[KeyQu]

Dear friends,

My question is why almost 80 to 85 percent of all motorcycle mechanics are telling me " I should always use lower octane gasoline like 86 octane rather than higher octane like 91.
I have also mentioned these mechanics the owners manual is suggesting highest possible octane, but most all mechanics are complete opposite.
Sincerely,
Keyqu
bike milage: 85mi(got it 3 weeks ago)
altitude: 5500 to 6000 ft , NM, USA:choppersm

 

[pastordave]

Your 1300 will run best on 87. Anything higher is a waste of money.

Pdaveatriot:

 

[ncvtx1300c]

+1 on the 87....

 

[jstar61]

+1 ...Higher octane gas than the recommended 87 octane is of no benifit, and is a waste of money.

 

[sda]

Your 1300 will run best on 87. Anything higher is a waste of money.

Pdaveatriot:

+4 on this

 

[KeyQu]

Thank you guys, most all mechanics are suggesting the same, and they have some "minerals being rich " on higher octane gasoline , thus leaves residue in engine ; type of argument, which sounds reasonable, but why Honda people couldn't figure this out.:choppersm

 

[Big-X]

Double check your owners manual...it should say 87 also.

 

[KeyQu]

:choppersmThank you all for your replies. 87 it is

 

[Charlie D]

manual or sticker on rear fender under the seat will say 87 OCT 91 RON (RON is different).

For your elevation 85 OCT is fine

 

[KeyQu]

Thanx for the info Charlie

 

[jagarcia]

Where did you see the recommendation for highest octane?

As above, regular is fine.

 

[mjstirl]

What if 87 is an ethanol blend?

 

[TonyVideo]

I try to a avoid ethanol blends. Still 87 octane. It is harder to do. I use Lucas Oil ethanol gas treatment when I use a station I am unfamiliar. 1oz per 5gal. Splash and go. I did notice a difference that the engine ran a little smoother when I went on a week trip. 1 16oz bottle lasts 16-25 fillups as I usually put 4 in. This engine and rubber hoses do not like ethanol.

 

[Bassdude404]

What if 87 is an ethanol blend?

Been running E-10 in my bike for almost 7 years now, no problem....

 

[TonyVideo]

Is there a sticker on a pump that shows E10? I don't remember seeing E10. Indiana and Michigan for instance do not require pumps to be labeled. EPA allows for up to E15. E85 requires a sticker on the pump. Most Midwest distributors sell E15 In States with no label requirements. On my trip I pumped once putting in 4.5 gal and didn't put the additive in. I could tell a difference on my 1800.

 

[mjstirl]

Thanks for comments. I am in Ontario, Canada and our lower octane is all a blend. We have to go higher octane ratings to get ethanol free gas.

 

[Philscbx]

mechanics are telling me
use lower octane 86 octane vs 91.
owners manual is suggesting highest possible octane,

Really?
What do you notice when using either?

Last time I did - there's no way I could tell -

 

[Vinish]

Thanks for comments. I am in Ontario, Canada and our lower octane is all a blend. We have to go higher octane ratings to get ethanol free gas.

On your gas pumps does it state a calculation method for determining octane such as "(R+M)/2"? I ask because there are multiple ways to calculate octane that yield different values for the same fuel. Maybe Canada or Ontario is different from the USA.

G'day,

Vinish

 

[mjstirl]

I will check pump at my next fill. Hadn't noticed the calculation formula before.
Thanks