What fuel do you use?

[martybabe]

FYI for those that seem confused - Shell V-Power is 95 octane and replaces their old Ultra Hi product. According to the PR blurb its developed with Ferrari F1 ....but that must have been a while ago as F1 cars are using biofuel and besides, an F1 car on 95 octane? Hmmm I don't think so Tim! lol
I've used it in the cage and noticed a difference as have most people I've spoken too, whatever the difference is with it, its down to the blend of additives they use in it which are designed to clean combustion chambers etc.

I used to use BP mainly, but have changed to Shell as BP are too keen to put their prices up and tardy on dropping them back - at least at Shell I can use the supermarket vouchers and get Fly Buys so that helps with expenses!

Mobil is about the only one I really stay away from as their corporate tactics leave something to be desired (Exxon Valdez anyone? 20 years on and still no compensation, despite posting HUGE profits - try US$16.5 billion for the first quarter this year...) plus they always seem to have those damn annoying Night pay windows

So your saying there's no bio fuel in V power and as far as your concerned it's ok to use in my fuel injected GSX1400. oh, bloody nice cbx by the way.

[ynot slow]

Tried 95,then used 91 runs ok,out of curiosity will try 98,(wasn't available in the Naki)now in Palmy.

[cs363]

So your saying there's no bio fuel in V power and as far as your concerned it's ok to use in my fuel injected GSX1400. oh, bloody nice cbx by the way.

Well I certainly don't think there is any biofuel element in V Power (see here for more info on its composition: http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?...tech_spec.html) mind you I don't work for Shell, lol!

I'm reasonably sure (and no doubt someone here will know) that fuel companies have to show on the pump or somewhere close to it if their fuel contains ethanol or any other out of the ordinary components, due to the issues with older vehicles and those that are not designed to use it. Otherwise they'd be opening themselves up for some legal action if things go wrong.
The other thing is that any company selling it will probably make a song and dance about it so they can appear trendy and green......
I guess if you really want to know just send an email to the respective fuel company's customer service contact which should be on their websites.

Personally I wouldn't be too keen on using bioethanol due to the water content (which is why its not encouraged for aviation or marine use) which can cause an engine to stop - not the best on an inherently unstable machine I would think...
More info here: http://www.transport.govt.nz/biofuels-1/

Who else besides Gull are actually offering bioethanol fuel anyway, as a matter of interest?

P.S. Thanks for the compliment -appreciated

[roy.nz]

I've just tried some o that v power, no idea what octane or whether It's safe for my fuel injection ? anybody? But the bike goes like stink. How do you measure a difference in performance, dunno, it's more about feel but it really seems to fly.

That shell V-Power is just standard 95 in europe and places like that other than here V-Power is 100 which i'd love to use here.But in a 98 fan and if im not feeling to keen on sponsoring BP prices i go get Mobil 97.5 which runs just as well.

[martybabe]

Well I certainly don't think there is any biofuel element in V Power
I'm reasonably sure (and no doubt someone here will know) that fuel companies have to show on the pump or somewhere close to it if their fuel contains ethanol or any other out of the ordinary components, due to the issues with older vehicles and those that are not designed to use it. Otherwise they'd be opening themselves up for some legal action if things go wrong.

Thanks for that, Interesting, seems ok for me to use. I'd be interested if any one else tries it out, I'm convinced my baby runs quicker/better but without on board diagnostics, It's a little hard to prove.

That shell V-Power is just standard 95 in europe and places like that other than here V-Power is 100 which i'd love to use here.But in a 98 fan and if i'm not feeling to keen on sponsoring BP prices i go get Mobil 97.5 which runs just as well.

Cheers mate, Ive used 91 through to 98, no noticeable difference, so obviously I go with the cheaper option but that v power does seem to have the edge, is it worth a few cents more? yes I think it is.

[slofox]

No manual or other written document from a manufacturer I have ever seen has said it is recommended.

FYI Big Dog:

Page 3-3 of my SV650S manual says...."To help minimize air pollution, Suzuki recommends that you use oxygenated fuels." (Ethanol blend is an oxygenated fuel).

Page 3-2 OK's up to 10% ethanol.

There is a rider however that "if it don't run right on that fuel then you oughta change....." which kinda covers all bases....

[dipshit]

FYI Big Dog:

Page 3-3 of my SV650S manual says...."To help minimize air pollution, Suzuki recommends that you use oxygenated fuels."

Can't you read and understand plain English? That doesn't mean "Suzuki suggest it in the handbook as the fuel of choice"

It may be the best choice environmentally... doesn't mean the best choice for performance or longevity for your engine.

[McJim]

I have a low compression engine in a NZ new bike. 91 is the juice for me.

[Gremlin]

Oil company propaganda......Suzuki suggest it in the handbook as the fuel of choice and past experience with alcohol fueled bikes has me believing it will do no harm.

you'd need to read the tread, it was something about ethanol in hyosung as a thread title (don't want to take this OT), but a quick summary.

Its bike dependent, and its not simply a case of how the engine finds the fuel. Ethanol blend fuels soak up water more, if you have some in the tank, it gets dragged through the engine. Ethanol also doesn't like.. mmm rubber lines... from memory (could be something else) and causes them to deteriorate faster.

Basically, depending on bike, you could actually do permanent damage to your bike by running ethanol blend fuels. Now think about who would actually take the responsibility on board for any damage? Hah. Also, even some new models, of bike, even 08, may not be suitable for ethanol... All of this adds up to a fantastic encouragement to simply not touch the shit.

[Rashika]

98 in the Buell, runs far better on that than 95 or 91 (often get pinking when hot on the others)... tho I will use those on occasions when I cant get 98.

AVgas for the racebikes: FXR 150 and RD250LC

[modalx]

mmmmmm.....tetraethyl lead

[alanzs]

95 in the bike and 91 in the car. Vrooom, vrooom, vrooom....

[slofox]

Can't you read and understand plain English? That doesn't mean "Suzuki suggest it in the handbook as the fuel of choice"

It may be the best choice environmentally... doesn't mean the best choice for performance or longevity for your engine.

OK OK already, interpret it as you will......I take the word recommend to mean just that - it is recommended. I doubt that this word would be used if there was risk of damage, especially since the guarantee is in place....I spent a lot of time with alcohol fueled engines in the past and saw no damage at any time......I stay with my choice. And incidentally, yes, I can and do read and understand English............

[Dino]

Who else besides Gull are actually offering bioethanol fuel anyway, as a matter of interest?

Mobil around Wellington are onto the ethanol mixes now.

.

[Ragingrob]

I put 91 in my vfr cause I'm poor and haven't put anything else in it yet, so I wouldn't know what the performance difference is like. When prices drop and bank balance increases I may start using 96 to see if there's a noticable difference in performance and economy.