Probably a dumb question.....reg or high test gas for my 09 softail deluxe ???
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 4
From: Sunny South Florida
Seriously, you buy a $20K bike and your question if it should get what the manual says it needs?
Knocking is not an issue with newer bikes since the computer will compensate by reducing timing until it stops. I would still rather do what the manufacturer says. (within reason)
I also had a car that ran better on regular than high test, but the manual told me to NEVER use other than 87-89 octane fuel, so it was my fault.
You do have the manual right?
Knocking is not an issue with newer bikes since the computer will compensate by reducing timing until it stops. I would still rather do what the manufacturer says. (within reason)
I also had a car that ran better on regular than high test, but the manual told me to NEVER use other than 87-89 octane fuel, so it was my fault.
You do have the manual right?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I use the lowest price at the pump which is 89 octane in this area. I have ridden all over the US and Canada on 89 without a single knock.
The EPA requires that motors sold in the US be able to run on 87 octane.
This is accomplished with knock sensors. When the ECM senses knock it retards the ignition to stop it.
However the rider has more control over knock than the ECM. Just shift at a little higher rpm and don't lug the motor.
I run 89 in my Vettes and Viper again without any issues.
Octane is not power, it is just a measurement value for the gasoline's resistance to ignition.
Power is BTU's. Gasoline has 115,000 BTU's per gallon for any octane level.
Not all gas is burned before it goes out the exhaust. The higher the octane the more that goes out the exhaust.
That is why it is possible to get a little better mpg with lower octane. That is the same reason that the engine my put out a little more heat with lower octane.
I run oil coolers and a fuel pack that has a 12.1 AFR so my engines run strong and cool.
Here's the bikes that I run the heck out of all over the country on 89. From the Arctic Circle to Key West.
The EPA requires that motors sold in the US be able to run on 87 octane.
This is accomplished with knock sensors. When the ECM senses knock it retards the ignition to stop it.
However the rider has more control over knock than the ECM. Just shift at a little higher rpm and don't lug the motor.
I run 89 in my Vettes and Viper again without any issues.
Octane is not power, it is just a measurement value for the gasoline's resistance to ignition.
Power is BTU's. Gasoline has 115,000 BTU's per gallon for any octane level.
Not all gas is burned before it goes out the exhaust. The higher the octane the more that goes out the exhaust.
That is why it is possible to get a little better mpg with lower octane. That is the same reason that the engine my put out a little more heat with lower octane.
I run oil coolers and a fuel pack that has a 12.1 AFR so my engines run strong and cool.
Here's the bikes that I run the heck out of all over the country on 89. From the Arctic Circle to Key West.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
I put the highest I can find which is generally 91 or 93. Bike runs so much better than using a lower grade. Once a season I use an octane booster. If nothing else it does a great job cleaning out the pipes.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 6
From: NY
LOL...I suppose so, but really, I don't think it would be worth the trouble to stop the pump and re-start. It was really strange when we were riding to Sturgis last year, the 91 was cheaper than the 87 
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