Mixing 2 stroke fuel for the dirt bike is a frequent task for most 2-stroke dirt bike riders unless you have a newer modern TPI dirt bike that automatically mixes gas with oil.
So what is the best way to precisely measure and mix 2 stroke oil with gas for dirt bikes?
Mixing 2-stroke oil with gas includes precisely measuring the amount of 2 cycle oil for the final amount of gas and mixing it well with gas in a separate gas container. Firstly, measure the amount of oil required with a 2 cycle measuring cup and pour it into a separate mixing gas jug. Then, fill the mixing jug with fresh gas from a separate gas jug and mix well to create the final premixed gas ready for the dirt bike.
In this article, you will learn:
- 2 stroke gas and oil mixture ratio explained
- How to mix 2 stroke oil with gas
- How to find premixed gas
- Answers to the most common questions
- And much more!
Now let’s get started as we explain why it is important to precisely measure the fuel to oil mix ratio. We will also share our tips and best methods for mixing 2 stroke fuel for dirt bikes.
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2 Stroke Gas and Oil Mixture Ratio Explained
How much 2 stroke oil I need to mix with gas? Let’s start with the gas and oil ratio.
Firstly, the 2 stroke or 2 cycle engines use the oil in the gas to lubricate the piston and the cylinder among other rotating parts of the engine. Without the proper amount of oil in the gas, the engine will not run properly and damage may occur.
The oil is mixed with gas prior to adding the fuel to the gas tank or premixed. Newer fuel injected dirt bikes can also automatically mix the oil into the gas.
Secondly, mixing the precise amount of oil for your dirt bike is essential for ideal performance and engine protection.
Thirdly, you should learn how to mix 2 stroke oil with gas for dirt bikes in various amounts and use only precise methods to measure and calculate the amount of 2 stroke oil needed. Or you can buy premixed gas, which we will cover later.
Most dirt bikes will use gas oil mix rations between 40:1 and 60:1. Your dirt bike user manual will show the recommended gas and oil mix ratio.0
In our example, we will use a mix ratio commonly used in KTM dirt bikes, which is 60:1.
The 60:1 mix ratio means, that for every 60 portions of gas, you need to add 1 portion of 2 stroke oil. If you use 60 gallons of gas, you need to add 1 gallon of 2 stroke oil.
Likewise, if you use 60 liters of gas, you need to mix 1 liter of 2 stroke oil in to the gas.
How To Accurately Calculate the Amount of 2 Stroke Oil Needed
Let’s use a more common example, a 5-gallon jug of fresh fuel.
With the same fuel / oil mixture of 60:1, the 5-gallon fresh fuel jug calls for 10.66 fluid ounces of oil.
The formula is quite simple: Take the amount of gas, for example 5 gallons, and divide it by 60 (mix ratio). Then multiply the result with 128 (128 fl oz per gallon). This equals to 5 / 60 x 128 = 10.66 fl oz.
Okay, still pretty damn difficult. Next, let’s discuss easier real life examples how to quickly and easily mix 2 stroke oil with gas.
2 Stroke Oil Mix Chart for Common Fuel Mix Ratios
Here is a quick reference 2 stroke oil mix chart for common fuel mix ratios. In this table, the top bar shows the mix ratio and the left side has the amount of fuel to mix.
| Fuel / Oil Mix Ratio | 32:1 | 40:1 | 50:1 | 60:1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 4 fl oz | 3.2 fl oz | 2.6 fl oz | 2.1 fl oz |
| 2 gallons | 8 fl oz | 6.4 fl oz | 5.1 fl oz | 4.3 fl oz |
| 2.5 gallons | 10 fl oz | 8 fl oz | 6.4 fl oz | 5.3 fl oz |
| 3 gallons | 12 fl oz | 9.6 fl oz | 7.7 fl oz | 6.4 fl oz |
| 4 gallons | 16 fl oz | 12.8 fl oz | 10.2 fl oz | 8.5 fl oz |
| 5 gallons | 20 fl oz | 16 fl oz | 12.8 fl oz | 10.7 fl oz |
How To Quickly Measure the Amount of 2-Stroke Oil
Simply using a measuring cup. So, we recommend buying a simple measuring cup that comes with the proper mixing ratio on the side of the cup for the amount of gas you typically use.
One of the easiest ways to measure the correct amount of oil into any amount of gas is to use a 2 stroke oil measuring cup. Interestingly, the measuring cup uses a pre-calculated scale for the amount of 2-stroke oil you need to add.
On the side of the measuring cup, you select the scale with amount of gas and then pour the oil into a measuring cup to match the desired premix ratio. After that, you are ready to mix the oil in the mixing gas jug.
How To Mix 2 Stroke Oil With Gas
Use two separate gas jugs for fresh and premixed gas. It makes mixing easier and also prevents you from forgetting to premix the gas before pouring it into the dirt bike gas tank. Additionally, we recommend getting a 5-gallon and a 2.5-gallon gas jugs.
Use rubber gloves when handling gas, as it really does eat your hands and is not safe to handle otherwise.
Remember to mix the gas in a well ventilated area and remember to always store the gas safely.
Recommended Items for Mixing 2 Stroke Oil With Gas
We recommend getting few items to make the mixing process easy and clean:
These items will make mixing 2 stroke oil with gas much easier.
You use the red mixing jug only for the oil gas mix and use that to gas up the dirt bike. Most dirt bikes have a gas tank that holds about 2.5 gallons. Using the bigger 5 gallon gas container only for the fresh gas, you minimize the risk of accidentally fueling the dirt bike with fresh gas.
With these two separate jugs, you can refill the dirt bike from empty to full three times, which is plenty for most long weekends of enduro riding.
Step 1: Measure the Amount of 2 Stroke Oil Needed With a 2 Stroke Oil Measuring Cup
Firstly, begin by wearing rubber gloves. Gas and oils are harmful, so it is a good idea to wear protection when about to mix 2 stroke oil with gas for dirt bikes or anytime handling gas.
Secondly, clean the measuring cup with a paper towel. Any dirt in the cup will travel into the gas tank and can clog filters, the carburetor or the fuel injectors.
Thirdly, continue to fill the 2 stroke oil measuring cup with 2 stroke oil to the desired mix ratio.
As an alternative, if you do not have a mixing cup, calculate the amount of 2 stroke oil needed for the amount of oil using the formula provided above or using the 2 stroke oil mix chart here.
Step 2: Pour the 2 Stroke Oil Into the 2.5-Gallon Mixing Jug
Pour the 2 stroke oil into the 2.5-gallon mixing jug. Let most of the oil drain to the mixing jug.
Step 3: Clean the 2 Stroke Oil Measuring Cup
Pour some gas into the measuring cup to get all the oil out of the measuring cup and pour it into the gas mixing jug.
Next, wipe the 2 stroke oil measuring cup with paper towels or similar as the 2 stroke oil makes a mess and is very sticky collecting dust and debris. A clean measuring cup is important and cleaning it will make it ready for the next time you want to mix 2 stroke oil with gas.
Step 4: Pour Fresh Gas Into the 2.5-Gallon Jug To Fill the Jug
Now that you have the 2 stroke oil in the mixing jug, pour fresh gas into the 2.5-gallon jug to fill the jug. The mixing jug should have a clear filling lines to mark the 2.5 gallon level on the side of the jug.
Step 5: Mix the Gas in the Mixing Jug
Turn the 2.5-gallon mixing jug upside down slowly couple of times to properly mix the oil into the gas. No need to shake and foam the gas too much. The oil mixes pretty well when pouring the gas into the 2-stroke oil already in the jug.
Step 6: Gas Up the Dirt Bike
You are now completed with mixing 2 stroke oil with gas! Next, use the premixed gas jug to refill your dirt bike gas tank.
How To Find Premixed Gas
You can also buy pre mixed gas for dirt bikes. This means it is already pre mixed and there is no need to add 2 stroke oil or mix 2 stroke oil with gas for your dirt bike. Just gas up and go.
Pre mixed gas has advantages:
- The pre mix gas to oil ratio is spot on
- They usually use higher octane fuel
- They have additives or stabilizers to prolong storage and in tank life
- They have no ethanol (that corrodes parts)
- It’s clean from debris, dust and contaminates
- No mixing oil with gas is required
VP Racing makes excellent racing level premixed 2 stroke gas, such as this VP Racing Fuels Pre Mixed 50:1. You may also find some other premixed gas containers directly from Amazon, however most containers are small and geared for small engines.
Answers to the Most Common Questions
Here is a list of most common questions that new riders may face when learning how to mix 2 stroke or 2 cycle oil with gas and gas to oil ratios:
How Much 2 Cycle Oil Per Gallon?
It depends on the desired gas to oil ratio. Small engines, such as lawnmowers, chainsaws or weed eaters and alike typically use 50:1 premix gas to oil ratio, but be sure to refer the manual for exact mix ratio.
For one gallon of gas using a 40:1 gas to oil ratio, use 3.2 fl oz of 2 cycle oil.
For one gallon of gas using a 50:1 gas to oil ratio, use 2.6 fl oz of 2 cycle oil.
For one gallon of gas using a 60:1 gas to oil ratio, use 2.1 fl oz of 2 cycle oil.
Check our 2 Stroke oil mix chart or oil to gas ratio chart for more premix oil quantities.
How Much 2 Stroke Oil Per Gallon?
2 cycle oil and 2 stroke oil is the same thing.
For one gallon of gas using a 40:1 gas to oil ratio, use 3.2 fl oz of 2 stroke oil.
For one gallon of gas using a 50:1 gas to oil ratio, use 2.6 fl oz of 2 stroke oil.
For one gallon of gas using a 60:1 gas to oil ratio, use 2.1 fl oz of 2 stroke oil.
Check our 2 Stroke oil mix chart or oil to gas ratio chart for more premix oil quantities.
How Much Oil Do You Mix With Gas for a 2-Stroke Dirt Bike?
Most dirt bikes use gas to oil mix of around 40:1 to 60:1.
For one gallon of gas using a 50:1 gas to oil ratio, use 2.6 fl oz of 2 stroke oil.
For more mixing ratios and different gas quantities, open our 2 stroke oil mix chart here.
What Is the Best 2-Stroke Mix Ratio for a Motorcycle?
The best 2-stroke mix ratio for motorcycle depends on the manufacturer and engine size. Most manufacturers recommend using gas to oil mix of between 40:1 to 60:1.
What Happens If You Put Too Much Oil in Two Stroke Mix?
The engine will likely run but will struggle running properly. Too much oil will increase carbon build up in the motor and exhaust system. You will notice lots of blue smoke and likely poor performance. Starting the motor may also become much more difficult.
How Do You Know If You Have Too Much Oil in a 2-Stroke?
The typical sings of adding too much oil into gas are:
- blue smoke
- difficult cold start
- poor performance
- carbon build up on the spark plug, black spark plug
- unburnt oil seeping out of the exhaust
Conclusions
Mixing 2 stroke oil with gas can feel like a drag sometimes but with a 2 stroke oil measuring cup, couple of gas jugs, and a good routine, it really takes only a few minutes.
Using the 2 stroke oil measuring cup makes the job very easy and it helps even when using variable amounts of gas, for example when directly pumping gas into the dirt bike gas tank at a gas station.
Still loving the smell of 2-stroke oil in the morning!
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