Is high octane gasoline better for my 2014, Softail Slim Harley Davidson?

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#11

04-30-2018 | 04:23 PM

oldbuck

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 647

Likes: 352

From: connecticut

cheap gas

It never ceases to amaze me when somebody spends an exorbitant amount of cash on a motorcycle and then looks to save pennies on gas purchases.

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#12

05-01-2018 | 03:33 AM

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooneytunes

Yea, in Gardnerville, Nevada, they have 105 octane gas for sale. I think it’s like $7.80 a gallon. I just wondered if it was good to use a tank of high octane here and there, but I’ve read a bit since then about octane. I don’t think it would be good for my bike. It would at least do nothing, and at most could mess with my mileage negatively.

I don't agree, but it will only cost you a few dollars to find out. If you fill a half full tank you will get a halfway house inpression, which may help you decide if it's worth trying a tankful.

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#13

05-01-2018 | 07:48 AM

CaptainKirk

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 779

Likes: 31

From: Earth

I always look for non-ethanol premium. There's an App called Pure Gas that finds stations near your location. I ran into something yesterday that I've never seen before. An overpriced but convenient station still has non-Ethanol premium, but the sticker now says 90 Octane instead of 91. I've never seen 90 anywhere before.

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#14

05-01-2018 | 08:20 AM

J3TVETTE

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 190

Likes: 43

From: Miami

In FL we have 93, so I use that in every vehicle without an issue.

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#15

05-01-2018 | 10:21 AM

jhblaze1

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 239

Likes: 27

From: Boston

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom84FXST

High octane gas prevents detonation in high compression engines...if your motor does not need it...it will not make it run better.

Detonation can be caused by other things...like high temperatures. The reason Harley recommends high octane fuel is...more resistance to engine damaging detonation if your engine is on the verge of overheating.

I'd take it a step further and say that if your motor does not need it, it can actually be harmful to use (long term). High octane prevents detonation in high compression engines, but in non high compression engines it can result in incomplete combustion and carbon build up.

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