Has the grade of gas actually matter?
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: In My Own Little World
Has the grade of gas actually matter?
I know that harley recommend high octane gas (93 or 95 is it?). What grade of gas do you guys use? Have you used another grade and noticed a difference?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey FL
i use anything over 91 (normaly 93) for my bike is does matter, if i put anything in it but the high test my scoot (at high RPM's) will make this pinging sound....no good! so i don't do it
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
been discussed extensively already, here's a few dozen pages:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...o-you-use.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...s-you-use.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...o-you-use.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...s-you-use.html
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From:
Can get away with mid-grade during cooler temps, that would be 89 octane here in CT. Summer heat must have premium 91 or better or it pings. But for the difference of 75-80cents a tank I just stick to the premium grades 24/7. You can afford the 80 cents a tank verses a new motor all day long.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 29
From: Green Country,Oklahoma
I put 87 in the other day in a pinch,didn't matter at all.Still pings going from cruise to quick twist of throttle,just like the high priced stuff.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Read your Owners Manual. Some model's based on the year, carb vs. EFI, and compression ratio run just fine on 87 octane, others require 91+.
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
+1 on the premium gas, I've used 89 octane on occasion but I had to control the throttle and rpm's to avoid any pinging. Also carry a couple packets of octane boost when I'm on the road.
