Assuming our bikes have one or more "knock sensors" could the increased mileage most experience with higher octane fuel be caused by the knock sensors adjusting our ignition timing when using lower octane fuel?
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Assuming our bikes have one or more "knock sensors" could the increased mileage most experience with higher octane fuel be caused by the knock sensors adjusting our ignition timing when using lower octane fuel?
So if this is the case, then it's entirely possible/probable that higher octane gas which doesn't trigger the knock sensor does indeed produce more HP and/or torque than lower octane fuel? Again, this may be obvious but since there seems to be a lot of debate concerning better performance with higher octane fuel I thought it best to spell it out.
This post from F6Dave is correct. Our bikes are designed to run on 86 octane gas and higher octane does nothing to improve power or mileage. If running higher octane gas makes you feel better that's fine but the F6B doesn't require it. I will continue riding with regular unleaded of at least 86 octane as I have with this bike and five previous Honda GLs.
Az Wingrider
An engine with a higher combustion head will develop more power then an engine with low combustion of the same size. Hi octane fuel is used only to keep from pre ignition and the added power is only because of the higher compression not the fuel octane. During WW II the p-51 mustang had quite a bit more power (hp) then the ME 109 even though the 109 had larger displacement. The P 51 Had a higher compression engine and had to run on 150 grade fuel while the 109 used 87 because of the inability of Germany to manufacture better fuels. High octane fuel actually have a higher ignition point. I try to use ethanol free fuels because I live right on the coast and it help avoids absorbing moisture into the tank.
Mother Honda designed and built a marvelous machine in the F6B! They continuously apply the KISS Method to their Engine Technology (except for changing the air filter)! They provide the initial 36k warranty and recommend 86/87 Octane fuel! Why folks insist they know more than the manufacturer has always puzzled me! If you feel higher octane is necessary for "your machine" then go for it! I personally prefer to stop at just about any "high volume gas station" fill my tank and ride on! Life is too short to split hairs on octane:cheers: