Gasoline question
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,927
Likes: 583
From: The 1980's
Sounds like all the guys on other forums driving 3/4 and 1 ton diesel pickups that pull 20,000 pounds at 80 MPH and they're all getting 28-30 MPG. I never saw a need to have to bullshit like that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I have only used E10 87 octane in every version of Twin Cams including the 120's.
But I do not run the hot lean emissions compliant 14.6:1 AFR. I run the power AFR from 12.5 to 12.8 via tuners and a few other heat lowering strategies. Pinging is caused by heat sufficient to ignite the mix other than the spark plug.
A cooler running engine will run stronger and last longer.
Best example that I have is a 15 Freewheeler with a ST120 and a track race tune. 20K on it running the North American Continent and NO pinging ever and 42 mpg.
Headed to Canada.
But I do not run the hot lean emissions compliant 14.6:1 AFR. I run the power AFR from 12.5 to 12.8 via tuners and a few other heat lowering strategies. Pinging is caused by heat sufficient to ignite the mix other than the spark plug.
A cooler running engine will run stronger and last longer.
Best example that I have is a 15 Freewheeler with a ST120 and a track race tune. 20K on it running the North American Continent and NO pinging ever and 42 mpg.
Headed to Canada.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,815
Likes: 8,714
From: Edmonton, Alberta
I have only used E10 87 octane in every version of Twin Cams including the 120's.
But I do not run the hot lean emissions compliant 14.6:1 AFR. I run the power AFR from 12.5 to 12.8 via tuners and a few other heat lowering strategies. Pinging is caused by heat sufficient to ignite the mix other than the spark plug.
A cooler running engine will run stronger and last longer.
Best example that I have is a 15 Freewheeler with a ST120 and a track race tune. 20K on it running the North American Continent and NO pinging ever and 42 mpg.
Headed to Canada.
But I do not run the hot lean emissions compliant 14.6:1 AFR. I run the power AFR from 12.5 to 12.8 via tuners and a few other heat lowering strategies. Pinging is caused by heat sufficient to ignite the mix other than the spark plug.
A cooler running engine will run stronger and last longer.
Best example that I have is a 15 Freewheeler with a ST120 and a track race tune. 20K on it running the North American Continent and NO pinging ever and 42 mpg.
Headed to Canada.
I'll be waiting....with my finely-tuned BS detector. Better be on your game.
Are you picky about where you get your fuel? Example, we get fuel points from Kroger Grocery Store that takes up to 1.00 off per gallon. The truck runs fine on it but seems to go through it faster, maybe due to water in the fuel? In any case, I refuse to use it in my Limited.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,544
Likes: 6,419
From: Honah Lee
Are you picky about where you get your fuel? Example, we get fuel points from Kroger Grocery Store that takes up to 1.00 off per gallon. The truck runs fine on it but seems to go through it faster, maybe due to water in the fuel? In any case, I refuse to use it in my Limited.
If it E10 (10%) ethanol, the corn alcohol will absorb any trace of water. All we have had for 20+ years around here on the coast of VA. It works fine. All the silly rumors that it causes trouble are hype spread by tin men selling fuel stabilizers, octane boosters and such.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 1,601
From: Eastern Ohio
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 Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 565
Likes: 152
From: Calgary, Alberta
My buddy (2011 SG) and me (2012 RGU) have to run different octane. He always runs regular and I've never heard his ping. He has slipon's on his stock header and an AC, but can run 87 all day, no pinging. On mine if I run 87 I'm okay until I get into heavy traffic. The bike heats up and always pings when I leave from a stop. Not alot, just once or twice letting me know to back-off. So I run 91 or higher if I can find it (94 every once in a while) to avoid any of that. Mine runs Dresser duals and a AC, and a PV. Still pings on regular.
Last summer I took a ride and the poor thing scared the bejezus out of me. Way too much pinging. Drained the tank and refueled. The gas was past it's best before date. Apparently that can happen fairly quickly. So bad gas, old gas will cause this problem as well.
Last summer I took a ride and the poor thing scared the bejezus out of me. Way too much pinging. Drained the tank and refueled. The gas was past it's best before date. Apparently that can happen fairly quickly. So bad gas, old gas will cause this problem as well.
