Posts by: west-side-cycles

Fuel Additives

By on November 21, 2024

Should I use fuel additives?

We have never been fans of any fuel treatment/cleaners/”carb overhaul in a bottle”. They usually cause more problems than they claim to solve. However, we can’t always get premium non-ethanol fuel and we don’t suggest you run out of gas looking for non-ethanol fuel! A little ethanol usually finds it’s way into all of our tanks and that’s okay. Unfortunately, the old style fuel additives do not work with the blended fuels today. We stock a specific treatment we can recommend for winter storage. Stop in and we can help you out.

Should I use fuel additives? We have never been fans of any fuel treatment/cleaners/”carb overhaul in a bottle”. They usually cause more problems than they claim to solve. However, we can’t always get premium non-ethanol fuel and we don’t suggest you run out of gas looking for non-ethanol fuel! A little ethanol usually finds it’s […]

Tires 2025

By on February 8, 2024

Tires 2025:

We sell all brands of tires. We especially like Dunlop brand tires. They are produced in Buffalo, and the overall quality for price is amazing. West Side is a Dunlop Pro Dealer which we means we can get you lowest $$ on Dunlop tires and can offer rebates. Dunlop sells a variety of models, the sport bike options (Q5S, GPR300) are super popular for their handling and price point.

D401/D402 are available, which are Harley Davidson stamped for our Harley customers that like those.

D404s are also a popular choice for smaller cruisers…perfect for rides around beautiful Rochester, down to Charlotte for Abbott’s.

The Metzler ME888s are also one of West Side’s go to tires..for those heavy cruisers and touring bikes that want MILEAGE.

Please remember..we can get just about any tire you see online-for a good price. Support your local economy 🙂

Tires 2025: We sell all brands of tires. We especially like Dunlop brand tires. They are produced in Buffalo, and the overall quality for price is amazing. West Side is a Dunlop Pro Dealer which we means we can get you lowest $$ on Dunlop tires and can offer rebates. Dunlop sells a variety of […]

Fuel basics for motorcycles

By on February 8, 2019


Why use higher (90 and above) octane fuel?

People often ask why we recommend premium fuel for ALL motorcycles. Motorcycle engines are designed and made to run at a higher compression ratio than your average automobile. This is why motorcycle engine performance numbers (horsepower, torque) will usually be higher than the equivalent sized automobile motor. This higher compression ratio requires the use of fuel with a higher octane rating to reduce engine detonation and to run at peak performance without harm to the engine.

What effect does Ethanol (Alcohol) blended in today’s fuels have on my motorcycle?

The second fuel recommendation from us is to use NON-ethanol premium fuel. The reason for this is that the ethanol in today’s fuels will act as a “sponge” and will absorb moisture from the atmosphere over time. As the ethanol in the fuel reaches it’s saturation point from the moisture, this alcohol/water slurry will separate from the fuel. (Think of it as adding water to your tank.) This can cause various fuel system and performance issues.

Should I use fuel additives?

We have never been fans of any fuel treatment/cleaners/”carb overhaul in a bottle”. They usually cause more problems than they claim to solve. However, we can’t always get premium non-ethanol fuel and we don’t suggest you run out of gas looking for non-ethanol fuel! A little ethanol usually finds it’s way into all of our tanks and that’s okay. Unfortunately, the old style fuel additives do not work with the blended fuels today. We stock a specific treatment we can recommend for winter storage. Stop in and we can help you out.

Why use higher (90 and above) octane fuel? People often ask why we recommend premium fuel for ALL motorcycles. Motorcycle engines are designed and made to run at a higher compression ratio than your average automobile. This is why motorcycle engine performance numbers (horsepower, torque) will usually be higher than the equivalent sized automobile motor. […]