My ride is a 2012 RK CLASSIC. I normaly run 93 octane. My town got beat up pretty good by hurricane Sandy. Gas is scarce. I can only get 87 unleaded regular. I have about 1/4 tank of 93 left. Will it do any harm to top off with 87 Octane. Thanks.

 

You will be fine, for many have and do run up to 10% ethanol without ill effects.

 

Just stay out of the throttle as much as possible.

 

maybe add octane booster if you can get some?

 

Try it and see for yourself. If you don't get any pinging then you're good. There's a handful of guys around here who swear their bikes run fine on 87. Mine won't, but they swear to it.

The main thing is this... if you do get pinging, take it easy with the throttle and keep the RPM up a little more, and run in a lower gear than you normally would to minimize the ping.

 

dude, you gotta change your pic. that freaks me out every time I read one of your threads............LOL

 

You'll probably be alright, but why not just add 1 1/2 gal, that would give you about 90 octane & would get you 100+ miles, you should be able to find something better in that distance.

 

I'll run the 89 most of the time in my 2010 Ultra. It might just be me but all I notice is that the bike is a bit less aggressive on the throttle. You're bike should be fine.

 

I run 87 nearly all the time and do fine. I get on it regular, no pinging at all. Maybe my set up is optimum for it. Stock inside, only intake/exhaust modifications. For the naysayers, replaced the plugs at the 20 K service and it seemed a waste, clean and no erosion. Also ran the pistons to the top with the plug out and top end looks clean. I have run a few consecutive tanks of 93 and see no performance gain and perhaps a loss of some mpg. Not much maybe 1-2. On my vacation to the VA, NC and WV mountains put in some 93, no advantage so did the rest with good ole regular.

Your results may vary. My theory, only a theory and no facts to support it, is that HD recommends that as part of meeting EPA emissions crap.

 

The cooler weather will help too.