What kind of gas do you use?

I disagree with you, I was involved with the fuel industry for 10 years and have first hand experience. Go ahead and run lower grade gas, it's all up to you, but your argument isn't exactly factually complete.

 

Have you seen the new Honda FCX Clarity availible for lease now in SoCal? Hydrogen powered and availible to anyone (albeit anyone, who lives in the right area, and is willing to pay $600 a month to lease a car :smile: )

 

Derstuka. You're probably right and I am maybe a bit dyslesic but at my age W.T.H.. I probably spelled it wrong too. But I think we all should agree to read the manual and do what the highly paid engineers who designed these wonderful machines tell us to do and what to burn. I have always been anazed at how many back yard mechanics are out there who know more than the designers and engineers. Some may but.....I'm outta here. it's 10 degrees C out there so I am going fro a ride. Getting a modulating front light put on. Say that would make another good thread.

 

I've never heard of higher grade fuels causing any sort of valve or engine problems. I run 89 in my VFR because it sits alot, and I've heard octance decreases as the fuel sits, especially in non-sealed or plastic containers (I don't know if there is truth to that or not, but my dirtbikes will ping on the first ride in the springtime if I don't put fresh 93 in them, so I believe it). However... in my car (300hp turbocharged 4 cylinder mitsubishi) I run 93 all the time, along with 50% methanol/water injection (injected at 330cc/min above 2psi of boost pressure). With the methanol flowing my approximate fuel octane is 96. I have 198,000 miles on the engine (It's been modified in it's current configuration for the past 110K) and have never had to replace any internal parts, and I really beat on the car, alot.

 

the gas at the gas station has worked fine for me so far...

 

I usually run 91 octane (91 is the highest offered in Montana...higher elevation). I have switched back and forth between 88 and 91. I think the 91 idles and runs smoother in the motor. But, I think the 88 has more power. Just an observation...

I hear from some of my motorhead buddies that the lower flash point of lower octane fuel actually makes it burn easier, therefore, giving more power and better fuel economy. But, in the days of higher compression motors higher octane is needed to prevent pre-ignition.

 

Here is something that I haven't seen in this thread already.

I'm a car guy as well as a bike guy, and I have learned that there is a website that is a coordinated effort by some top car manufacturers (BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi) that notes what fuel retailers they recommend. I have no reason to doubt that their fuel quality recommendations are directly applicable to the fine V4 as well. Top Tier Gasoline

Here is their current list:

QuikTrip
Chevron
Texaco
MFA Oil Co.
Conoco
Phillips 66
76
Entec Stations
Shell
The Somerset Refinery, Inc.
Kwik Trip / Kwik Star
Aloha Petroleum
Tri-Par Oil Co.
Turkey Hill Minit Markets
Mileage Stations
Chevron Canada
Shell Canada
Petro-Canada
Sunoco Canada

Pretty much all the big names, but conspicuously missing are Exxon and Mobil. Hmm!

 

Uh-h-h-h, gas? I often have gas, but I don't know what octane it is or what I can use it for. Will it work in my VFR?

 

I would think a propane kit should work for making power from your methane surplus. :smile:

 

I used Union 76 91 octane for years until gas prices skyrocketed last summer, at which time I started questioning the validity of high octane gas for my '86... soooo, I tried 87. Found no difference in permformance across the board and now use Arco if I'm REALLY feelin' cheap, then Chevron or Union 76 .. ...

 

yodasmile I use the cheapest brand available except CITCO(I don't want to fund Chavez's Army) and 7-11. Regular Unleaded 87 octanes. I also add a Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner every oil change. No problems so far.

 

I just use regular, usually Costco or Safeway, since they tend to be the cheapest. But I have been known to go elsewhere if the need arises. Never any fuel problems on bikes or cars, and that includes a 238,000 mile Camry.

 

Learned the hard way last week that cheap gas can cause problems. Running Chevron 87 in my Toyota Tacoma, never had a problem. Had a road trip last week and put Rebel 87 in. 150 miles later the truck wont idle. Quits if there is no throttle input. Put Chevron 89 in to try to make up for the bad stuff. Everything fine 150 miles later. Half tank of each. Couldn't believe it. Its only name brand for me from now on. VFR? '07 gets the Chevron 91 every time. After reading here, though, I think I may switch to 89 and see what happens.

Mike

 

Mike,

What I believe you probably ran into here is gasoline that may be on the stale side. Even the top refiner's gasolines will cause you problems if it is pumped out of tanks that do not have a higher turnover of gasoline. I used to burn "Silver" gasoline ( unsure of the octain but it was mid range). I have since switched to the lowest oactain available and have noticed no difference in performance or mileage in the slightest. What I do try to ensure though is that I obtain my fuel from a busy station. This guarantees fresh fuel. Basically I am following the instructions set out in the owner's manual.

 

Even thou gas prices have gone up and down like a Yo-Yo I'm still running on Chevron super duper and yes it makes a difference.

 

My understanding has always been that if you burn a grade of gasoline with a higher octane rating than called for by the motorcycle or automobile manufacturer, it's just a waste of money, and that there is no performance gain of any kind realized. I'm reading contradictory statements here. Is there a definitive answer to this?

 

I only put 87 in my '07. I have tried premium but I can not tell a difference in how the bike acts and my mileage goes down quite a bit for some reason. If there is not advantage(there is a disadvantage for me) I see no need to spend more money.

 

all the things I have ever read all say that it is far more important to go to a busy station, that has turn over of the tanks than to go with one particular brand. If you live in the northeast, it is all going thru the same pipeline anyway from the refineries int he south. It is all the same gas. They put x number of gallons in, and they get x number of gallons out, but not necessarily the same exact gas they put in. Now the distributer may add their own additive package, but the underlying gas is the same. Go with any of the major names, and go with a busy station, that is all you need to do.