I just returned from a trip with a friend from S. Florida to the Four Corners in N. Mexico of 4800 miles great trip. A couple of question's riding up in Arizona and N. Mexico the fuel octane was 90 - 91 octane. As Harley recommends 93 octane how does that work out all year. I noticed some pinging on the highway at times while accelerating. Additionally, my friend has a 2014 Ultra that got less mpg than my 2013 Ultra. Just curious.

 

I thought Harley recommended 91 or better for gas. Don't have my manual right in front of me so I can't double check.

I see 90, 90.5 and 91 when we ride the small towns and some stations I have seen are now including one pump that has 93. You can buy some of the octane booster if needed.

I have a PV on mine and a pretty aggressive timing map. When I start to show pings, generally in the rear cylinder first, I will pull over and load a tune that is a little less aggressive on the timing. If I fill up at a station and I know I am using 90 or 91, I will load the tune right then.

How broken in is your buddy's 2014? I have noticed with both bikes that as they got better MPG after they had decent miles on them, by maybe a gallon at the most. Nothing scientific. Also, the HO engine, cam choice and tuning all will effect mileage.

 

I live in AZ and never worry about it, runs fine.

 

Our fuel around hers is
87 regular
89 mid grade
91 premium
A BP station right up the road from me has 93 octane ethanol free, that's what I put in my bike. Very few stations around here have the 93. I see Quik Trip is now offering ethanol free here too, don't remember the octane though.

 

My manual ( 09) says 91.

( and riders shouldn;t confuse ethanol additives with octane)


on late models the ECM will retard timing if it senses pinging ( or should...or try to).

the result of retarded timing is less power, less fuel economy.

Riding the 4 corners, you are at elevation= less oxygen/ less power


I may mix premium/reg to get closer to a desired octane value.

sometimes a little bottle of boost in the saddlebags

mike

 

The problem with ethanol is this
1. Draws moisture
2. Less MPG

You don't want to store an engine of any kind with ethanol in the gas. That **** will eat right through plastic fuel lines like in mowers, chain saws, etc.

 

Mine runs fine and gets great mileage even with 89 octane gas...sometimes the mileage is better...47 MPG sometimes...

 

The need for octane decreases as you go up in elevation, as will the ratings at the pump. Premium is premium wherever you go, it doesn't have to be a specific number.

 

That's what fuel stabilizer is for.

 

Really? That's good to know.