pfd161, it used to be that you could just say "run premium", until a few years back when the premium octane rating was dropped in the CA/AZ/NEV area to 91. This was a favor to refineries who would have to go through more gyrations to meet oxygenation requirements and still formulate premium. If premium is 93 where you are, run that. It it's 91 there, run it.

 

gunrunneris absolutely right. We are talking about a buck "if" completely empty....in a pinch we do what we have to but in normal situations .50 cents to a buck seems an awful little price to pay for the better stuff.....I wish more things had that differance between the cheapest to the best......The higher the octane the better as far as I'm concerned,....but what do I know?

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger that has almost 200k miles on her. From jump street I've put the better gas in her and I've had "NO" breakdowns on that little girl....I am hoping to run her tillshe dies. I heard to do this from a very well known television mechanic that explained in detail why higher octanes help engine wear,...I believed him and like I said with zero engine breakdowns I guess you could say the proof is in the pudd'n

I've been laughed at by family members for doing it but I try to call the laughers when thier vickle is in the shop

Good Luck Folks

 

some of you are arguing about the price , but dont you want to run that bike as long as you can w/o probs. think about this , you spent anywhere between 15,000 and 25,000 dollars on a bike , maybe more , and you gonna fuss about $0.20 difference

 

I carry and use Rocket Fuel additive when traveling the Alaska Highway. Most of the remote areas only have regular and you are happy to get it.

Last I checked Rocket Fuel was labeled Not for Use with Catylitic Exhausts. But I had put non-cats on my 06 Ultra so I was OK.

Another thing to watch for is areas where the gas stations jack the octane by using more ethanol. Do not exceed the published limits in your manual. You could damage fuel system components. Not the engine itself, but the pumps, seals, and hoses.

I have also used the HD Fuel Conditioner. Not the Stabil the other stuff.

And I don't worry about the price of good quality high octane fuel to put in my bike. Beats pushing it.

 

Texasredneck....Do you have any more info on the company MRO you could provide?

 

I agree with you in regards to elevation, but that's not the only thing that will affect pinging. I've NEVER had any pinging on my bikes, and I've run 87 down here in Phoenix more than once! You might experience pinging, but that doesn't mean every bike will.....just something to keep in mind.

I have 140k miles on my Mercedes malteze, and I typically run 87-89 in it, and havent' had a breakdown yet (had the A/C fail, but that's slightly different!) Now my fingers are crossed since I said that though!

 

LOL...That was funny,...I was thinking the same thing when I said that my Ranger had almost 200k on her and no breakdowns...

 

I am somewhat surprised at all the questions about Octain and MPG on the forum. You bought a $20,000 + everything else you spent on extras Harley-Davidson. Spend a little extra on Octain and a little less MPG's to keep it from running lean.

This is not posted to any one person, it is posted to all who bring up MPG and Octain. Just MHO....

 

i have used fitch fuel catalyst in my 2003 ultra since the first tank of gas. no problems with pinging or winter storage.