Premium Octane?

[Kokomo Kevin]

I think that given Honda's tight specs in engine mapping, what we are seeing is more to do with fuel quality. I do think there are some differences, obviously in the blends, but we all need to consider that there is most likely vast differences between storage at stations. I believe moisture content is probably causing some variance. I usually fill up at HIGH volume stations in my hometown. I have in the past gotten what I think is bad gasoline. In those cases I did notice a difference in the way my vehicles ran. Good discussion! Anyone have any other bad fuel stories?

[53driver]

My 2014 Owner's Manual, page 136, states "86 or above"

I'm finding it fascinating that there are other Owner's Manuals stating differently.
Here is a snap from my manual - not something downloaded off the 'net.

If your Manual states different than mine, please post a pic and the year of your bike. This could be very interesting.
Cheers,
Steve

I have never seen any such octane instructions in any Honda F6B manuals..."Show me the money" so to speak....Regards and ride safe

They are there, my friend!

[2wheelsforme]

Placebo? Certainly possible. Bigger difference in the way a station handles fuel than in what kind of fuel is also certainly possible as well as water in the mix. High volume stations are what I look for also. I also do not fuel when a tanker truck is refueling the stations tank. That process has to be disrupting the sediment on the bottom of the tank and putting into the pumps. Dispelling the myth of more expensive high octane gas is better gas is a tough one to squash. The labeling has some to do with it I think, with the regular vers premium thing. Google or Bing octane and you can read a ton of stuff with almost everyone agreeing no benefit to hi-test if your engine does not need it.

[Az Wingrider]

2wheelsforme has pretty well summed up my feelings as well. I use 87 octane almost exclusively. In areas with lower octane ratings (85 or 86) I use a mid range grade of fuel. I also will not use a station that is getting a fuel delivery because when they are dumping fuel it stirs up all the crap in the bottom of the tanks. I also avoid stations that do not seem to pump a high volume of fuel. I do quite a bit of riding in northern Arizona on the Navajo Reservation and I have gotten bad fuel there but for the most part the Hondas I have owned have all been pretty forgiving on the quality of fuel I put in them.

Good discussion
Az wingrider

[2wheelsforme]

No, an engine designed to operate on 87 will not benefit from higher octane. https://www.scientificamerican.com/a...ion-premium-g/

[Big TP]

No, an engine designed to operate on 87 will not benefit from higher octane. https://www.scientificamerican.com/a...ion-premium-g/

Thanks Mike. That is pretty much the consensus. 87 from now on.

[6gun]

That is a very simple explanation of engine vs fuel design. That is why I said, if it works for you be happy. They left some details out. For most, the details will never matter.

[1951vbs]

In the 118,000 miles I have collectively put on my 2013 & 2015 F6B's I have saved $1242 by using 87 octane.
I did quite a bit of dyno testing years ago and learned my lesson then. If your engine doesn't have enough compression and/or ignition advance to burn higher octane it will actually detract from the performance. Higher octane fuels are made to control detonation and will burn slower.

[53driver]

My 2014 Owner's Manual, page 136, states "86 or above"

I run Chevron 91 almost exclusively. I don't much care what our manuals say as my piece of mind is preserved by running higher grades of fuel. I stick with Chevron for consistency/quality.

91 'above' 86
So, you're good!

Cheers,
Steve

[ckwizard]

Owners manual says 89 or higher so I run 92 all the time.