Which is best fuel?

[stevensaaron]

Hi i have a 'Suzuki GSX250 Across'. Which is the best fuel for Power, fuel economy, etc. either 91 or 95/96 or 98. Thanks

[Indiana_Jones]

91 works for me pretty well.

-Indy

[YLWDUC]

Always stuck 95/96/98 into the duc, although that said I wouldn't be able to tell you if its a lot worse on 91. The higher the octane the better I reckon

[Babelfish]

My understanding is the more octane the more bang...that said they throw so much shite in the fuel you never know what your going to get, then theres the quality of the batch of fuel at the different stations.

I like using BP's 98 for cleaning (for my carbs too). The grunt increase isnt something I think my riding style would notice (read: Nana) so thats it really. Oh, and I like the big grunty handle on the pump so I feel I need a NBC suit n shite...the perfect consumer me!

[Colapop]

It depends on the age of the bike too, I think. Refer back to the manufacturer's recommendation. I think higher octane fuel burns hotter and can damage your engine but give greater power...?

[Grub]

I take 98 where I can get it, 95 at other times.

Because of the greater power, it is presumed that you use less throttle. That was the theory that got me using 98. I keep meticulous fuel/trip log records and there is some evidence to support that but it's not overwhelming.

On 95 I get 19km/litre, where I use 98 I get 20+km/litre. I've yet to do a $/km comparison ... mainly because I don't want to know my theory is rubbish. I like the anti-knock properties of the higher octanes since my bike is 11:1 commpression ratio

[MidnightMike]

I use 95 for my gsx.

[Babelfish]

Check out this link for some info: http://www.dragtimes.com/race-gas-fuel.php

Summary is that both regular and high octane fuels most likely have same cleaning power. Also note they mention other properties that better reflect how the fuel benefits the system re: cooling, cleaning and bang for buck.

I still like the big butty handle on the BP ultimate though, but I can help thinking people would stop laughing at me if I stood normally while filling with it, rather than like I was putting the flag on everest

[Babelfish]

Here's another link: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm

Another thing I read was someone saying to use the minimum octane rating that doesnt give you engine knock...of course, owning a vitter I'm not sure that test is approprate for me, it can sound like its exploding at the best of times.

The more I read the more I'm changing to regular...I wish it came with a cool pump nozzle handle

[Babelfish]

Last one: http://www.ethanolrfa.org/objects/pd...otorcycles.pdf

[vagrant]

It's a bit of a fib that higher octane ratings equals more power. The rider is that the engine needs to be tuned for it. A higher octane rating basically means that the fuel can withstand a higher compression ratio before it starts self igniting, diesel engine style.
So the "more power" actually comes from the more effective use of your fuel/air charge by squeezing it tighter before you add the spark and make it go bang.

There are other additives in the mix that do things like controlling the speed that the flame front moves out from the spark, and perversly, increase the flashpoint of the fuel to make it less flamable and safer to store and handle.

What it all comes down to is,
if your bike specs call for 95 octane or higher, then use it, but if not, your wasting beer vouchers.

[Babelfish]

bloody good explanation there fella

[imdying]

Best fuel in NZ is the cheapest one that doesn't pink. Try a tank of 91 and see if it makes the death rattle. If not (none of my bikes have), keep using it.

[Freakshow]

I found 91 ran better for me in the GSX 95 just didn't feel right?

[cbr guy]

Best fuel in NZ is the cheapest one that doesn't pink. Try a tank of 91 and see if it makes the death rattle. If not (none of my bikes have), keep using it.

i've just changed to 91 after reading on here that it makes the bike run better. and on the ride home i noticed a random rattling noise. so its maybe from changing fuel. how damaging is this?does anybody know? Ive just filled up again so might have to just syphon it out