93 octane
I was reminded of something while reading that link.
When it mentioned the timing aspect, I started thinking about the knock retard system in our ecm's.
If our ecm pulls timing because it had sensed some knock, you might not notice any knock at all.
On the same note, if the ecm pulls timing because it sensed knock, wouldn't that timing take away some power? (not that you'd likely notice on a stock bike). Just theorizing here.
Splitting hairs here, I know. But as you already pointed out (and I agree), this is fun to discuss and gainful as well.
When it mentioned the timing aspect, I started thinking about the knock retard system in our ecm's.
If our ecm pulls timing because it had sensed some knock, you might not notice any knock at all.
On the same note, if the ecm pulls timing because it sensed knock, wouldn't that timing take away some power? (not that you'd likely notice on a stock bike). Just theorizing here.
Splitting hairs here, I know. But as you already pointed out (and I agree), this is fun to discuss and gainful as well.
The power loss would be minimal and as you said, not noticable on stock bikes, unless the ECM failed and your bike would quit somewhere in the middle of a 1,000 mile journey through Death Valley.
My '03 does not have one, but the last 2 Corvettes I owned had them and the function would seem to be the same. FI systems are by necessity computer controlled (mechanical systems did not last long) and the ECM is an integral part of that. What I fail to see is why HD does not include programmable ECM's in all of their bikes. The cost is not much more and would drop even further if ordered in bulk. This would allow folks to adjust to their climate/elevation/taste without having to fork over extra long after the original purchase.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
When on trips with my wife we fill up at the same pump. Her Kawi requires regular and additional octane can result in poorer milage and plug fouling for her. My harley says 91 octante. Well.... like any good marriage...we compromise. Its one pump and 89 octane which seems to be adeqate for both of us. We also do mostly highway riding or back roads with very few WOT situations. Does not stree the engine too much under these conditions
One caveat to the above.... if it is hotter than hades....well I insist on 91 octane due to the poor perfomance that these air cooled engines exhibit in these temps.
R. Todd
One caveat to the above.... if it is hotter than hades....well I insist on 91 octane due to the poor perfomance that these air cooled engines exhibit in these temps.
R. Todd
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