Okay Running 89 Oct?
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 725
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From: Hagerstown, MD
Okay Running 89 Oct?
my 06 1200C seems to run completely fine on 89 Octane, will I do any damage to it not running 93??? We're talking about saving 20-30 cents a gallon here..
I guess it's stupid to even risk it.
I guess it's stupid to even risk it.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Your motor's octane requirements are dependent on a number of factors, compression ratio being a big one. The 1200's higher compression ratio (9.7:1) has always required higher octane.
Have you ever wondered why in some parts of the country, 91 octane is the highest octane pump gas available, while many others have 93? Cooler temperatures and higher elevations (thinner air), reduce the engine's need for octane.
In the hot summer months at near sea level, 93 octane is a must in mine. In fact I also retard the timing 2* as well to completely eliminate detonation (pinging).
But, when I'm in the mountains during the cooler months of the year and at elevations above ~2500 ft, my bike runs great on 89 with no retard on the timing.
But like you implied, to save $1.00 per fill-up?
Have you ever wondered why in some parts of the country, 91 octane is the highest octane pump gas available, while many others have 93? Cooler temperatures and higher elevations (thinner air), reduce the engine's need for octane.
In the hot summer months at near sea level, 93 octane is a must in mine. In fact I also retard the timing 2* as well to completely eliminate detonation (pinging).
But, when I'm in the mountains during the cooler months of the year and at elevations above ~2500 ft, my bike runs great on 89 with no retard on the timing.
But like you implied, to save $1.00 per fill-up?
Last edited by cHarley; Jun 30, 2013 at 08:42 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
It is said lower octane leads to more carbon build up on the inner parts as well as reduced power and mileage. Why take the chance just save a $1 per fell up when in the long run the carbon buildup will cost you far more than a dollar now.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 646
Likes: 1
From: Central,Wisconsin
2006 883 manual says 87 A person can really get into gas blends depending on the time of year and almost become obsessed with what their running.
Last edited by HDXXX; Jun 30, 2013 at 05:19 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,478
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
I've run 89 in a '07 Nightster since it was new. Never had any problems even in 100+ temps. Actually get about 1 - 2 mpg better with the 89 instead of the premium grade. My experience with carbon build-up is that it tends to happen more with running too high an octane because the higher octane has a slower burn rate and that can cause incomplete combustion.
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Joined: Jun 2013
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From: valley city, nd
i have run 89 on my bike when 91 or better isnt availible and it runs fine but i have notice that i get a few more miles to a tank with the higher octane than with mid grade stuff.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Your motor's octane requirements are dependent on a number of factors, compression ratio being a big one. The 1200's higher compression ratio (9.7:1) has always required higher octane.
Have you ever wondered why in some parts of the country, 91 octane is the highest octane pump gas available, while many others have 93? Cooler temperatures and higher elevations (thinner air), reduce the engine's need for octane.
In the hot summer months at near sea level, 93 octane is a must in mine. In fact I also retard the timing 2* as well to completely eliminate detonation (pinging).
But, when I'm in the mountains during the cooler months of the year and at elevations above ~2500 ft, my bike runs great on 89 with no retard on the timing.
But like you implied, to save $1.00 per fill-up?
Have you ever wondered why in some parts of the country, 91 octane is the highest octane pump gas available, while many others have 93? Cooler temperatures and higher elevations (thinner air), reduce the engine's need for octane.
In the hot summer months at near sea level, 93 octane is a must in mine. In fact I also retard the timing 2* as well to completely eliminate detonation (pinging).
But, when I'm in the mountains during the cooler months of the year and at elevations above ~2500 ft, my bike runs great on 89 with no retard on the timing.
But like you implied, to save $1.00 per fill-up?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
From: billings,montana
pump the highest you can buy!
i've ridden all over the western united states! you get into parts of nevada or northern arizona, and pull into the only gas station in town and all they have is regular! the bike runs fine maybe a little less gas mileage! cheers from montana
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