Grade Of Fuel Poll

R. Lewis

especially in the state of Illinios -- alot of gas stations only offer ethanol.

waterdog

Hey Glider,

How long have you been using 91 octane, in what bikes, and how do they run with it?

I've only been using 93 in my Heritage, usually Shell, since I bought it in April, but have thought about trying 91 in it and see how it runs.

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2007 FLSTC Heritage Classic
V&H Q-Series Double Barrel Staggers
SE Stage 1 air breather, V&H Fuelpak

Not Very PC

With the right tuning of the FulePak with the other mods you've got 87 octane can be tuned to run fine. Only advantage the "High-test" has it's better additives package. You'll never feel any HP increase with the 93.

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"It's just a tool box, you pick the tool for the job". "Myself I like the ol' 1911 45." (Sam, Ronin)
"I know because I've still got the shovel" (Man who knew the real story)

glider

I've been running the 91 for a few years now, but have noticed in the colder temps that 93 sometimes is needed because of a very slight ping on any hard acceleration, only at times like entering a parkway. It's only ocasional this happens.
Seems just opposite of what is needed but the higher octane really does nothing for performance if it isn't needed to keep any pinging down, just costs more. You can try the 91 and see if you get any pinging and if you do go back to the 93.
There's many factors involved in the right octane for the different bikes that will make a difference. Compression ratios are the first as well as other factors. The lower compression ratios of the stock Harley's doesn't really require the 93 octane.
The only other factor here is the gas is usually sub standard now as compared to years back when you could get 103 sunoco gas. I believe that the method of grading gas now is the RON or research octane rating which I feel is grading it a bit lower than it really is as verified by the eagerness of the modern cars to ping on the lower grades. Of course this is helped along with the smog equipment on most cars today.

One thing to consider when you choose to go to a lower octane is that if your engine pings enough from the 91 that the ECM will pull back the timing to eliminate it through the ION sensing system. This will decrease performance (power) to a small degree and may offset the advantage of goint to a lower grade of fuel. Either way, I feel it's safe to run the 91 and see what you get out of it.

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blyter

Considering the real job of oil, and the lack of certain bearings in the 96's....one sure better be using 93.

glider

Could you explain this statement a bit more in depth?

Lack of bearings, such as cam bearings I understand

The real job of oil, I would think to lubricate and cool but how does the "better be using 93" relate to the other two?

Just curious. Maybe I'm reading into it too much.

You have my interest peaked.

Thanks

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Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more.
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Not Very PC

Once again you ask what I'm thinking

__________________
"It's just a tool box, you pick the tool for the job". "Myself I like the ol' 1911 45." (Sam, Ronin)
"I know because I've still got the shovel" (Man who knew the real story)

glider

Are you my long lost brother from another mother?

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Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more.
>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Not Very PC

My Dad really was the Milkman!!

__________________
"It's just a tool box, you pick the tool for the job". "Myself I like the ol' 1911 45." (Sam, Ronin)
"I know because I've still got the shovel" (Man who knew the real story)

Hobbit

i'm with NVPC an Glider you have an audience