I run premium, that's normally 91 octane around Eastern North Carolina.

 

The manual says 91 or better so thats what I always run. Since I don't have the knowledge to debate the issue otherwise I personally have to assume that the MoCo knows what octane is best for getting the best performance and longevity from the motor.

 

best available usually 93

 

93 is very easy to find here. I try to run Sunoco when possible. It's not the cheapest gas here, but my bike and truck both seem to get better gas mileage with it.

 

If you have a stock bike, then whatever the manual says. If you have a tuned and dyno'ed bike, then whatever fuel was used when the tuning was done.

The higher teh octane the lower the tendency for the fuel to pre-ignite (i.e. ping, knock, etc.). Pre-ignition will destroy your engine in short order. When a bike is tuned, the ignition is often advanced. If ignition timing set based on premium fuel and you start running regulear, there's a good chance you will get pre-ignition.

 

I'm glad you posted that. I found a Sunoco one time while riding around and filled up there and I'll be damned but I got better than 50 mpg out of that tank, I believe it was around 53 mpg. I thought I must have made a mistake but now I see you say the same thing. Hmmm I wonder what they put in that gas....

 

I run 93 and is the normal high octane fuel here in CT. My bike has been dieseling lately which means the gas isn't whattheysay it is. Not only are they charging 4 bux a gallon for high test, it isn't really high test. F*ckin gas companies!

 

Stealer told me to run premium so that's what's in my ride.

 

NON-Oxygenated Premium 92 octane. Up here in ethanol land you can buy non-ethanol (non-oxygenated) gas at a few select gas stations. It is legalfor small engines, boat motors, off road vehiclesand motorcycles only. Current price for this wonder gas 3.74/gallon. All it is is regular unleaded premium but because they can, they charge about .25 more per gallon. An upside is that it runs better and does not evaporate as readily in engines that are stored for long periods of time. I've learned where all the NON-Oxy stations are in my area.

If you have ethanol in your area, I would suggest you find the stations that sell the good stuff and buy your gas there.

 

How many who are running premium use the type pf pumps with one hose? The hose itself down to the tank will hold over a gallon or two!! I use what the manual says and look for pumps that have a seperate hose for each grade of gas. Does it make a difference? Not really sure but if I am paying an extra $.20 per gallon I want to make sure I get what I am paying for.