Gas
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
Likes: 6,442
From: Honah Lee
They will run perfectly fine if it's not real hot and you drive it leisurely. Keep in mind, stock and even in all model year, some engines had higher compression levels then others. Just run what it says in your owner manual since (will be more efficient but use no silly additives or higher octane then you need) it's hard to hear the ping and the newer models will cut back if they sense ping. (older ones do it thru the resistance in spark plugs which is why you need to run the correct plug) They are ion sensors. Think new ones have a reader on back side of cylinder.. Some real expert that can remember longer then I will pipe in shortly.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Oct 23, 2015 at 04:57 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Been using Shell V-Power (premium) religiously over the years. Last night filled the bike and after I paid for the fuel I found out there was a 90 cent per gallon price difference between reg. and premium, usually 30 cents.. Contacted the oil company handling the Shell brand. Well seems Shell has re-formulated the blend of Shell V-Power nitro to "Nitro+" Guess time to look for a new supplier.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 6,345
From: pacific northwest
I use it in cooler weather, no problems with detonation, in warmer weather the mid grade, if in hot climate then go to premium.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I use E10 87 octane in my bikes which range from an 883, TC88, TC96, TC103, H0 TC103 and two 110's.
All have oil coolers, iridium plugs, proper AFR, stock exhaust and high flow intake.
I have been doing that on HD's since 2006 on 22 bikes for a total of about 400,000 miles. Most get 50 mpg except the Vrod and a couple get more like the 67 mpg 03 883R.
Our nanny government mandates that any vehicle sold and operated on US roads MUST be able to operate on 87 octane. That is why HD can only recommend 91 or better and not make it a warranty requirement. They do it to protect themselves while the bike is under warranty. They don't want to pay for damage by the operator who lugs the motor. They don't do it for the owner at all.
I do have a 13 Street Bob with a 120R that I use 93 octane. But then it is a drag strip bike.
Never any pinging or issues ever.
I have passed 35,500 miles so far this year. That is about 710 gallons of gas. I get the E10 87 octane for 1.96/gal. High octane in this area is $2.60/gal. That has saved me about $430 so far this year just in the price of gas. Seting the bike up to achieve 50 mpg instead of the typical 40 mpg has saved roughly an additional $300.
Heat is the major cause of pinging. Not lugging, doing a long slow break in (3,000 miles) using an AFR that cools the engine more on the intake cycle and burns more completely, running an oil cooler and a few other things result in a HD engine that can run in the middle of the day in summer through Death Valley without trouble in temps from 117 to 120 degrees.
All have oil coolers, iridium plugs, proper AFR, stock exhaust and high flow intake.
I have been doing that on HD's since 2006 on 22 bikes for a total of about 400,000 miles. Most get 50 mpg except the Vrod and a couple get more like the 67 mpg 03 883R.
Our nanny government mandates that any vehicle sold and operated on US roads MUST be able to operate on 87 octane. That is why HD can only recommend 91 or better and not make it a warranty requirement. They do it to protect themselves while the bike is under warranty. They don't want to pay for damage by the operator who lugs the motor. They don't do it for the owner at all.
I do have a 13 Street Bob with a 120R that I use 93 octane. But then it is a drag strip bike.
Never any pinging or issues ever.
I have passed 35,500 miles so far this year. That is about 710 gallons of gas. I get the E10 87 octane for 1.96/gal. High octane in this area is $2.60/gal. That has saved me about $430 so far this year just in the price of gas. Seting the bike up to achieve 50 mpg instead of the typical 40 mpg has saved roughly an additional $300.
Heat is the major cause of pinging. Not lugging, doing a long slow break in (3,000 miles) using an AFR that cools the engine more on the intake cycle and burns more completely, running an oil cooler and a few other things result in a HD engine that can run in the middle of the day in summer through Death Valley without trouble in temps from 117 to 120 degrees.
Last edited by lh4x4; Oct 23, 2015 at 06:53 PM.