Octane question please
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Octane question please
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.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
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.
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
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.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: North Central Indiana
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.
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 Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
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.
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.
