Regular vs. high octane gas
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
Regular vs. high octane gas
I was running low on gas. I ride an HD 03 Softail. as I pulled into a station, they only had regular gas. I put in 4 1/2 gallons (87 octane I think) to fill up, then i realized, I should have put in less. I rode for about 5 miles to get home. What should I do. Would regular gas hurt my engine? What difference should I feel in riding on regular gas. Should I drain it and put premium gas? help...!
Your engine will be fine. Octane (the 87, 89, 91 part) is a measurement of a gasolines resistance to burn. So 87 octane will ignite easier than 91 octane. Harley recommends 91 octane because of the air cooled motor. As cylinder temp increase you are more likely to get pre-destination(pinging) so HD says to use 91 octane to cover their azz. If your motor pings (you will hear and know it if it happens) then go back to 89 or 91. HD motors are low compression and unless you have changed your compression or advanced your timing a lot you will be just fine. You may even notice an increase in your gas millage as 87 octane is easier to burn and your engine wont have to work as hard to use it.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 121
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From: Payson, AZ within 400 miles of the best the west has to offer for riders
You will get less mileage because the lower octane gasoline has less BTU's. Your ECU will compensate for that by adjusting the VE. You still may have detonation at warmer temperatures. I second the octane booster suggestion.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
regular vs high octane
This pinging business in regular vs high octane; I will watch for it. Would the weight I carry will make any difference. I weigh 145 lbs. I ride single. Any comments?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,763
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From: Minnesota
One tank won't be a big deal. You might get less mpg but overall one tank won't make a difference. I know that tank after tank of the lower grade stuff you will see mileage decrease a lot and notice more pinging. Not exactly good for the motor at that point.
Don't lose sleep over it, just be sure to put in the good stuff next time.
Don't lose sleep over it, just be sure to put in the good stuff next time.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Forest Lake, Mn
You're not gonna hurt it.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 883
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From: Irving-Texas
"by the book" you should be fine, I have ridden 40 yrs and I can with very few exceptions say toss those specs where they belong, in the shirt pile, you will most defiantly realize poor performance after a tank or two, I don't care what the scientists on board say. As I said, with few exceptions. I run 93 to 98 and bike runs a lot better, if you ride like Methuselah you might not notice as big a difference.
And thats all I have to say about that Forrest
And thats all I have to say about that Forrest