I was running 91 in my Softail Custom, stock 07, and had a pinging noise in the top end. Switched to 93 and after two tanks, it disappeared. I run nothing under 93 in the new bike.
Hell, worth a try and it is cheaper than some other options.

 

I have never seen 93 octane in California. Does Harley make an Octane booster? Thanks AL

 

Some Union 76 stations have it.

 

Well I was at the Laughlin bike runthis weekend had my bike tyno tuned even the dyno guy could not get rid of the ping. The day was about 100 degrees and the bike started to ping so bad it was pinging even when I took off from a stop. I let the bike cool down and it ran better until it got hot. I talked to the HD factory mechanic and he even said that his o7's he had out their ping they do not have a fix and mine was a little extreme pinging but that is just the way it is. Called HD today to add to my file and they said they know about the complaints but as far as HD is concerned their is no problem. Funny their factory mechanic thought their was. The dyno tech said probably the only way to possible get rid of the ping was to change cams and go to a thinner head gasket.?????????????? Not to sure what to do now but I really love the bike other than the pinging. I guess I will try some Octane boost that is what the HD mechanic said to try.

 

Well i have been thru it all, i did the power commander route with dyno tuning at a certified tuning center, and indy dyno tune, different combos of maps, different maps from the dealer, and the best ive come up with is a sert, dyno, pipes and the stock air cleaner. I still get some pinging in 6th gear, even on a slight grade but this is the best i can get. I reckon i will just turn up the music and rely on the 2 year warranty. Oh yeah ive had the throttle position sensor, anti knock sensor checked and both within spec, had the heads off and check valve seals, checked for intake leaks......yatta yatta yatta.....but dang does she run sweet now and im getting about 43 to 47 mpg. After the 2 years it will be a GMR 107 kit with cams so in the meantime i riding the heck outta it.

mike

 

I had the same problem with the ping when i first picked up the bike. Re-dyno and 93 pump gas cured it.

If I run anything less than 93, she pings... run 87.. and you cant move without the motor sounding like its coming loose from the pinging..the thing I have noticed thou was the 87 pump gas pinged, but no heat issue- 93, zero ping but runs much hotter... /shrugs

 

Bingo!

Fuel certainly plays a part (I always try to run 93), but these two things will cause or cure the problem with 91 or 93 octane on a stock'ish bike. A hotter build will likely need the 93.

 

Mine pinged. I added the V&H Ovals, SEAC, PCIII. I used the map for that specific setup from the Dynojet site. I then modified that map by rolling the timing back to "0" from "4". I also had the 0903 HD download done. I haven't had any 90 degree temps yet but low 70s seem MUCH better. Good luck.

 

I know what you mean, I went to Laughlin also, and the only way I found to get rid of the ping on a climb was to run it at 4K RPM whenever possible.Found no way to avoid pinging at a take-off, crap like this can't be good!!!
Going in for it's dyno tune today, tuner claims he can get rid of it, we will see!!!

I really think it is BS that MOCO refuses to own up to making such a crappy product with the 96's!!! This Ultra is a 2UP Touring Bike and it should perform like one! I think that legal action should be taken to get some remedy for such a piece of junk! Yes, I know that some of you have had no problems, or just haven't experienced them yet!!

Really starting to regret buying it, I am really getting to a point of parking it!!! Such a shame to spend 25K, then spending another 1500.00 for pipes,PCIII,A/C, then spending another 200.00 for a dyno after we have already started to scar the pistons/cylinders from all the pinging. Junk is junk, no matter how you spell it!!!!! HARLEY 96

 

I purchased some Octane booster and I am giving it a try. I can only find 91 Octane around So. Cal. Going to go back and talk to the dealer on thrusday after I get off from work and see what they will try if I can not get it taken care of (which I know what HD will say) I think I am going to start the Lemon Law process. But I really hate to get rid of the bike and really hate to take off all the chrome I have added then I just might look for a 05 or 06 used one.