Fuel octane
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 81
Likes: 21
From: Port St. Lucie, FL.
Fuel octane
I just returned from a trip with a friend from S. Florida to the Four Corners in N. Mexico of 4800 miles great trip. A couple of question's riding up in Arizona and N. Mexico the fuel octane was 90 - 91 octane. As Harley recommends 93 octane how does that work out all year. I noticed some pinging on the highway at times while accelerating. Additionally, my friend has a 2014 Ultra that got less mpg than my 2013 Ultra. Just curious.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 13
From: Fort Worth
I thought Harley recommended 91 or better for gas. Don't have my manual right in front of me so I can't double check.
I see 90, 90.5 and 91 when we ride the small towns and some stations I have seen are now including one pump that has 93. You can buy some of the octane booster if needed.
I have a PV on mine and a pretty aggressive timing map. When I start to show pings, generally in the rear cylinder first, I will pull over and load a tune that is a little less aggressive on the timing. If I fill up at a station and I know I am using 90 or 91, I will load the tune right then.
How broken in is your buddy's 2014? I have noticed with both bikes that as they got better MPG after they had decent miles on them, by maybe a gallon at the most. Nothing scientific. Also, the HO engine, cam choice and tuning all will effect mileage.
I see 90, 90.5 and 91 when we ride the small towns and some stations I have seen are now including one pump that has 93. You can buy some of the octane booster if needed.
I have a PV on mine and a pretty aggressive timing map. When I start to show pings, generally in the rear cylinder first, I will pull over and load a tune that is a little less aggressive on the timing. If I fill up at a station and I know I am using 90 or 91, I will load the tune right then.
How broken in is your buddy's 2014? I have noticed with both bikes that as they got better MPG after they had decent miles on them, by maybe a gallon at the most. Nothing scientific. Also, the HO engine, cam choice and tuning all will effect mileage.
Last edited by FinalShot; Nov 14, 2014 at 12:15 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Our fuel around hers is
87 regular
89 mid grade
91 premium
A BP station right up the road from me has 93 octane ethanol free, that's what I put in my bike. Very few stations around here have the 93. I see Quik Trip is now offering ethanol free here too, don't remember the octane though.
87 regular
89 mid grade
91 premium
A BP station right up the road from me has 93 octane ethanol free, that's what I put in my bike. Very few stations around here have the 93. I see Quik Trip is now offering ethanol free here too, don't remember the octane though.
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Nov 14, 2014 at 12:24 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
My manual ( 09) says 91.
( and riders shouldn;t confuse ethanol additives with octane)
on late models the ECM will retard timing if it senses pinging ( or should...or try to).
the result of retarded timing is less power, less fuel economy.
Riding the 4 corners, you are at elevation= less oxygen/ less power
I may mix premium/reg to get closer to a desired octane value.
sometimes a little bottle of boost in the saddlebags
mike
( and riders shouldn;t confuse ethanol additives with octane)
on late models the ECM will retard timing if it senses pinging ( or should...or try to).
the result of retarded timing is less power, less fuel economy.
Riding the 4 corners, you are at elevation= less oxygen/ less power
I may mix premium/reg to get closer to a desired octane value.
sometimes a little bottle of boost in the saddlebags
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 14, 2014 at 12:36 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
The problem with ethanol is this
1. Draws moisture
2. Less MPG
You don't want to store an engine of any kind with ethanol in the gas. That **** will eat right through plastic fuel lines like in mowers, chain saws, etc.
1. Draws moisture
2. Less MPG
You don't want to store an engine of any kind with ethanol in the gas. That **** will eat right through plastic fuel lines like in mowers, chain saws, etc.
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Nov 14, 2014 at 12:44 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 3
Octane
Mine runs fine and gets great mileage even with 89 octane gas...sometimes the mileage is better...47 MPG sometimes...
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
I just returned from a trip with a friend from S. Florida to the Four Corners in N. Mexico of 4800 miles great trip. A couple of question's riding up in Arizona and N. Mexico the fuel octane was 90 - 91 octane. As Harley recommends 93 octane how does that work out all year. I noticed some pinging on the highway at times while accelerating. Additionally, my friend has a 2014 Ultra that got less mpg than my 2013 Ultra. Just curious.
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
That's what fuel stabilizer is for.