At recent oil change, I went from syn 3 to maxima sae 50.

Immediately the bike changed characteristics, ran smoother, felt lighter, pulled harder. It almost felt like a different bike.

I could even outrun similar bikes while riding 2-up

I mean it literally was a 100% improvement, day & night difference

I rode her on the distinguished gentleman's ride this year, and it was a silly little revving party parade. I mean, engine ran hot, bogged, etc....

Right after the event, my bike felt dull, it didn't struggle or anything, but just a world of difference in terms of response, power and felt like it was suffocated. It's been ever since.

I cannot for the life of me figure out what's wrong.

Almost at my next oil change, and gonna try maxima synthetics.

Any guesses what changed?

 

Sounds like you cooked the oil, open the tank and take a sniff smells vaguely burnt change it. Oils cheap.

 

bad gas?

 

thought it was gas, but I run 95 normally, and then put 98 to be sure.

still the same shitty dull man

 

what year is your bike? Pull your plugs and post up a picture. Could be ignition related.

Is that 95 or 98 ethyl free or are they 10%? Octane rating is simply the resistance to knock...98 octane with 10% ethanol that has absorbed water is just as capable of running like *** as similar 95.

 

2014

they are the normal 98 octane, no ethanol

I was guessing maybe plugs, it was changed 12,000 miles back

let me check

 

How close are the fires to you?

And yes, take a look at your plugs.

 

i actually just moved to singapore, so not so bad, but it's ****ing hot every day

I miss california

 

where the hell u getting 98 octane in California?

 

Higher octane is NOT better. Run the minimum required to prevent pre-ignition (aka detonation, ping, knock). Higher octane reduces burn speed and has lower potential energy per volume. My carbed 88" runs great on 89 octane.