| Author | Message | ||
     Interex2050 |
My two most recent bikes, are really picky as to which brand of fuel I use (I use premium grade regardless of brand). For instance my 78 CX500 used to run poorly on all brands of gas (especially shell), except for Mobil. But the Mobil made the CX run like a charm. As for the Buell the case was the absolute opposite. For the Buell (XB12R): Mobil: Stuttering, irregular idle, strange sounds, hesitation. And not to mention horrible mileage (80 miles on a full tank) 76: Much smoother then Mobil but plentiful pinging. Chevron: A world of a difference from the other two so far mentioned. Shell: Probably the buells favorite, although very close to Chevron. I have heard/read that all the fuel basically comes from the same source and just have different additives, but none the less I have noticed significant differences between fuel brands. As for the other brands of fuel... I am simply scared to try. So I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same results? | ||
| Xb9ser |
In my 03 xb9s 1 buy what ever is closest after my fuell light comes on. allways 93 octaine never noticed a differance. | ||
| Typeone |
my results? all brands of 91-93 octane make my 12 ping like crazy when its 80+ degrees out. sigh. single pump, multi-pump, you name it. hoping to get to the bottom of it some day. | ||
| Jessicasdad |
Have to agree .... my xb12r seems to like Shell best .... performance after a couple of tanks is "better" ... but mileage suffers... on Chevron runs smooth ... but ??lacking?? .. mileage though is consistently in the high 50's to about 62 MPG. runs like crap on 76 or any of the grocery store stations or Costco. | ||
| Interex2050 |
Thats strange that you get worse mileage from the shell. Although my mileage varies greatly depending on what I am up to. In the city (Los Angeles lots of stop and go) I get around 100-110 miles on the tank. In the canyons I get better mileage about 130 per tank. And Highway... I haven't driven on the highway long enough to find out for sure. One thing that I have noticed is that I haven't been able to put in more then 3 gallons, even after running on the reserve for a while. Usually about 2.5 gallons brings the level to the lower lip/ring in the tank. | ||
| Holling |
My 03 9s doesn't seem to care what brand of fuel I run in it as long as it is premium. No performance problems. | ||
| Nevar |
No problems here with my 03 XB9S, discount gas or major brand name, I always put the highest octane (Super). Not sure it's required but always have... Tim | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Running my XB9S, factory race kit, on any old brand of regular. Runs like a champ, better than with high test: just a slight bit more torque. Cheaper too. Reason: High octane doesn't produce more power, it produces less: it's reason for being is to combat ping. A ordinary, properly running nine does not ping, and therefore doesn't not seem to require high test. I got this information from well know Harley and Buell racer and specialist, Rod Pink, and it has proven correct in my bike at least. Glitch didn't have any problems with it either. | ||
| Dagwood |
GJ, More torque perceived or more torque proven on dyno? | ||
| Holling |
The 9s engine has a 10:1 comp. ratio which seems too high for regular 87 octane gas. Not sure if I would want to come down from premium to save 50 cents on fill up. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Try it you'll like. Saving the four bits isn't the point, only a side benefit. The real benefit is that your motor will pull stronger. Only butt dyno'd it, but Rod Pink seems to think it is real, and I have convinced myself he is right:-) On another topic, it is interesting how many badwebbers have dismissed this idea without even giving it a try. Glitch tried it. He is a no nonsense high mileage hooligan, and he had no problems with it down South. | ||
| Holling |
You are right, the cost diff. is minimal. The real concern for me would be if I filled up with reg. and had detonation problems, that I would then have to burn that whole tank through or down far enough to mix in premium. Also the SM calls for 91 or higher octane. | ||
| Dagwood |
Shoot, I'll give the 87 it's day in court if it'll give me more TQ. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Let me know what you think, Dag. | ||
| Dragonbuell12r |
I use Sunoco gas because they blend all their gas to the octane that you are buying. That way you never get stale gas. They also don't buy oil from the Saudi's either. (the Saudi's boycot US products) | ||
| Buellin_ri |
hess is also a very patriotic choice  (Message edited by buellin_ri on September 09, 2005) | ||
| Interex2050 |
Sunoco and Hess, I have never heard of those... Are they the ones you would find at like a truck stop? Another thing... the 12 engine also has a 10:1 compression so why is it more prone to pinging? Could it be because its a longer stroke and the piston velocity is higher, so it compresses the air/fuel mixture faster and with greater force? | ||
| Metalstorm |
For those interested in trying this, might I suggest at the next fill up, pour only a 1/2 gallon to a gallon of 87 for a test run. This way if it doesn't work out you can fill her the rest of the way with premium. Of course if it does work, you'll want to repeat this test one more time with another small amount of 87 since the first run had a little premium mixed in. |
