Octane Boost
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 63
Likes: 10
From: Ky
Octane Boost
Have a 2019 1200 "Iron" I bought new. I did a Stage One with all V&H "stuff" including the FP3. Bike has 3000 miles on it, Like many here im VERY OCD taking care of it. Im 64 ride "fairly" aggressive but not to crazy. The bike is running fine and I hope to keep it that way. I have been reading a lot about diff octane boosters and started using it. I always run the best-highest fuel I can find. My question is for the Engine builders, Engine Techs on here...
.So far I like this stuff, Yall think it works ? Im not going to crazy with it. My main concern is, with reg use, can it cause in any "long term" damage? But again, so far im a liking it, seems to help mpg some, seems too give the bike a little more pep. Regards "Big E"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,027
From: Carlsbad, CA
Octane does not give more power. It enables a motor to operate with higher compression and/or more advanced timing without pre- detonation/pinging.
Some think octane booster is snake oil. However, my thought is that HD has tuned our motors to run just on the edge of predetonation. They depend upon the anti knock sensors and system to allow the advance to run just to the point of minimal detonation. If you use higher octane such as 93 vs. lower octane such as 91, then under hard acceleration the motor can give you more advance, and slightly more power, than lower octane. If you add enough octane boost, you can get the same effect. I feel a slight difference if I add 1 oz of Lucas boost per gallon of gas. Particularly if I have only 87 octane available.
Some think octane booster is snake oil. However, my thought is that HD has tuned our motors to run just on the edge of predetonation. They depend upon the anti knock sensors and system to allow the advance to run just to the point of minimal detonation. If you use higher octane such as 93 vs. lower octane such as 91, then under hard acceleration the motor can give you more advance, and slightly more power, than lower octane. If you add enough octane boost, you can get the same effect. I feel a slight difference if I add 1 oz of Lucas boost per gallon of gas. Particularly if I have only 87 octane available.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1,122
From: 48.067222,12.863611
Almost all octane booster is snake oil. It raises it by points. AKA 0.1 or 0.2 octane after adding a boatload. There is real octane booster to be had, you just have to look for it and it's more expensive. You're better off buying VPN gasoline and keeping it in your garage if you're going to be OCD.
It's truly a waste of your time, effort, money, and possibly reliability if you add crap octane booster to your bike. It should run fine on crap 91 octane that we now have in the USA unless you have a high CCP bike.
Harley riders are the weirdest.
It's truly a waste of your time, effort, money, and possibly reliability if you add crap octane booster to your bike. It should run fine on crap 91 octane that we now have in the USA unless you have a high CCP bike.
Harley riders are the weirdest.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Personally, I've never used it or found a need for it or feel like spending the extra money on it. I try to buy good quality gas so in my world, there's absolutely no need to put any kind of octane booster in my tank, but to each their own.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,156
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From: Doghouse... mostly
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 631
Likes: 180
From: Menomonee Falls, Wi
A while back I downloaded an Excel spreadsheet on octane calculation. The major component of gasoline is Toluene.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,048
Likes: 990
hahaha, this is funny
all about engine design and tune
how about 87 fuel, drop 1st @60, 90@2nd and no speedo left dropping out 3rd (120+)
did have issues with high ambient and clutch off but a little tweak with timing, all is good.
all of this running gravity, it never fails!
all about engine design and tune
how about 87 fuel, drop 1st @60, 90@2nd and no speedo left dropping out 3rd (120+)
did have issues with high ambient and clutch off but a little tweak with timing, all is good.
all of this running gravity, it never fails!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 215
From: Illinois
Correct, buy the best gas thats available in your area.....thats what I do when Im out and about (luck that Im able to stay at 93). Unless your tune is setup for higher octane you wont see any gains. For wax pale if your run VP in your tank it might smell nice and all but wont see any gain is HP unless your tuner allows.
i agrees with springer and oldnuff
i agrees with springer and oldnuff
Last edited by HD Bobber; May 28, 2019 at 11:36 PM.