Considering using lower rated octane gas...
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 635
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From: In Wisconsin somewhere south of Wausau.
Considering using lower rated octane gas...
I realize this was discussed a few months ago but now with premium gas, 92% octane, reaching the $4 per gallon price, are you considering maybe burning 87 or 89 percent octane to save a buck...??? If so, what kind of performance do you expect from your scoot or don't you think it will effect much...???
Just wondering what others are thinking about this.
Just wondering what others are thinking about this.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
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From: Houston (Area)
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
I wouldn't chance it. The gas in my area is $2.89 $2.99 $3.09 Let's say instead of using the $3.09 you go to $2.89. $3.09 x 5 gallons = $15.45. $2.89 x 5 gallons =$14.45. That is exactly $1.00 savings. But when you mess up your bike it's going to cost a lot more. Just my .02 (and don't try to put my .02 in your pocket) 
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 635
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From: In Wisconsin somewhere south of Wausau.
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
Premium gas up here is at $3.69+ a gallon right now and is suppose to rise at least twenty-five cents more within two weeks...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From:
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
[sm=WTFsgign.gif] Have you ever sat down and figured out just what the difference between the best and the crap gas really is? In ga. there is 10 cents difference between the grades 87 ,89 and 92-93. Bike holds 5 gallons.
THATS 1.00!!!!a tank difference. Is taking a chance of ruining your motor ( ping and detonation garanteed with lower octane gas) worth 1.00 in savings a tank? Sorry but only a real DA would think it was and put the crap 87 in a 20 K or up bike.
THATS 1.00!!!!a tank difference. Is taking a chance of ruining your motor ( ping and detonation garanteed with lower octane gas) worth 1.00 in savings a tank? Sorry but only a real DA would think it was and put the crap 87 in a 20 K or up bike.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
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From:
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
I have had to run 89 octane before.......no premium at the station and I had no other choice but to use midgrade, and I was on the fumes. Bike ran fine. I don't think you'll hurt it.....but like the man said, the savings ain't much. It isn't like you are filling up a motorhome.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
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From: Po-Dunk Looziana
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
ORIGINAL: Lil Truckr
Premium gas up here is at $3.69+ a gallon right now and is suppose to rise at least twenty-five cents more within two weeks...
Premium gas up here is at $3.69+ a gallon right now and is suppose to rise at least twenty-five cents more within two weeks...
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 156
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From: Sanford, ME
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
my bike runs like crap on 87...
much happier with 91 or 93.
D.
much happier with 91 or 93.
D.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 635
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From: In Wisconsin somewhere south of Wausau.
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
ORIGINAL: gunrunner
[sm=WTFsgign.gif] Have you ever sat down and figured out just what the difference between the best and the crap gas really is? In ga. there is 10 cents difference between the grades 87 ,89 and 92-93. Bike holds 5 gallons.
THATS 1.00!!!!a tank difference. Is taking a chance of ruining your motor ( ping and detonation garanteed with lower octane gas) worth 1.00 in savings a tank? Sorry but only a real DA would think it was and put the crap 87 in a 20 K or up bike.
[sm=WTFsgign.gif] Have you ever sat down and figured out just what the difference between the best and the crap gas really is? In ga. there is 10 cents difference between the grades 87 ,89 and 92-93. Bike holds 5 gallons.
THATS 1.00!!!!a tank difference. Is taking a chance of ruining your motor ( ping and detonation garanteed with lower octane gas) worth 1.00 in savings a tank? Sorry but only a real DA would think it was and put the crap 87 in a 20 K or up bike.
Gees Gunrunner, don't get your undies in a bind. I was just asking a question...[sm=wtf.gif]
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: Considering using lower rated octane gas...
guess the other question to ask is how many miles do you put on your bike in a given week?
You wanna run 87/89 octane ... be ready for some pinging goin on. I now ride (just to work and back) 110miles a day. Usually that is about 2.45 gallons as I get right around 45mpg
89 octane is 10cents cheaper than our 92/93 which means I save roughly 25 cents per day or $1.25/week
87 octane is 20cents cheaper than our 92/93 which means I save roughly 50 cents per day or $2.50/week
I ensure I get gas from either Chevron (#1 choice), Shell (#2 choice) or 76 (#3 choice).
Granted if I work 260 days a year (5days x 52 weeks) that means a savings in a year of $130 if I ran 87 octane or $65 running 89 octane.
If I gave up 1 of my Latte's per week (roughly $5) that makes up the difference for 2 weeks worth of gas.
You wanna run 87/89 octane ... be ready for some pinging goin on. I now ride (just to work and back) 110miles a day. Usually that is about 2.45 gallons as I get right around 45mpg
89 octane is 10cents cheaper than our 92/93 which means I save roughly 25 cents per day or $1.25/week
87 octane is 20cents cheaper than our 92/93 which means I save roughly 50 cents per day or $2.50/week
I ensure I get gas from either Chevron (#1 choice), Shell (#2 choice) or 76 (#3 choice).
Granted if I work 260 days a year (5days x 52 weeks) that means a savings in a year of $130 if I ran 87 octane or $65 running 89 octane.
If I gave up 1 of my Latte's per week (roughly $5) that makes up the difference for 2 weeks worth of gas.