| Author | Message | ||
     Jim_sb |
Hi guys, While in Death Valley earlier this year I was forced to put 87 octane into the Ulysses (it was the only gas station for many miles, and 87 octane was all they had, no octane boosters available). Obviously it mixed with the 91 octane in my tank and I re-filled with 91 octane at the next available gas station. In the interim I rode very gently, kept the rpm's around 3k and noticed no problems or pinging of any kind. But I thought it would be wise to keep a small bottle of octane booster along for longer trips where one cannot always be assured of finding 91 octane fuel. Now my dilemma. I see the owner's manual says 91 octane is required and it also says that octane boosters are forbidden. What are we to do? So let's say I'm heading back to Death Valley and I *know* I'm going to have to get gas again at the 87 octane only station, is it better to run the straight 87 or use some octane booster? Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Debueller |
I run 87 octane quite often. Usually I am forced to do so because, as you mentioned, many remote places have no 91 available. I find there is almost no precievable difference. Usually when I am isolated from civilization (and home) by many miles, I have a more conservative riding style. When I am closer to home and can use 91 or better octane I tend to demand more from the engine in reguards to situations that would require better fuel. Also sometimes I cheap out and buy 87. In Canada last week they wanted about $5.20 a gallon for 92. 87 was "only" $4.60 a gallon. (I say "about" because it is sold by the litre) BTW, the main difference I notice is that the engine pings easier when using 87 octane when it is hot. (like idling in traffic) (Message edited by debueller on July 12, 2006) | ||
| Grimel |
91 octane is not better gas than 87 octane. Octane is the ability to resist pre-ignition. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/040728.htm | ||
| Jim_sb |
Grimel, I wish Buell had built a bike that would run on 87 octane and we wouldn't be having this discussion. But they didn't, so we are, anyone know why we are not supposed to use an Octane Booster? Which is better for the engine? 87 octane gasoline or 87 octane with the booster? Jim in SB | ||
| Grimel |
Either, the Buell engine will run on 87 octane you just have to ease up. If you had the equipment to monkey with it, the bike could be redone to work on 87 (you would lose some performance). Read the two articles. You asked about the odd tank of 87. Won't hurt it. Mixing 87 and 91 makes it even less of a concern. |
