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.

[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.

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...

[johnnyflash]

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

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

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

[Toaster]

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

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...

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

[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...

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

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..