Why do I have to run Premium gas in a HD?
#21
03-02-2015, 12:13 PM
i used to run highest octane, til I went to pump on Egypt and only had mid-grade. I found I actually get better mileage 20-30 miles more per tank with the lesser octane gas. `06 streetglide w EFI
#22
03-02-2015, 01:26 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
As an owner you do not "have" to run the recommended fuel. You can put anything you want into the tank, however the manufacturer recommends you run premium pump gasoline when available.
If you decide to run a different fuel, it is on you as to accepting the results.
Some run regular grade to save some $ and if it works well for them, then all is good.
Others put all sorts of additives in their tank, and they like the results.
Everybody gets to do what they want.
I run premium fuel when ever possible. Don't need to guess why, but thats what I do, and it is working out well for me.
If you decide to run a different fuel, it is on you as to accepting the results.
Some run regular grade to save some $ and if it works well for them, then all is good.
Others put all sorts of additives in their tank, and they like the results.
Everybody gets to do what they want.
I run premium fuel when ever possible. Don't need to guess why, but thats what I do, and it is working out well for me.
#23
03-02-2015, 02:01 PM
Club Member
Yeah but the pistons in it are the size of a large shot glass and only moving about that far too were the harley piston is over 4" in diameter traveling well over 4" also, size matters here with octane ratings.
#24
03-02-2015, 04:10 PM
Tourer
Two more reasons why to pump premium.
1) Harley's look better beside a premium pump
2) The premium pump is a better spot to rest your gas cap while refueling
1) Harley's look better beside a premium pump
2) The premium pump is a better spot to rest your gas cap while refueling
#25
03-02-2015, 06:04 PM
Except that most of the gas pumps in these parts dispense all 3 grades out of the same pump. You just hit the button for what octane you want. We have no seperate premium pumps. Just diesel and where it's sold, E85.
It's pretty sad actually. On nice days when a lot of people are gassing up, the lines at the pumps get pretty long, with all the riders standing there with their gas caps in their hands, not knowing where to put them, instead of pumping their gas and moving on. Which most certainly does not impress the ladies.
It's pretty sad actually. On nice days when a lot of people are gassing up, the lines at the pumps get pretty long, with all the riders standing there with their gas caps in their hands, not knowing where to put them, instead of pumping their gas and moving on. Which most certainly does not impress the ladies.
#27
03-02-2015, 07:09 PM
That assumes that ALL stock engines are the same. Not the case, in my experience. Even the same size motor, from the same model bike, from the same model year, can be quite different from the one sitting next to it on the showroom floor.
Run what you want. But I prefer to tell a service writer that I was running what the book said to run in it, if anything ever happens.
#28
03-02-2015, 08:07 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
I run regular gas in all my bikes, and both of my Caddy's
I'm too freaking cheap to pay for premium!
I'm too freaking cheap to pay for premium!
#29
03-02-2015, 08:11 PM
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#30
03-02-2015, 08:12 PM
Because of the timing advance. You can have your bike tuned with regular, or mid-grade or premium, and then run that grade.
You will lose a little performance, but it won't hurt anything.
Depending on your particular bike, your riding style, the grade of regular in your area, and your elevation above sea level, you might get away with running mid-grade without a tune.
Premium isn't "better" than regular, it's just formulated to operate with more advanced spark timing without pre-ignition (knock) or detonation (catastrophic engine failure).
And yes, I did sleep in a Holiday Inn last night,
You will lose a little performance, but it won't hurt anything.
Depending on your particular bike, your riding style, the grade of regular in your area, and your elevation above sea level, you might get away with running mid-grade without a tune.
Premium isn't "better" than regular, it's just formulated to operate with more advanced spark timing without pre-ignition (knock) or detonation (catastrophic engine failure).
And yes, I did sleep in a Holiday Inn last night,