Which gas?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: PA
Av gas is actually good for old ironheads if blended properly it has plenty of lead in it required by the old valves. I ran 50/50 mix of av gas and 93 octane in my old IronHead. Now its just 91 or 93 octane in my 90 1200 sporty. Can honestly say it does not like 87 or 89, it will run but performance it sacrificed when running lower grade fuel. Not going to worry about a few cents when filling my tank. Not worth a big debate over run what you want in your bike. Personally I run better higher octane fuel because it performs better in my opinion.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Amoco is not what it use to be.
The old Amoco gas use to be the best. It was pure clear like water. Take some BP 93 today in a glass and look at it. Not the same, not as pure. Besides BP is a scumbag company! Just my opinion. Go with Shell, Chevron or Texaco 93.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
93 octane from a brand name station. I don't care which one, but I won't put Costco, 7-11 or other cut rate gas in. Gasoline may be gasoline, but the additives that are put in keep the fuel injectors clean on my bike and in my cars. The difference between the cutrates and the brand names are the additives.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 17
From: victoria bc
I was warned away from any gas with high amounts of Ethanol so I run Chevron up here in Canada. I always run the 94 octane instead of the minimum 91. I figure it's worth spoiling my bike since it is only an extra 25 cents per fill up.
93 octane from a brand name station. I don't care which one, but I won't put Costco, 7-11 or other cut rate gas in. Gasoline may be gasoline, but the additives that are put in keep the fuel injectors clean on my bike and in my cars. The difference between the cutrates and the brand names are the additives.
You are correct. My dad has worked at refineries all he life and gasoline is gasoline. All different companies get their gas from the same refineries and the only difference is their specific additive that they put into it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
If your bike is designed to run on 87 Octane, which mine was when stock, running a higher octane fuel is just a waste of $$. Now that the bike is a 1250, and running a 10.5:1 compression ratio, it required 92 octane. It wouldn't start on 87 Octane fuel.
In general, I have noticed slight improved performance and mileage on Shell gas. If you can find non ethanol, that is more important than brand. I TOTALLY avoid Citgo, but that has to do with politics, not the fuel.
In general, I have noticed slight improved performance and mileage on Shell gas. If you can find non ethanol, that is more important than brand. I TOTALLY avoid Citgo, but that has to do with politics, not the fuel.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
My manual says my 2005 1200 Roadster needs 91 octane, so that is what I use. I buy mostly Shell, and once without thinking I filled up with 87 octane (what I use in my truck). Man, it ran real fugly on 87, but smoothed all out after it was gone. I have gotten 94 octane and there's no difference between it and 91 that I can detect, including mileage. So, it is 91 when I can get it and 92 when I can't. The XLCH likes 89 or higher...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I run Marathon 93 in my Sporty. Around here, there is 87, 89 & 93....91 doesn't exist locally. I've never ran anything else.
The Marathon refinery is 7 miles from my house & the ethanol blended in is made 3 miles from my house and is blended at the terminal by the refineryis right there. The Marathon gas station is in the same town, so I know the fuel (both the gas and ethanol) is fresh and hasn't been sitting in a storage tank or rail car for weeks.
Unless the station is an actual BP or Sunoco, etc., every mom & pop gas station around here including Casey's, Hucks, Thornton's etc. is Marathon gas from the local refinery with 10 ethanol from the ethanol plant in my town.
The Marathon refinery is 7 miles from my house & the ethanol blended in is made 3 miles from my house and is blended at the terminal by the refineryis right there. The Marathon gas station is in the same town, so I know the fuel (both the gas and ethanol) is fresh and hasn't been sitting in a storage tank or rail car for weeks.
Unless the station is an actual BP or Sunoco, etc., every mom & pop gas station around here including Casey's, Hucks, Thornton's etc. is Marathon gas from the local refinery with 10 ethanol from the ethanol plant in my town.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Hartford, WI
I'll bet they don't get a check from a gas company. How did you determine it runs fine on 87?