Choose petrol abroad by fuel type, the octane rating your motorcycle requires, and the maximum ethanol content it accepts. Names such as Euro 95, Super and Premium can help you find the right pump, but none is a worldwide specification. Read the number and blend label before lifting the nozzle.

A useful note to save before leaving is: “Unleaded petrol; minimum ___ RON or ___ AKI; maximum ___% ethanol.” Take those values from the manual for your exact model and market, not another motorcycle with a similar name. The UK government’s E10 guidance and vehicle checker are useful starting points for supported models.

Check your destinations

Choose a destination to compare motorcycle travel notes. Read the location, vehicle and licence conditions alongside each rule.

Updated:

This guide shows: Fuel.

Netherlands

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Euro 95 E10

Shell’s Alkmaar station lists Euro 95 E10. Match the pump’s octane and ethanol labels to your motorcycle’s manual.

Jurisdiction
Netherlands; one supplier station
Who and what this covers
Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.
Checked
Sources

Shell Express Alkmaar product list

Publisher
Shell
Source scope
Netherlands; Shell Express Alkmaar station product names
Source checked

Belgium

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

EuroSuper 95 E10 and V-Power E5

Shell labels Belgian EuroSuper 95 petrol E10 and V-Power petrol E5. Shell describes this V-Power formula as containing no bioethanol.

Jurisdiction
Belgium; Shell petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Shell fuels in Belgium

Publisher
Shell Belgium
Source scope
Belgium; Shell petrol products
Source checked

Germany

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Super is not one international specification

Aral’s Unna station lists Super E5, Super 95 E10 and SuperPlus. Read the numerical octane rating and ethanol label at the nozzle.

Jurisdiction
Germany; supplier example
Who and what this covers
Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.
Checked
Sources

Aral station product list: Hansastraße 145

Publisher
Aral
Source scope
Germany; one Aral station in Unna, names only
Source checked

France

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

SP95, SP95-E10 and SP98

France’s government station finder lists SP95 E5, SP95-E10 E10 and SP98 E5. Gazole is diesel. Match the petrol grade and blend to the motorcycle’s requirements.

Jurisdiction
France
Who and what this covers
Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.
Checked
Sources

Government fuel-station finder

Publisher
French Government
Source scope
France
Source checked

United Kingdom

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Standard and super unleaded

UK standard petrol is 95 RON E10; stations offering two grades also stock super 97+ E5. Check the grade available at your chosen stop.

Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Who and what this covers
Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.
Checked
Sources

E10 petrol explained

Publisher
UK Department for Transport
Source scope
United Kingdom; product availability varies by station
Source checked
Source date

Check your vehicle can use E10 petrol

Publisher
UK Government
Source checked

Austria

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Super 95 E10 and Super 100plus E5

OMV lists Super 95 as E10 and MaxxMotion Super 100plus as E5. A higher octane name does not replace the ethanol label.

Jurisdiction
Austria; OMV petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

OMV basic petrol and diesel fuels

Publisher
OMV Austria
Source scope
Austria; OMV petrol products
Source checked

Switzerland

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Bleifrei 95 and 98

Migrol lists Bleifrei 95 petrol with up to 5% ethanol and higher-octane Bleifrei 98. Check the chosen product's pump label.

Jurisdiction
Switzerland; Migrol petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Migrol fuel products

Publisher
Migrol
Source scope
Switzerland; Migrol petrol products
Source checked

Slovenia

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Bencin Q Max 95 and 100

Petrol lists Q Max 95 petrol and higher-octane Q Max 100. Q Max Diesel is a separate fuel; check ethanol labels at your chosen stop.

Jurisdiction
Slovenia; Petrol Q Max products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Petrol Q Max fuel range

Publisher
Petrol Slovenia
Source scope
Slovenia; Petrol Q Max products
Source checked

Czechia

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Efecta 95 E10 and Verva 100 E10

ORLEN's Efecta 95 is minimum 95 RON E10. Verva 100 is also labelled E10, because of its oxygen content despite no added ethanol.

Jurisdiction
Czechia; ORLEN petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Efecta fuel questions and answers

Publisher
ORLEN Czechia
Source scope
Czechia; ORLEN petrol products
Source checked

Verva petrol questions and answers

Publisher
ORLEN Czechia
Source scope
Czechia; ORLEN petrol products
Source checked

Spain

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Gasolina 95 and 98

Repsol labels its listed 95, premium 95 and 98 petrol products E5. Check the octane and ethanol labels on the product you actually choose.

Jurisdiction
Spain
Who and what this covers
Repsol’s listed petrol products in Spain; match the motorcycle’s requirements.
Checked
Sources

Fuel labelling at Repsol stations

Publisher
Repsol Spain
Source scope
Spain; Repsol listed products
Source checked

Italy

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Benzina senza piombo 95 E5

Q8's Euro 95 benzina super senza piombo is minimum 95 RON; its linked specification limits ethanol to 5% by volume. Gasolio is diesel.

Jurisdiction
Italy; Q8 Euro 95 petrol
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Q8 fuels

Publisher
Kuwait Petroleum Italia / Q8
Source scope
Italy; Q8 Euro 95 petrol
Source checked

Unleaded gasoline product specification

Publisher
Kuwait Petroleum Italia / Q8
Source scope
Italy; Q8 Euro 95 petrol specification
Source checked
Source date

Portugal

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Gasolina 95 E5 and 98 E10

Galp identifies its Portuguese 95 petrol as E5 and 98 as E10. Choosing higher octane can also mean a higher ethanol limit.

Jurisdiction
Portugal; Galp petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Consumer fuel information

Publisher
Galp
Source scope
Portugal; Galp petrol products
Source checked

Norway

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Bensin E10 and selected 98 E5

Circle K's miles petrol is E10. At selected stations, milesPLUS 98 is labelled E5 but supplier-guaranteed ethanol-free; use its station list when planning.

Jurisdiction
Norway; Circle K petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

miles petrol

Publisher
Circle K Norway
Source scope
Norway; Circle K petrol products
Source checked

United States

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Read AKI, not European RON

US pump octane is AKI: (RON + MON) / 2. Use the motorcycle manufacturer’s AKI requirement or dual-rated specification; RON alone does not give an exact conversion.

Jurisdiction
United States
Who and what this covers
Petrol-powered motorcycles using US pump octane labels.
Checked
Sources

Octane in depth

Publisher
US Energy Information Administration
Source checked

U.S. DRIVE Fuels Working Group Engine and Vehicle Modeling Study

Publisher
U.S. Department of Energy / U.S. DRIVE
Source scope
United States; technical octane definition
Source checked
Source date
E15 is not permitted for motorcycles

US EPA rules prohibit E15 in on-highway and nonroad motorcycles. Read the pump’s ethanol label before filling.

Jurisdiction
United States
Who and what this covers
All on-highway and nonroad motorcycles, including newer models.
Checked

Conditions and qualifications

  • The E15 exclusion applies to motorcycles, including newer motorcycles.
Sources

E15 fuel registration

Publisher
US Environmental Protection Agency
Source scope
United States
Source checked
Source date

Canada

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Gasoline 87, 89 and 91 AKI

Petro-Canada lists RegularClean 87, PlusClean 89 and SuperClean 91 using AKI, the average of RON and MON. Every grade may contain ethanol.

Jurisdiction
Canada; Petro-Canada petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Petro-Canada gasoline and octane grades

Publisher
Petro-Canada
Source scope
Canada; Petro-Canada petrol products
Source checked

Australia

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Unleaded 91, premium 95/98 and E10

NSW guidance uses RON: regular unleaded 91, premium 95/98 and E10 around 94. E10 contains 9–10% ethanol; confirm motorcycle compatibility separately.

Jurisdiction
Australia; NSW petrol guidance
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

E10 facts

Publisher
NSW Government
Source scope
Australia; NSW petrol guidance
Source checked

New Zealand

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Z91 and ZX Premium 95 RON

Z Energy identifies Z91 as 91 RON and ZX Premium Unleaded as 95 RON. Z Diesel is a separate product; check the chosen fuel's ethanol specification.

Jurisdiction
New Zealand; Z Energy petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Fuel grades: choosing petrol

Publisher
Z Energy
Source scope
New Zealand; Z Energy petrol products
Source checked

Japan

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Regular and high-octane petrol

ENEOS describes レギュラー (regular) as at least 89 RON and ハイオク (high-octane) as at least 96 RON under JIS. These are specification minima, not promises of one exact rating.

Jurisdiction
Japan; ENEOS explanation of JIS grades
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Automotive gasoline: uses and specifications

Publisher
ENEOS
Source scope
Japan; ENEOS explanation of JIS petrol grades
Source checked

Thailand

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Gasohol 95, E20 and E85

PTT identifies Gasohol 91/95 as E10. OR defines E20 as 20% ethanol and E85 as 85%; Bangchak lists these separately. An octane label does not establish ethanol compatibility.

Jurisdiction
Thailand; PTT and Bangchak supplier examples
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

PERFORMA SYNTHETIC NGV: fuel terminology

Publisher
PTT Lubricants / PTT Oil and Retail Business
Source scope
Thailand; supplier terminology in an engine-oil explainer
Source checked

OR Sustainable Revenue Report 2025

Publisher
PTT Oil and Retail Business
Source scope
Thailand; OR supplier classification of petrol blends
Source checked

Bangchak continues E85 alternative fuel

Publisher
Bangchak Corporation
Source scope
Thailand; Bangchak supplier offering described March 2026
Source checked
Source date

Vietnam

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

E5 RON 92 and E10 RON 95

Petrolimex supplier pages list E5 RON 92 with 4–5% ethanol and E10 RON 95 with 8–10%. Confirm the product at your station and the motorcycle’s ethanol limit.

Jurisdiction
Vietnam; selected Petrolimex regional supplier products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Xăng E5 RON 92 - II

Publisher
Petrolimex Nghệ An
Source scope
Vietnam; Petrolimex Nghệ An supplier product
Source checked

Xăng E10 RON 95-III

Publisher
Petrolimex Đồng Tháp
Source scope
Vietnam; Petrolimex Đồng Tháp supplier E10 product
Source checked

China (mainland)

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

汽油 92/95: petrol grade numbers

Beijing's current official fuel table lists 92号汽油 and 95号汽油 as petrol. 乙醇汽油 means ethanol-blended petrol; confirm the blend and motorcycle requirements at the pump.

Jurisdiction
China; Beijing fuel labels
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Beijing petrol and diesel price notice

Publisher
Beijing Development and Reform Commission
Source scope
China; Beijing fuel labels
Source checked
Source date

Fuel quality inspections and consumer guidance

Publisher
Tai'an Market Regulation Administration
Source scope
China; Tai'an authority fuel terminology
Source checked
Source date

India

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

E20 petrol and premium names

India's official fuel guidance reports 20% ethanol blending in 2025–26. A premium name describes an additive product and does not establish a lower ethanol blend.

Jurisdiction
India; ethanol-blended petrol programme
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme: questions and answers

Publisher
Indian Press Information Bureau
Source scope
India; ethanol-blended petrol programme
Source checked
Source date

Indonesia

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Pertalite 90 and Pertamax 92

Indonesia’s energy ministry identifies Pertalite as RON 90, Pertamax as RON 92 and Pertamax Turbo as RON 98. Check the actual pump; these names do not establish ethanol content.

Jurisdiction
Indonesia; Pertamina products described by ESDM
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Energy infrastructure and national fuel supply

Publisher
Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Directorate General of Oil and Gas
Source scope
Indonesia; ESDM description of Pertamina fuel products
Source checked
Source date

Brazil

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Temporary E32; premium remains E25

Brazil’s common and additivated petrol use temporary E32 from 1 August 2026 for 180 days, with one equal-duration extension possible. Premium remains E25. Match both octane and ethanol to the motorcycle’s manufacturer approval.

Jurisdiction
Brazil
Who and what this covers
Common, additivated and premium petrol in Brazil; follow the motorcycle’s approved fuel specification.
Checked
Effective from

Timing and date qualifications: The E32 measure began on 1 August 2026 for 180 days; one equal-duration extension is possible. For later trips, use ANP’s current blend instructions.

Sources

Temporary E32 petrol from 1 August 2026

Publisher
Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP)
Source scope
Brazil; temporary petrol ethanol blend from 1 August 2026
Source checked
Source date

CNPE Resolution 9, 14 July 2026, published in DOU 30 July 2026

Publisher
Brazil Ministry of Mines and Energy / CNPE
Source scope
Brazil; dated temporary fuel measure
Source checked
Source date

Morocco

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Super Sans Plomb Premium

Afriquia guarantees octane 98 for Super Sans Plomb Premium. Its page does not specify ethanol content or availability at every station.

Jurisdiction
Morocco; Afriquia supplier product
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Super Sans Plomb Premium

Publisher
Afriquia
Source scope
Morocco; Afriquia supplier product
Source checked

South Africa

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

ULP93 and ULP95

Sasol names its petrol grades ULP93 and ULP95. Select a grade that meets your motorcycle’s minimum octane; confirm ethanol content and local availability at the station.

Jurisdiction
South Africa; Sasol supplier grades
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

ULP93: choosing between 93 and 95

Publisher
Sasol
Source scope
South Africa; Sasol supplier petrol grades
Source checked

Denmark

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Blyfri 95 E10

DCC Energi's Shell Blyfri 95 Commercial is minimum 95 RON E10, with up to 10% ethanol.

Jurisdiction
Denmark; Shell Blyfri 95 Commercial
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Shell Blyfri 95 Commercial technical data sheet

Publisher
DCC Energi
Source scope
Denmark; Shell Blyfri 95 Commercial
Source checked
Source date

Sweden

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Bensin 95 E10 and 98 E5

Circle K lists miles 95 E10 and milesPLUS 98 E5. E10 permits up to 10% ethanol; E5 up to 5%.

Jurisdiction
Sweden; Circle K petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

miles 95 petrol: E10 questions and answers

Publisher
Circle K Sweden
Source scope
Sweden; Circle K petrol products
Source checked

Finland

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Bensiini 95 E10 and 98 E5

Neste names its petrol Futura 95 E10 and Futura 98 E5, containing at most 10% and 5% ethanol respectively.

Jurisdiction
Finland; Neste Futura petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Neste Futura petrol products

Publisher
Neste Finland
Source scope
Finland; Neste Futura petrol products
Source checked

Poland

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Benzyna 95 E10; premium 98/100 E5

Poland's ministry identifies 95 petrol as E10 and premium 98/100 as E5. E10 compatibility must be confirmed for your motorcycle model.

Jurisdiction
Poland; official E10 petrol implementation guidance
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

E10 fuel

Publisher
Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment
Source scope
Poland; official E10 petrol implementation guidance
Source checked

Croatia

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Eurosuper 95 and 100

INA lists Eurosuper 95 Class Plus, 95 Class Plus Premium and 100 Class Plus Premium petrol. Eurodizel is diesel; check the pump's ethanol label.

Jurisdiction
Croatia; INA petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Motor fuels

Publisher
INA
Source scope
Croatia; INA petrol products
Source checked

Slovakia

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Benzín EVO 95 E10

Slovnaft labels EVO 95 petrol E10. Confirm that your motorcycle accepts E10 as well as the stated octane grade.

Jurisdiction
Slovakia; Slovnaft EVO 95
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

EVO 95 petrol: modern and reliable

Publisher
Slovnaft
Source scope
Slovakia; Slovnaft EVO 95
Source checked

Hungary

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Motorbenzin 95 E10 and premium 100

MOL identifies its Hungarian 95 petrol as E10. Its premium 100 RON formula uses ETBE and is described as ethanol-free; this is supplier-specific.

Jurisdiction
Hungary; MOL motor petrol
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Motor petrol

Publisher
MOL Group
Source scope
Hungary; MOL motor petrol
Source checked

Romania

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Benzină 95 E10

OMV MaxxMotion 95 petrol is minimum 95 RON with an ethanol maximum of 10% by volume.

Jurisdiction
Romania; OMV MaxxMotion 95
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

OMV MaxxMotion 95 conformity certificate

Publisher
OMV Romania
Source scope
Romania; OMV MaxxMotion 95
Source checked
Source date

Greece

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

95 EKONOMY, Premium 98 and Racing 100

EKO's Greek petrol range lists 95 EKONOMY, Premium 98 and Racing 100. Diesel EKONOMY is diesel; read the chosen petrol's ethanol label.

Jurisdiction
Greece; EKO fuel product names
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

EKO fuel and lubricant products

Publisher
EKO Greece
Source scope
Greece; EKO fuel product names
Source checked

Ireland

Fuel

Compare octane and ethanol levels with the manual for your exact motorcycle model. Familiar product names do not establish compatibility.

Unleaded petrol E10

Certa Ireland identifies its replacement for E5 petrol as E10. Confirm the pump label and your motorcycle's E10 approval before filling.

Jurisdiction
Ireland; Certa petrol products
Who and what this covers
Petrol motorcycles; follow the manufacturer's octane and ethanol specifications.
Checked
Sources

Certa frequently asked questions: E10

Publisher
Certa Ireland
Source scope
Ireland; Certa petrol products
Source checked

1. Octane and ethanol answer different questions

Octane describes resistance to knocking. In Europe you commonly encounter RON; US pumps display AKI, written as (R+M)/2. AKI is the average of Research Octane Number and Motor Octane Number. You cannot calculate an exact AKI value from RON alone: the second measurement is missing. Follow a dual-rated specification in your manual or ask the manufacturer rather than relying on a fixed conversion. US Energy Information Administration · DOE-hosted technical explanation

E5 and E10 describe ethanol compatibility categories. E5 means up to 5% ethanol; E10 means up to 10%. Neither label tells you the octane number, and E5 does not promise ethanol-free fuel. A pump can therefore be 95 RON E5 or 95 RON E10. Both numbers matter. UK Department for Transport

Imagine a motorcycle whose manual requires at least 95 RON and allows E10. A correctly labelled 95 RON E10 product meets those two stated requirements. A motorcycle requiring 98 RON does not gain approval to use 95 merely because that fuel is E5. Equally, higher octane does not make a high-ethanol blend suitable for a bike limited to E5.

Use octane and ethanol as separate checks, then follow any additional fuel requirements in your motorcycle’s manual.

2. Recognise the names, then check the specification

These country examples show the names you may encounter at the pump. Read the supplier and location beside each one, then check the nozzle’s octane and ethanol labels: stations do not all stock the same grades.

Netherlands — Euro 95 E10

Shell’s Alkmaar station lists Euro 95 E10. Match the pump’s octane and ethanol labels to your motorcycle’s manual.

Jurisdiction: Netherlands; one supplier station
Who and what this covers: Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.

Shell Express Alkmaar product list

Checked

Germany — Super is not one international specification

Aral’s Unna station lists Super E5, Super 95 E10 and SuperPlus. Read the numerical octane rating and ethanol label at the nozzle.

Jurisdiction: Germany; supplier example
Who and what this covers: Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.

Aral station product list: Hansastraße 145

Checked

France — SP95, SP95-E10 and SP98

France’s government station finder lists SP95 E5, SP95-E10 E10 and SP98 E5. Gazole is diesel. Match the petrol grade and blend to the motorcycle’s requirements.

Jurisdiction: France
Who and what this covers: Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.

Government fuel-station finder

Checked

Spain — Gasolina 95 and 98

Repsol labels its listed 95, premium 95 and 98 petrol products E5. Check the octane and ethanol labels on the product you actually choose.

Jurisdiction: Spain
Who and what this covers: Repsol’s listed petrol products in Spain; match the motorcycle’s requirements.

Fuel labelling at Repsol stations

Checked

United Kingdom — Standard and super unleaded

UK standard petrol is 95 RON E10; stations offering two grades also stock super 97+ E5. Check the grade available at your chosen stop.

Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Who and what this covers: Petrol-powered motorcycles; follow the manufacturer’s octane and ethanol limits.

E10 petrol explained · Check your vehicle can use E10 petrol

Checked

United States — Read AKI, not European RON

US pump octane is AKI: (RON + MON) / 2. Use the motorcycle manufacturer’s AKI requirement or dual-rated specification; RON alone does not give an exact conversion.

Jurisdiction: United States
Who and what this covers: Petrol-powered motorcycles using US pump octane labels.

Octane in depth · U.S. DRIVE Fuels Working Group Engine and Vehicle Modeling Study

Checked

Brazil — Temporary E32; premium remains E25

Brazil’s common and additivated petrol use temporary E32 from 1 August 2026 for 180 days, with one equal-duration extension possible. Premium remains E25. Match both octane and ethanol to the motorcycle’s manufacturer approval.

Jurisdiction: Brazil
Who and what this covers: Common, additivated and premium petrol in Brazil; follow the motorcycle’s approved fuel specification.

Timing and date qualifications: The E32 measure began on 1 August 2026 for 180 days; one equal-duration extension is possible. For later trips, use ANP’s current blend instructions.

Temporary E32 petrol from 1 August 2026 · CNPE Resolution 9, 14 July 2026, published in DOU 30 July 2026

Checked

For a Netherlands–Germany–France trip, the practical equivalent of an approved 95 RON E10 product is not whichever pump says “Super”. Look for the same octane requirement and an acceptable blend: a German pump explicitly marked Super 95 E10 and a French SP95-E10 pump are examples. A French SP95 E5 product has the same displayed octane number but a different ethanol category. The labels explain the distinction; the price and nozzle colour do not. German supplier · French government

Before travelling to each destination, save a local supplier’s product page and identify a fuel that meets your motorcycle’s numerical requirements. Ask for the petrol specification rather than a translation of “premium”: “Which unleaded petrol meets this octane rating and contains no more than this percentage of ethanol?”

3. Be especially careful with higher-ethanol products

In the United States, E15 is not permitted for motorcycles, including newer ones. EPA approval for certain cars and light vehicles does not extend to motorcycles. Read the ethanol notice even when a pump’s marketing name sounds like ordinary unleaded. US EPA

Brazil’s common and additivated petrol currently use 32% ethanol under the temporary rule that began on 1 August 2026. CNPE Resolution 9/2026 sets a 180-day period, with one extension of the same length possible. Premium petrol remains at 25% ethanol, so it is not an E5 alternative. ANP also specifies at least 94 RON for the standard product. For trips after the temporary period, check ANP’s current blend before choosing fuel. ANP · CNPE Resolution 9/2026

For an imported motorcycle approved only for E5 or E10, neither a reassuring product name nor the fact that local motorcycles use a fuel resolves the compatibility question. Obtain a model-specific answer from the manufacturer before shipping or riding the bike there. A locally specified rental motorcycle may have different fuel approval from the version sold at home.

Apply the same method whenever a pump offers E20, E85 or another unfamiliar blend: identify the actual product and the bike’s approval. Do not choose the cheapest option and plan to work out the label afterwards.

4. More expensive is not the same as more suitable

A higher octane grade is not automatically a performance improvement for an engine that does not need it. The important distinction is between the fuel the manufacturer requires, a grade it recommends for a particular result, and other fuels it expressly permits. US DOE/EPA fuel guidance

There can still be a practical reason to buy a higher grade: it may be the available product with the ethanol category your motorcycle accepts. That is a compatibility decision, not a rule that every motorcycle should always receive the most expensive petrol.

Do not treat brand names as a guarantee across borders or assume a premium product is ethanol-free. The same brand can sell several product types. Your final check belongs at the nozzle you will actually use.

5. Plan the stop as well as the fuel

Once the specification is settled, make a realistic fuel plan. Use the range you achieve with luggage and a passenger, not the best number from an unloaded ride. Identify an earlier alternative to any remote station on which the day depends.

A station listing is a planning aid, not a reservation of stock. France’s government finder lets you distinguish petrol grades and search along an itinerary; confirm the opening hours and current availability of a stop you cannot bypass.

Save a screenshot of the manual’s fuel page. It is easier to show an attendant an exact specification than to explain it from memory after a long riding day. Keep any instructions specific to a hired bike with the rental paperwork.

Add the fuel stop to the day’s timing. A route with a long refuelling detour is a different weather plan from the shortest line on the map. Our route-weather guide explains how to review the journey at the times you expect to pass through it.

6. Stop when the product is uncertain

Before filling, check the fuel name, octane system, number and ethanol marking together. Do not depend on nozzle colour or the previous vehicle’s choice.

If you discover that the fuel differs from your motorcycle's requirements, stop filling. Tell the station staff which product and amount you used, and contact the rental company, manufacturer or breakdown provider for instructions before starting or continuing. The response depends on the fuel and motorcycle. For one accidental tank of E10 in a vehicle that is not approved for it, UK government guidance says draining should not normally be necessary; obtain instructions for your exact motorcycle. UK Department for Transport

For a fuel that is simply unclear, asking before filling is the easier problem to solve.

Questions riders ask

Is Euro 95 the same as Super?

Sometimes the names point to the same octane grade, but the ethanol blend may differ. Compare the full pump specification, not the name alone. German product example

Is E5 always 98 octane?

No. France’s official station finder includes both SP95 E5 and SP98 E5. E5 is an ethanol category, not an octane rating. French government

Can every modern motorcycle use E10?

Do not use a general rule about modern cars as motorcycle approval. Check the exact make, model and manual, using a manufacturer-supported checker where available. Official compatibility checker

Should I buy an international “premium equivalent”?

Save the manufacturer’s numerical requirements instead. An international comparison based on product names alone can miss both a different octane measurement and a different ethanol blend.

Before leaving, add the fuel specification and your planned alternatives to the motorcycle travel abroad checklist.