I've noticed after making several trips to the western states that once you get to about the midpoint of the country, they only have 91 octane fuel available. There have been several places that I've seen that only had 87, & 89 octane. Anyone know why this is?

 

Depending on what route you take west, you will be gaining in elevation where the air is thinner and a lower octane fuel is sufficient. Thinner air=less oxygen=slower burn.

 

Probably has something to do with a Gov't on some level...

 

Good question.

Try this link from an article in year 2001.

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...ops-california

com/article/car-news/no-more-92-premium-octane-rating-drops-california

The article seems to cover all the theories.
There may be better articles, yet from the ones I read this seems well written and logical.

I'd be open to the answer is with the Kinder Morgan change and Unocal patents as the reason, with support from government for this implied environmental greenery.

 

Caught wind of this phenom before our trip to Sturgis years ago. Had small bottle marked off in ounces to mix octane boosters of some sort with the gas at fill ups.

 

Maybe they figure that there's no need for 93 octane. I've seen it as high as 92 but most of the time it's around 91.

 

All I see in VA in my area is 92. You should be OK.

 

92 isn't too uncommon in my neck of the woods. Usually found in lower elevation areas.

 

I have not had a problem running 91.

 

If you think you need 93 octane fuel or your bike won't run well I have some super cool magic beans for you