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Originally Posted by tricker  Ok but back to the post at hand. I've used 89-93 octane in my zzr. It says it can use regular gas. On my way to NC i got between 52-60 mpg while using premium gas. Now that i'm back in the flat lands of minnesota with 89 octane i'm only getting 46-48mpg (that's with the wonderful ethanol additive). I do get better gas millage with higher octane but at nearly 15 cents more a gallon i don't think its worth it to me. I've had no ill effects with the bike engine with using different octanes of fuel.
Hopefully that helps with the calling of shenanigans on 87 gas causing chaos in a sportbike's engine
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Unfortunately, it doesn't. Because not all engines are created equal.
Higher octane is usually called for in engines with higher compression to prevent detonation.
Yes..your ZZR is a Sport-Bike engine. But....detuned for the "Sport-Touring" Kawi designated it for. When your manual calls for any octane...you're good to go with anything from the pump. However, if the book calls for high octane...there's usually a reason...high compression being the main one. It's not usually a good idea to deviate from their recommendations on that call.
Por ejemplo. I made a boneheaded (nothing new) error with the Uly last year or so ago at a gas pump. I didn't even get an eighth of a mile away, and it started pingin' and knocking. I pulled in to a parts store and bought some octane booster. Did some redneck math in the dirt. Reckoned the amount needed by eyesight, and poured it in. Didn't cure it, but it was close. I just incrementally added more until it was cured.