Cruisers - What octane fuel do you use?

[Toaster]

Lads and ladettes....

Recent observations of some other cruisers have made me realise that some use higher octane and some lower octane fuels for their cruisers. I really hadn't noticed up till now and always used 98 in the sports bikes.

I know of two M109R's using different fuels and saw a Honda VTX filling up with 91 today.

What fuels to do use? This is just as relevant to all bike classes.

I have been using the 85 from the Caltex. The bike warning sticker said use 95, but I am wondering if you can get away with 91 without problems with engine knocking/lack of power.

So, mechanical guru's.... your thoughts please on what you use, what you recommend, and why?

[98tls]

This should be interesting,ive seen similar threads on octane related issues and some of the posts are somewhat strange......but all posted by experts on the subject.:corn:

[sunhuntin]

ive only ever used 91... havent had the guts to try anything else, just in case the bike runs like shit.

[Headbanger]

I'm no expert (by a long long long shot) But I use the highest octane I can source, Which is 98 when I can find it.

Hell, Its my pride and joy, Its getting quality fuel (relative), If it can make use of it or not.

Edit- Just remembered I put my skanky lawn mower fuel in her the other day, seeing as I rode her home on empty.

[johnnyflash]

This should be interesting,ive seen similar threads on octane related issues and some of the posts are somewhat strange......but all posted by experts on the subject.:corn:

heheh, my thoughts exactly... I run 91 and it seems to run fine, (ran a few tanks on 95 but didnt notice much difference. Im sure that you could use 95 - 98 no problem, though if I was going to put more expensive fuel in, I would have it tuned to make the most of it....

[98tls]

I'm no expert (by a long long long shot) But I use the highest octane I can source, Which is 98 when I can find it.
Just about now it will get interesting.

[Edbear]

Recommended is 91 so that's what I us and it runs sweet as!

I thought M109's used Nitro-glycerine...:laugh:

[johnnyflash]

Recommended is 91 so that's what I us and it runs sweet as!

I thought M109's used Nitro-glycerine...:laugh:

Nah, only the pilots drink that, they need it to steady their nerves when coming to corners... :whistle:

[Toaster]

Nah, only the pilots drink that, they need it to steady their nerves when coming to corners... :whistle:

Funny you should say that - I have a pig of a time finding a air pump station at a petrol station that can actually reach the rear tyre valve.....

I almost have to bend the damn thing off to get the thing to couple properly and inflate the tyres. This means long times between checks....

Any suggestions? Anyone used air compressors? If so any recommendations? The ones at Supacheap look exactly that - cheap!! the 3 on display were all broken!

[Toaster]

Nah, only the pilots drink that, they need it to steady their nerves when coming to corners... :whistle:

And the other thing.... I find running the pressures a little higher than the standard works a treat on the 109 for corners. That also make allowance for the different climate here than the USA and japan where they can get away with lower pressures than we can.... in summer anyway.

[Daffyd]

My Haynes workshop manual advises Regular, which is what I use.

[johnnyflash]

Funny you should say that - I have a pig of a time finding a air pump station at a petrol station that can actually reach the rear tyre valve.....

I almost have to bend the damn thing off to get the thing to couple properly and inflate the tyres. This means long times between checks....

Any suggestions? Anyone used air compressors? If so any recommendations? The ones at Supacheap look exactly that - cheap!! the 3 on display were all broken!

yep, know the problem..A few options, carry an extension valve and screw it on when needed, about extra 30mm helps.. or in my case I have a old hose off a manual foot pump in my toolkit, you know the type that has a lever you bend down to lock onto valve and the other end has a rim valve mounted on it.. ( oh yes and the hose has a pressure gauge in it :lol:

[johnnyflash]

And the other thing.... I find running the pressures a little higher than the standard works a treat on the 109 for corners. That also make allowance for the different climate here than the USA and japan where they can get away with lower pressures than we can.... in summer anyway.

Yeah I run a few extra pound also but the important thing I find is to use a GOOD gauge as the Servo ones leave a lot to be desired..

[bmz2]

Nah, only the pilots drink that, they need it to steady their nerves when coming to corners... :whistle:

no dude, meths. Makes you blind, so you can't see the corners:laugh:

Use 91 and no problems.But i did use 98 the other day on the ride , the bike run like shit

[johnnyflash]

And the other thing.... I find running the pressures a little higher than the standard works a treat on the 109 for corners. That also make allowance for the different climate here than the USA and japan where they can get away with lower pressures than we can.... in summer anyway.

Also re cornering, Ive had my rear suspension taken up a couple of turns (you know Im usually two up) and its made a hell of a difference going through corners..

[rainman]

I usually use 95, but for no particular reason. I ran the bike on 91 when I first got it, and I can't say I noticed much difference...

Maybe I should go back to 91?

[homer]

how come my manual says recommended fuel 91 or higher
I dont really think it would matter which you use
Also if your engine is low compression it wont make much if any difference wheather you use 91 or 98
the engine just wont make more power
you need to have higher compression to get a difference
my manual says for a canadian model bike use 87 octane min
and the canadian bike are slower to ,Im guessing this is because of less compression again .

[jafar]

91 in the VTX , never tried anything else in it, runs fine so no need to change:msn-wink:

[Edbear]

Yeah I run a few extra pounds ...



Ive had my rear suspension taken up a couple of turns ...



Mmmmmm...:whistle:






:crazy:

[johnnyflash]

Mmmmmm...:whistle:

:crazy:


Yep Ed, she wallowed a little in the corners two up, particularly if uneven surface, now its far nicer ride, better control and one up it handles just brilliantly..

[Angusdog]

Likewise. I cranked my M50 up to the max a fortnight ago. Seems to be tighter in corners and doesn't buck over bumps any more than on medium, so I'll probably keep it there.

Regards fuel, I run 91 which is above the recommended minimum. Anything else would be a waste of money in the lowly tuned M50 motor, and as some have mentioned here and on other forums, higher octane doesn't help.

[Edbear]

Yep Ed, she wallowed a little in the corners two up, particularly if uneven surface, now its far nicer ride, better control and one up it handles just brilliantly..


Oh! You meant the bike...:doh:

[johnnyflash]

Oh! You meant the bike...:doh:

Na, the mrs:bleh:

[Edbear]

Na, the mrs:bleh:




LOL!!! I've already insulted your poor Missus once! Figured I'd be in trouble if I did it again...!:spanking:

[Toaster]

I usually use 95, but for no particular reason. I ran the bike on 91 when I first got it, and I can't say I noticed much difference...

Maybe I should go back to 91?

Yeah mine says use 95 - but I am starting to think the same thing. The petrol companies make way too much out of us as it is!!

[P38]

I've only ever used 91 cos thats what the handbook reccomends. I get good mileage and theres always plenty of power on tap so havent even given a higher octane a second thought.

[MotoKuzzi]

The Guzzi manual says 95 min, never tried anything else. I was told that Gull 91 is imported from Singapore and more likely equal to our 96. I have been experimenting with tyre pressures mainly to soften the ride. Recomended is 33 front and 41 rear, it's highly manoeverable at that almost too much so but rides hard.

[Cave Cleaner]

I have tried 91. 96, and 98. Have found no difference in power at all. So stay with 91 most of the time. I get at least 170k on this small tank before hitting reserve. ;)

[Tank]

how come my manual says recommended fuel 91 or higher
I dont really think it would matter which you use
Also if your engine is low compression it wont make much if any difference wheather you use 91 or 98 .......

my manual says for a canadian model bike use 87 octane min
.

You are not looking at apples with apples - or in this case MON vs RON ratings - there is a difference.

I always use the highest octane I can get 97.5 - but generally I try to keep with BP's 98.

Its not only the octane rating of this fuel - it has better additaves and burns better and cleaner.

Is ther any performance delivered for the bike - I dont know - but the cost difference is little and its going in my pride and joy - so I fill her up with the best pertol, oil, etc that I can buy.

C

[NZsarge]

Funny you should say that - I have a pig of a time finding a air pump station at a petrol station that can actually reach the rear tyre valve.....

I almost have to bend the damn thing off to get the thing to couple properly and inflate the tyres. This means long times between checks....

Any suggestions? Anyone used air compressors? If so any recommendations? The ones at Supacheap look exactly that - cheap!! the 3 on display were all broken!
There are right angle valve extensions available, where i'm not sure but have a look/ask around. I'm pretty sure the ones I saw were on 86GSXR's Daytona,

Yeah mine says use 95 - but I am starting to think the same thing. The petrol companies make way too much out of us as it is!!
If it says 95, use 95. C'mon man dont quibble over a few cents, use the correct gas and have peace of mind.



I always use the highest octane I can get 97.5 - but generally I try to keep with BP's 98.

Its not only the octane rating of this fuel - it has better additaves and burns better and cleaner.

Is ther any performance delivered for the bike - I dont know - but the cost difference is little and its going in my pride and joy - so I fill her up with the best pertol, oil, etc that I can buy.

C
+1 for me too pretty much.

[Blue Thunder]

Recommended is 91 so that's what I us and it runs sweet as!

I thought M109's used Nitro-glycerine...:laugh:


I run 91 with no problems, did consider a splash of AVgas to give a clean out. Thought?????

[Donor]

I run 91 with no problems, did consider a splash of AVgas to give a clean out. Thought?????

The lead could play merry hell with your catalytic convertor/exhaust emission gears... use a cheap octane booster, but avoid the avgas...

[Tank]

The lead could play merry hell with your catalytic convertor/exhaust emission gears... use a cheap octane booster, but avoid the avgas...

Thats a REALLY important point - you can play with octane ratings but playing with leaded fuel has more serious implications.

:doh:

[jafar]

I run 91 with no problems, did consider a splash of AVgas to give a clean out. Thought?????

Try Wynns injector cleaner if you think she needs a clean out .


The lead could play merry hell with your catalytic convertor/exhaust emission gears... use a cheap octane booster, but avoid the avgas...

Fitting an aftermarket pipe fixes catalytic converter issue :banana:

[avgas]

I've found the less the cylinders+the bigger cc per cylinder = higher octane.
I test rode a metric cruiser (Vulcan) a while back - shook worse than a David Brown with no bearings. Gave it back to the guy and asked him what gas he uses (reply - 91), next week he tried 98 and told me he was no longer selling the bike due to it running better.
Do any Harley riders out there use Lead shots in the tank these days - as i remember that being a issue for some v8's a while back.

[Toaster]

Thanks to all who commented. I went back to the manufacturer to double check - 95 for mine (minimum for US built M109R). The canadians can get away with a lower rating for some reason.

bmz maybe yours is canadian bro? given I had a 95 sticker and yours has a 91????

[bmz2]

Thanks to all who commented. I went back to the manufacturer to double check - 95 for mine (minimum for US built M109R). The canadians can get away with a lower rating for some reason.

bmz maybe yours is canadian bro? given I had a 95 sticker and yours has a 91????

and mine is 1" longer:lol:

[lemure]

I went back to the manufacturer to double check - 95 for mine (minimum for US built M109R). The canadians can get away with a lower rating for some reason.

bmz maybe yours is canadian bro? given I had a 95 sticker and yours has a 91????

Mine has a 96 sticker, so I've only ever used 91 until last weekend. Why? The guy I bought it off told me to. Came home from Wellsford last weekend with a mixed tank - almost 50-50 mix - without noticing a difference. When unleaded petrol became the norm in NZ I used to run the same mix in an old car without noticing any dropoff in power. Interesting comments here, but what about an upper cylinder head lubricant - Moreys - on a twin carby engine?

[johnnyflash]

Mine has a 96 sticker, so I've only ever used 91 until last weekend. Why? The guy I bought it off told me to. Came home from Wellsford last weekend with a mixed tank - almost 50-50 mix - without noticing a difference. When unleaded petrol became the norm in NZ I used to run the same mix in an old car without noticing any dropoff in power. Interesting comments here, but what about an upper cylinder head lubricant - Moreys - on a twin carby engine?

Trouble is I think that octane ratings dont seem to be the same the world over( As they should) from what I read.. and also no doubt fuel injected versions (boulevards) and carbed versions (intruders) might get away with different fuels

[Headbanger]

A guy in America whose crap I read claims that the cheap way of increasing octane is by adding an additive, but when fuel with this treatment fires in the engine the additive burns off as heat without producing the expected power, resulting in an engine that runs worse.....

At least, I think thats what he said.

[johnnyflash]

heres what suzuki says re c90
Fuel.
Use unleaded gasoline with an octane ratting of 91 or higher (research method). Unleaded gasoline can extend spark plug life and exhaust component life.

(For Canada) your vehicle requires "regular unleaded gasoline" whenver possible, with a minimum rating of 87 (R+M)/2 method). In some areas the only fuels that are available are oxygenated fuels. Oxygenated fuels, which meet the minimum octane requirement and the requirements described below, may be used on your motorcycle without jeopardizing the new vehicle limited warranty or the emmision control system warranty.

Note; oxygenated fuels are fuels which contain oxygen-carrying additives such as MTBE or alcahol.

Galoline containing MTBE
Unleaded gasoline containing MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) may be used inyour motorcycle if the MTBE content is not greater than 15%. This oxygenated fuel does not contain alcohol.

Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (grain alaohol) also known as GASOHOL may be used if the ethonol content is not greater than 10%

Gasoline/Methonol Blends
Fuel cantaining 5% or less may be suitable, if they contain NO solvents or corrosion inhibitors. DO NOT use fuels containing more than 5% methonol under any circumstance...fuel,system damage or performance problems will not be covered by warranty..

GENERAL NOTE.
To help clean the air Suzuki recommends oxygenated fuels..be sure it has a rating over 87 (R+M)/2 method.
If you are not satisfied with the drivability or fuel economy whern using oxygenated fuel you should switch back to Unleaded gasoline.
If engine pinging is experienced substitute another brand of fuel as there are differences between brands..

[ukusa]

always used 95 in the Triumph coz that's what the shop recommended when buying it. Also use the same on the 2 dirt bikes at home (XR & DR). Have no reason to change or try lower (or higher) octane.

[Omega1]

When I got my 95 Evo the old owner was running it on 91 and it ran ok I called our HD Dealer who recommended 96 or higher so I usually use 98 because there's a local Mobil station handy that sells it.The bike runs fine.

[peg]

I only ever run 91 octane fuel in my Vulcan. If it pings, you know it's too low, and it doesn't, so it's good to go.

I'd be a little cautious over any owners manual recommendations though. Most of the manuals are aimed at the Northern American markets, and they have fuel of many different octanes, most of it quite a lot inferior to ours apparently. Vulcan 800 owners in the US have to take steps to prevent carbon build-up in the heads, which is a problem unknown down here.

Best thing to do is to get onto some of the very large international newsgroups or forums devoted specifically to your model bike, and ask around. It needs to be a bit like Goldilocks porridge... not too hot, and not too cold :yes:

[Toaster]

Thanks for all the comments - seems 95 as recommended runs well and my local station is a caltex so that will do! Didn't notice any problems with 98 but no sense in spending more cents on that if I don't really need it.

As for 91 - may have to try it sometime!