Higher Octane Gasoline

[Audiochris90]

I have always tried to use 89. There was an in depth thread years ago on this forum about it. I remember the benefit was gas mileage. I think in owners manual it recommends 89 for a 2016 F6b.

[Ewreck]

I would disagree with "cheapest" gas. I fill regular but only the top tier brands like Exxon, Shell, Chevron, etc. Supposedly/Hopefully detergents are added for the few more pennies per gallon than I'd get at Walmart's stations.

Sometimes.

[2wheelsforme]

Honda says use 86 or higher. Most regulars are 87 so fine. I thought it was agreed in this thread higher octane does nothing toward better performance or mileage. Only needed if you experience pinging or recommended by the manufacturer as does BMW and HD.

[ReserveBum]

Honda says use 86 or higher. Most regulars are 87 so fine. I thought it was agreed in this thread higher octane does nothing toward better performance or mileage. Only needed if you experience pinging or recommended by the manufacturer as does BMW and HD.

Dont believe thats true...I get 3 mpg or better using 91 ethanol free over standard 87

[2wheelsforme]

Dont believe thats true...I get 3 mpg or better using 91 ethanol free over standard 87

I agree with the ethanol free is better. The octane is what makes no difference.

[SeaSteve]

I think paying more at the pump, causes riders to ride slower and save gas.

There's a big difference in MPG when doing 80+MPH on I-10 compared to 70 on other highways.

[F6Dave]

Actually, as the octane in gasoline increases, the energy content (BTU/gallon) drops slightly. It isn't enough to make a measurable difference in performance or mileage.

Since higher octane gasoline contains no more energy, it can only increase performance by allowing an engine to run more efficiently, usually via higher compression and/or advanced ignition timing.

[Johnharris]

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.

[unsub]

With gasoline prices being extremely low, I decided to run mid-grade Exxon and Shell gasoline in my bike. It seemed to make the bike a bit quicker, with a little more pep. It could just be my imagination, but I don't think so.

Folks will bring out data to disprove your observation, but I also feel it's beneficial to up the octane. Don't get sucked into a debate just enjoy the performance.

[DarkKnt]

Folks will bring out data to disprove your observation, but I also feel it's beneficial to up the octane. Don't get sucked into a debate just enjoy the performance.

Yup, don't let physics and science interfere with your opinion....