Of course I try to use straight gas 91 or higher octane, but sometimes you take what you can get. Recently my choice was 87 octane straight gas, or 91 octane with 10% ethanol. I went with the 91 ethanol blend, but am wondering whether the pure 87 would have been better. Anyone know?

 

 

You've put a different spin on an old theme for sure . If this scenario is something you may encounter with regularity, get yourself a can of SeaFoam and pour a couple (more or less) of oz of it into your tank each time you top up with 87. You'll have 0E gas with octane higher than 87. Really tho, if you just go with the 87 and don't get pinging or other problems you're probably GTG with that,,,,,, IMHO.

Oh,, if you use SeaFoam and start to experience vapor lock (revving) on hot startups, lay off the SeaFoam for a tankfull or two.

 

I see that you are new, so no offense but this is one of many subjects that has been beat to death on this forum. If you do a search on this subject, you will get pages and pages of info. Hope this helps.

 

I am going to chime in here... I like to use the best fuel that is offered when I stop for a fillup.. so I would always lean toward the highest octane rating for my bike, not so for my car though... Ethanol is present in most fuels these days..E10, that 10% you spoke about, E15 & E85.. I stay away from the latter two like they are the plague... The biggest issue with any type of ethanol fuel is the rapid breakdown that occurs inside the fuel( never mid that they also like to attract moisture). If you are not going to leave the fuel set in your bike for long periods, it is not as much of an issue. If it is your last fillup before you put your bike away for a couple weeks..then I have a suggestion.. I have used a product called Star Tron for about the last 7-10 years..it is an amazing fuel treatment. It will prevent your fuel from breaking down, .. and.. it will actually rejuvenate fuel that has already begun to break down... Put a small bottle of it in your saddle bag, it is life blood for your bike!

 

Don't over think it, your bike will let you know if it don't like the lower octane. I run what ever button I happen to push on the pump, I'm running a stock engine with 55,000 on it with no pinging