octane
Thread Starter
|
Stage I
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Florida
octane
I have a 2010 Electra-Glide classic. I am going to Denver Colorado. I have been told that the octane levels in the gas are below manufactures recommendation of premium or 91+ octane. Do I need to add a booster to the fuel for the higher octane
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
Likes: 61
From: Castle Rock, CO
I live and ride up here. Actually my house is over 1200 feet higher in elevation than Denver. I ride over passes that are over 10,000 ft up, over Trail Ridge Road that is over 12,000 ft and to the tops of Mount Evans and Pikes Peak both of which are over 14,000 ft. Never had a problem with any of my bikes at any elevation. I always use the highest octane gas available.
One possibility, though...if you have done significant upgrades to the engine (stage 2 or above) all bets are off.
One possibility, though...if you have done significant upgrades to the engine (stage 2 or above) all bets are off.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
I used to run Moroso Octane booster in a street car that had a compression ratio of 13.5:1. It contained a chemical named Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). I used it in concentrations higher than recommended and it left a redish substance on the plugs, enough that I bought a small spark plug cleaner/sandblaster to clean them.
I'm not sure how octane boosters react with catalytic converters. Maybe check on that before using it.
I'm not sure how octane boosters react with catalytic converters. Maybe check on that before using it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
Out in South Dakota, when I was there a couple times for Sturgis, it's sometimes hard to find gas above 89 octane. It all worked fine in my bike, but it's a 96 not 103. Fuel mileage sucked, however.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
I never had any issues finding 91 on a recent trip to Colorado. I always carry some octane boost with me when touring. My Glide doesn't like it when the temps get above 90-100F and needs it even with high octane fuel.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
I have 10.5:1 compression in my 103 and have ridden it over 70,000 miles all over this country. I always try to use the highest octane available wherever I am and have never had any problems with any low octane fuel anywhere.
I think octane booster is a joke. Read the label. All claims I have read is if you put in the recommended amount, it will raise the octane .1. That's one tenth a point, not one point. I admit I haven't researched octane booster very much because I have never for one second thought I needed an octane boost.
Dennis
I think octane booster is a joke. Read the label. All claims I have read is if you put in the recommended amount, it will raise the octane .1. That's one tenth a point, not one point. I admit I haven't researched octane booster very much because I have never for one second thought I needed an octane boost.
Dennis
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
Banned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4,576
Likes: 978
From: Viet Vet, crossroads
The only time I have suffered for high octane is the 1st 100 miles into Canada from Ste Suit Marie.
Make sure you gas up in the states or after the first 1oo miles in Canada, which i think is around Thunder Bay...cant remeber so dont hold me to it.
Make sure you gas up in the states or after the first 1oo miles in Canada, which i think is around Thunder Bay...cant remeber so dont hold me to it.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
Likes: 107
From: Dark Side of the Moon
You should be fine with whatever gas you use.
H-D realizes we don't sometimes follow the recommend fuel they want us to use or is not available when you need to gas up, so they managed to include various sensors that compensate for that.
H-D realizes we don't sometimes follow the recommend fuel they want us to use or is not available when you need to gas up, so they managed to include various sensors that compensate for that.