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Mar 9, 2014 | 02:57 PM

erbssr

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 127

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From: Texas

Fuel

I know what Harley says, but what octane fuel do people actually use? Regular 87 octane, Mid-Grad 89 octane of Premium 92 octane? My 2014 runs better with 89 octane. I don't get as much decel popping.

Mar 9, 2014 | 03:02 PM

soft 02

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 66,948

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From: TOAK western branch

Run the lowest grade fuel possible. Low octane fuel has more potential power. If you ping or knock up the grade.

Mar 9, 2014 | 03:09 PM

Blk and Chrome

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Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 4,109

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by soft 02

Run the lowest grade fuel possible. Low octane fuel has more potential power. If you ping or knock up the grade.

Good advise for Harley's or anything for that matter. I run 93 but my motor has been built up

Mar 9, 2014 | 03:49 PM

The88Beast04

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 536

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From: Virginia

When I bought my '04 used back in 2011, the dealership told me to run 91 octane or better. I think my manual said the same thing too. Can't verify that right now as I'm posting from work.

Mar 9, 2014 | 04:01 PM

soft 02

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 66,948

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From: TOAK western branch

Doesn't really matter what the manual says. Run what works best for your bike.

Mar 9, 2014 | 04:39 PM

Spurlee

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 60

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From: Wisconsin

I rebuild carburetors for a living. Nearly all the damage I see if from Ethanol, mostly in the form of rust and hardened rubber parts. I seek out Non-Ethanol fuel for my motorcycles, boats, jet skis and small motors. If there is E-15 where you live, watch out!

Mar 9, 2014 | 04:39 PM

Tracker56

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 754

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From: Southern Maine

I run 89 most of the season but on really hot days or when I know I'll be in slower traffic, I'll run 93.

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Mar 9, 2014 | 06:53 PM

ChickinOnaChain

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 322,622

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From: .....

I've always ran the highest octane in mine but it seems wasteful if I'm running mostly highway, instead of stop and go. I have ran mid grade a few times and I didn't notice any difference, like decel pop. The next time, I may try the lower grade, just to see what happens.