I am new to the forums, but I see a recurring subject everywhere I look...gas.

A quick background...I am a factory certified Harley-Davidson service tech, though I do not work in the industry anymore, I still ride and I still keep up on all my qualifications.

First off, Harley-Davidson recommends at least 91 octane gas be used on ALL models. You should always follow manufacturer recommendations when it comes to fuel.

Regular pump gas contains ethanol, a type of alcohol, makes up to 10% of the volume of gas. It's used to help with emissions, though it can cause issues in the long run. If regular gas sits for a long period, the ethanol reacts with the gas and clumps up in the form of a green sludge. It eventually hardens into what is known as green scale. Green scale can clog up your fuel pump, injectors, and even your fuel line. On older bikes, it can clog up the jets and the float bowl in the carb, and also the petcock. It can also form on the valve heads and prevent the valves from seating properly.

Non-ethanol, also called marine grade fuel, contains no ethanol and is much better for your fuel system, as it does not form green scale. It is however, a little less "green" friendly.

If marine grade fuel is not available in your area, there are dozens of manufacturers that produce fuel additives that neutralize ethanol, such as Sta-bil, and I highly recommend using one of these if you are an occasional rider, or storing your bike. Make sure you include the additive BEFORE topping off your tank. Then run the engine for 10 minutes or so before parking for storage. Don't run your tank dry before storage as it can cause the inside of your tank to corrode or rust. Though resealing a tank is not a difficult task, it is time consuming, or expensive if you have a shop do it.

Another option is aviation fuel. This is just a higher octane gas with no ethanol in it. Usually 103 octane or higher, it can be quite expensive, and it's not available for road use in a lot of areas. It's not available in my area of Florida, but when I lived in Orlando, I could just go to the airport and top off my tank at one of the private aviation companies. I was introduced to aviation fuel by one of my instructors at MMI who is also a professional drag bike racer. It will not damage your bike, but unless you're going to the track or you just like to spend money, it's not necessary.

I hope this clarifies gas to those who are new to riding, or never really knew the difference. If I missed anything, please feel free to let me know.

 

Alright.

 

I make it a point to stay away from #2 Diesel, whenever possible of course.

 

+1

 

Avgas sure has a great exhaust odor...

 

91 octane for Sportsters. Wouldn't a certified Harley tech know that?

 

Sorry, you are correct I was looking at gas chart and put 93 when I was looking at chemistry of 83. It is in fact 91 and I have changed it in my post.

 

I was told by the dealership to buy the best at the pump, so I’ve always got 93

Wiz

 

Every gas station is different. Some have super premium at 91 and others at 93. I've seen a couple over in Alabama at 96.

 

Race gas is awesome!