It is not unusual to see a large group of bikers out for a weekend ride, but it is unusual for that weekend ride to end up at an ethanol plant in eastern Kansas.
On March 24 motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at the East Kansas Agri-Energy plant, just outside of Garnett, Kansas, to see the latest creation by the crew at American Chopper. Paul Teutul Jr., in conjunction with the Renewable Fuels Association, built a one-of-a kind motorcycle designed to run on ethanol.
“The Renewable Fuels Association has partnered up with Paul Teutul Jr. of Paul Jr. Designs and American Chopper fame and our goal with him was to build a custom ethanol powered motorcycle for us to use as an educational tool for years to come to help set the record straight on ethanol and motorcycles,” said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White.
“RFA has been fighting the misinformation campaign surrounding ethanol in motorcycles for years,” White said.
E10 fuel has been used in motorcycles as a safe and cost-saving alternative to straight gasoline for decades. All motorcycle manufacturers endorse the use of E10 and some approve even higher blends.
“The research that Teutul did on his own set the record straight,” White said. “He knows all the facts about ethanol and he will tell the world that ethanol is good for use in motorcycles. We hope that this is the final nail in the coffin so that we can stop the misinformation campaign by the American Motorcyclist Association, which serves as a mouthpiece for big oil. There is nothing wrong with using ethanol up to 10 percent in motorcycles.”
The motorcycle created by Teutul actually runs on an E85 blend of ethanol and gasoline.
“I’m extremely excited to work with a company like RFA that realizes the importance and potential of renewable fuels,” Teutul said. “I’m excited for people to watch us showcase our creative process when this bike airs on our new series of American Chopper.”
The event at Garnett was recorded for an episode of American Chopper, which will air later this summer. After a six-year hiatus from reality TV, the motorcycle craftsmen are returning to TV with a new series that will be shown on the Discovery Channel. The series premier of American Chopper will be on May 27.
Doug Rich can be reached at 785-749-5304 or [email protected].
