gasoline

[duaneage]

I didn't know that but I'm going to take a look. If that's required anywhere, I would think it would be in super heavily regulated California, so maybe it will be there. I'm assuming the designation stands for the percentage of ethanol...right?

Thanks for the head's up!

You live near Sacramento?
They haven't had real gas for centuries. You're lucky they still sell gasoline for transportation purposes.

 

[rustybronco]

I get some pinging on 87 that does not happen with 93. At 80 cents a tank it doesn't seem like a real waste of money to me. Since it's my bike I make that choice. As usual YMMV.

Same thing here with 87 Octane fuel. 37 degrees timing advance, all in at 2,500 rpm might have a LOT to do with it. roll on the throttle @ 3-3.5k, rattle rattle, rattle.
89 Octane from marathon takes care of it, while speedway 89 doesn't...

 

[makenzie71]

It's probably been said in greater detail, but when it coils down to what fuel to use, you use the fuel that doesn't make your engine knock. If you knock on 87, go up one level. If the engine doesn't knock on 87, you have no reason to run higher.

 

[chuckycheese]

Taxifornia

Taxifornia

You live near Sacramento?
They haven't had real gas for centuries. You're lucky they still sell gasoline for transportation purposes.

We're lucky they still sell cars!

 

[Dave R]

Guys, regarding the 87 vs. 93 octane thing. A reason you MAY not want 87.

Have done the (alcohol self-test in a graduated ml container) thing on several gasolines in my area - central Illinois.

87 octane always tests 9-10% alcohol.

BP (Amoco) Gold tests approx. 4-5% alcohol. (even though the station managers tell you it's alcohol free)


Alcohol = less is better My 2 cents worth.

 

[eddiev]

I agree with a previos post. I only up the octane if I get pinging which is more apparent in the heat of the summer on my bike. In the cooler weather I stick with 87 and I have even found that on a cold winter day, the bike will start easier with 87 than 92 which makes sense to me.
Eddie V

 

[duaneage]

That's the entire purpose of gasoline octane choice. You use what works. On hot days in traffic the GS pings on 87 or 89 because the engine is really hot, the air is hot going in, the gasoline is warmer, and it preignites. Also, on hills and grades a higher octane fuel is recommended, and at altitude it is a good idea too.

But really at only 70 - 80 cents a tank more why take a chance on pre ignition? We've see the inside of a few engines this past winter and it looked like detonation damage.

The factory manual recommends 85 - 95 octane, I'm going for Sunoco super 94.5 when I find it in PA. :dancing: