pump gas, race fuel won't provide significant benefits. Race fuel is most valuable for bikes with aggressive tunes, high compression, or forced induction. For street/track dual-purpose bikes, 260 GT Plus offers the best balance of performance and street legality.

Yes, draining fuel is the safest approach for extended storage. Race fuel left sitting in tanks and carburetors can degrade and cause starting issues or fuel system damage. Either drain the system completely or fill the tank with a long-term storage fuel like Optima and run it through the system. Never store a motorcycle with partially filled tanks, as this increases moisture exposure.

 

Consistent, high-quality fuel delivers predictable combustion, which translates to smoother throttle response and better rider control. Race fuels maintain volatility and burn characteristics that pump gas cannot match, especially under hard acceleration or sustained high-RPM operation. This consistency helps riders manage power delivery through corners and acceleration zones with precision.

Absolutely. Pump E85 varies wildly in ethanol content (51-83%) depending on season and location, making consistent tuning nearly impossible. E85-R delivers exactly 85% ethanol in every drum, allowing you to build aggressive boost and timing maps without fear of running lean due to fuel inconsistency. The charge cooling benefits are consistent and repeatable with E85-R.

Plan for more than you expect to use. A typical track day might consume 3-5 gallons depending on session length and bike size. Race weekends with practice, qualifying, and multiple races can require 5-10 gallons or more. Bring extra fuel for additional sessions, mechanical issues requiring extra warm-up laps, or helping fellow riders. Running consistent fuel throughout the event is critical for performance data.

Most modern fuel injection systems handle race fuel without modifications. However, ethanol-based fuels require ethanol-compatible fuel lines, seals, and pump components. Carbureted bikes may need jetting changes when switching from pump gas to race fuel. Always verify your fuel system materials are compatible with your chosen fuel type, especially when running ethanol blends.

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Find Your Motorcycle Racing Fuel Solution

From track days to professional road racing and drag bike competition, Sunoco has a fuel engineered for your motorcycle racing application. Whether you're chasing lap records or perfecting your race craft, the right fuel choice starts here.

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