[BG-Pete]

Ok, we all know the octane debate has been beat to death on other threads...so let's not go there with this one.

When I fill up, I always go to a name brand station (Shell, BP, Mobil). I have noticed something interesting. Some of these stations appear to be selling what I call "dirty gas". There have been times when after the tank is full, the fuel is as clear as water and other times, it has an amber tint. It seems to me that with all of today's refining etc., that clean gas should be clear. The only way is should be tinted is if the fuel is old or if it did not completely go through the filtering process (presumably to cut cost).

I also noticed that I get about 10% more miles per tank before the gas light comes on (yes I have an 1800) when the gas is clear.

Needless to say, I avoid dirty gas stations unless I am in a pinch. Am I being neurotic about this or does is not really matter what color the gas is. Ok, the can of worms has been opened. What do you guys think.

 

[Shutterbug]

I've used the brand name stuff and the cheap stuff with little change in how my bike operates or mileage.

 

[Goldsmith]

It,s a conspiracy. They are just screwing with YOU. LOL

 

[syhman]

I think that differant gases have differant additives that are differant colors and it's not dirty.

 

[wren]

I've used the brand name stuff and the cheap stuff with little change in how my bike operates or mileage.

Being a mechanic, I've seen the inside of engines that run 'cheap' fuel.Ya wanna talk crappus, sheesh. Ever seen a valve that has so much debris that its almost teardrop shaped?

I run Shell, in a pinch Marathon. In this area Shell leads the way in price gouging but at least my internals stay healthier.

 

[FL_VTX_GA]

At best there's usually only going to be a couple of "brands" of gas available in any given area of the country. ALL the stations will buy gas from whatever's available, no matter where it comes from or where it's refined or who sells it. For instance, Citgo sells only as much gas as it exports to America, but the gas it sells here in South Florida is bought from Exxon/Mobil or BP/Amoco. Most of the major brands will put in their own "additives", but the actual gasoline isn't necessarily from their wells or refineries.

The additives can make a BIG difference in performance. A stock VTX should run just about the same on whatever gas you put in it, but I don't a "stock" bike so I have to pay attention to what I burn. I even have an old GMC Safari that will run just fine on anything but Mobil gas. There's nothing wrong with the gas, but for some strange reason it will just not run on any grade of Mobil. I guess it's just a strange quirk in the system that can't adjust to something that Mobil puts in it's gas. I've also got an '06 Honda SI that's very picky about what I fill with. I haven't found any brand or station that the SI will always like, but when you get 240hp from a 2-liter normally-aspirated engine you have to expect to expect it to be picky.

I've found that there's more likely water contamination in low-volume stations and in areas that don't recover the vapor, but otherwise it's just luck.

 

[coopi]

I always try to run Amoco high test (the original clear gas)
Growing up, my dad was a 'Old school" mechanic, had a amoco station and I (this is the strange part) liked the smell, he always told me it was the best so I've used it for everything, mower, chain saw,cars and bikes whatever,never not one time had a problem. I figure that the difference between "cheap and named brand" gas is just a few cents per gallon, I have a $14,000 dollar bike......RUN THE BEST (thanks Dad)
Coopi

 

[DillDawg]

I've found that there's more likely water contamination in low-volume stations and in areas that don't recover the vapor, but otherwise it's just luck.

Ditto - low volume stations are more of a problem than brand. I've seen a truck fill up a Mobil...then head right across the street and fill a Quick-E-Mart. So long as the station is pretty high volume and the equipment modern....I usually do OK.