In the United States, we have a problem with our hoses. As the months and years go by, the most important hose we have just gets… HARD.
Wait, what? Ok. Aging males everywhere beware. We are talking about your MOTORCYCLE.
The hose in question, is your fuel line. The crucial pathway from tank to Mikuni that supplies the FU in FUN.
Here’s Why Your Hose Is HARD:
- You are using clear plastic based lines. Over time, they turn yellow and with exposure to the fuel, they shrink and become brittle. You will end up having to replace them (or should ) on regular intervals. So if you are cleaning your carb, just put a new line on it.
- Gasoline is LOADED with harsh and abrasive chemicals that wreck the elastomers and polymers that make up your line.
- Because of SCIENCE. Check out this study in the Journal of Fuels.
The good news is that there are many different types of fuel lines/hoses now. Those cheap ones you get at Autozone or Dime City might do the job, but if you don’t plan on pulling your bike apart and replacing it every so often, you could be risking a fuel related failure. A leaking fuel line is not the kind of problem that will create good memories for you next summer.
This winter, when you are staring at your bike sitting in the garage. Take a moment and grab your hose. Give it a good pinch and even a little tug. If its hard, you need to replace it. Its quick , cheap, and requires no special tools.
Pay attention to your your hose. Keep riding.