87, 89 or 93 Octane?? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

salsa ramone · 09-04-2008, 05:50 PM

First post! here it goes....

What octane do you use? The manual says you can use 87 but is it not better to run 93?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Don M50limited · 09-04-2008, 06:21 PM

87.....if it doesn't knock and ping the higher octane is just a waste.
Try a search on here for octane and you'll find plenty of conversation.

Oaksong · 09-04-2008, 06:23 PM

if it says 87 run 87.

Higher octane isn't "Better"

the octane content reduces combustion. REDUCES. The reason it is used in high performance type engines isn't due to it being "better" fuel but because the compression forces in those engines would cause more combustible fuel to spontaneously explode, causing "Knocking". Putting higher octane fuel in an engine that doesn't require it will get you no better performance, and may even cause problems as the fuel takes LONGER to explode than the engine designers expect.

Best case scenario: you waste your money.
Worst case scenario: you waste your money to make your bike run worse.

All of the above advice applies to cars as well.

dankrencisz · 09-04-2008, 06:45 PM

I've used 93 since mile 1 and have never had any issues. You're only ever putting 3 gallons or so in the tank. Splurge for the ultra

DOGBONE · 09-04-2008, 07:22 PM

The sales person told me to use 93 and I have done so since day one, no problems!

old codger · 09-04-2008, 07:39 PM

Sales people generally only repeat things they have been told. Look in your owners manual, if it says use 87 that is what you should use. 93 probably will not cause damage and if it makes you feel better go with it. I doubt you could tell the difference if some one else fueled your bike and you didn't know what they used. If your manual calls for 93 by all means use that.
The argument about octane is a lot like the argument that synthentic (in the proper weight) will harm your bike. Use what makes you feel good no matter the facts.

Old Codger

CJasper · 09-04-2008, 07:45 PM

The Service Manual states this "Use only unleaded gasoline of at least 87 pump octane (R/2 + M/2) or 91 octane or higher rated by the research method." Me I use the 87 and sometimes I use midgrade but I find when I use the higher Octane it leaves the tank faster can't figure if its the engine or am I going faster lol

Easy Rider · 09-04-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOGBONE

The sales person told me to use 93 and I have done so since day one, no problems!

Just additional proof that sales-people LIE!

1badbaker · 09-04-2008, 07:56 PM

I use good ole 87. A couple of times I wasn't paying attention and I grabbed premium instead or regular...thank god it wasn't the diesel pump. Never had any issues. Today, I had to use premium because the little place I stopped at was out of gas except premium.

Waltamighty · 09-04-2008, 08:16 PM

My favorite grade of fuel is El Cheepo Grande (that would be 87)!!! Been usin it sence bike was new with no adverse effects.

boooya · 09-04-2008, 08:20 PM

Read

http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...ms-3-days.html

Alex13 · 09-04-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaksong

if it says 87 run 87.

Higher octane isn't "Better"

the octane content reduces combustion. REDUCES. The reason it is used in high performance type engines isn't due to it being "better" fuel but because the compression forces in those engines would cause more combustible fuel to spontaneously explode, causing "Knocking". Putting higher octane fuel in an engine that doesn't require it will get you no better performance, and may even cause problems as the fuel takes LONGER to explode than the engine designers expect.

Best case scenario: you waste your money.
Worst case scenario: you waste your money to make your bike run worse.

All of the above advice applies to cars as well.

Really you are just wasting your money by using premium.

Paper Plane · 09-04-2008, 08:33 PM

what i'd like to know tho, is whether fuels like V-power from shell really does have cleaning properties that could help in cleaning the fuel system and the engine.

sarjent · 09-04-2008, 08:44 PM

racing fuel 4tw

Easy Rider · 09-04-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Plane

what i'd like to know tho, is whether fuels like V-power from shell really does have cleaning properties that could help in cleaning the fuel system and the engine.

Yes.....if the delivery driver remembers to put the additives IN along with the gas !!

Drtoronto · 09-04-2008, 09:36 PM

yea 87 your just wasting coin on anything else

Trigger1985 · 09-04-2008, 10:14 PM

I use 87, when I can find it I use straight gas, but thats getting hard to find.

dreygun · 09-04-2008, 10:18 PM

i use the supreme or top one. no probs and only a few bucks extra.

womper · 09-05-2008, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dankrencisz

I've used 93 since mile 1 and have never had any issues. You're only ever putting 3 gallons or so in the tank. Splurge for the ultra

why?

UpstateM50 · 09-05-2008, 10:19 AM

I use nothing but 87. Once I ran a tank of 93, but the bike seemed to sputter with it and seemed to have less power. I have not had that problem since going back to 87. I have also found that gas with less ethanol helps the bike run better too. There is only one station near me that is still running straight gas.

09-04-2008, 05:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
salsa ramone Newbie Joined: Sep 2008 Bike: Suzuki M50 Posts: 10	87, 89 or 93 Octane?? First post! here it goes.... What octane do you use? The manual says you can use 87 but is it not better to run 93? Thanks in advance for your replies.

09-04-2008, 06:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Oaksong Clunked into first gear Joined: Jul 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 232	if it says 87 run 87. Higher octane isn't "Better" the octane content reduces combustion. REDUCES. The reason it is used in high performance type engines isn't due to it being "better" fuel but because the compression forces in those engines would cause more combustible fuel to spontaneously explode, causing "Knocking". Putting higher octane fuel in an engine that doesn't require it will get you no better performance, and may even cause problems as the fuel takes LONGER to explode than the engine designers expect. Best case scenario: you waste your money. Worst case scenario: you waste your money to make your bike run worse. All of the above advice applies to cars as well. __________________ 1998 Suzuki Marauder 800

09-04-2008, 06:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
dankrencisz Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2008 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: Brunswick Ohio Posts: 82	I've used 93 since mile 1 and have never had any issues. You're only ever putting 3 gallons or so in the tank. Splurge for the ultra __________________ I just got lost in thought... It was unfamiliar territory Help me make a dollar, please click this link. http://tinyurl.com/6gaua9 It's Free and won't cost you anything! Current: Garmin Quest GPS, Saddlemen Explorer seat, Sissy Bar, Luggage rack, Tank cover, Sik-lite blue LED's, Skull license plate bolts, SpitFire windshield, Tourmaster Sissybar bag, Gremlin Bell, Chrome Tank Trim, Pro Burner Halogen driving lights. Upcoming: Grips, throttle lock, Floorboards, Highway pegs. more??

09-04-2008, 07:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
old codger Clunked into first gear Joined: Nov 2006 Bike: 2006 S50 Location: Arkansas Posts: 212	Sales people generally only repeat things they have been told. Look in your owners manual, if it says use 87 that is what you should use. 93 probably will not cause damage and if it makes you feel better go with it. I doubt you could tell the difference if some one else fueled your bike and you didn't know what they used. If your manual calls for 93 by all means use that. The argument about octane is a lot like the argument that synthentic (in the proper weight) will harm your bike. Use what makes you feel good no matter the facts. Old Codger __________________ I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy

09-04-2008, 07:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
1badbaker U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 05 Black M50 Location: Milledgeville, GA Posts: 1,260	I use good ole 87. A couple of times I wasn't paying attention and I grabbed premium instead or regular...thank god it wasn't the diesel pump. Never had any issues. Today, I had to use premium because the little place I stopped at was out of gas except premium. __________________ 2005 M50 Black: "Black Betty" John's Kit Forward Controls/Saddlemen Explorer/Kury Iso-Grips/Stiletto End Caps/Kury Throttle Boss/De-Paired/De-Badged/De-Baffled/De-Mickeyed/pac50t Naked Jug Kit/PCIII USB/Cobra Streetrod Slashdowns/Saddlemen Bags/Cobra Sissybar/Metz ME880's/Slipstreamer Windscreen/C50 mirrors Blacked Out: Headlight Bucket, Mirrors, Front Signals, Radiator Cover, Neck Covers, Speedo Cover, Tank Cowl, Fender Rails, Sissybar, Saddlebag Supports

09-04-2008, 06:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Don M50limited Third gear and cruising Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: 07 Suzuki M50 Limited, 01 yz250f Location: Fairfield, Ca Posts: 495	87.....if it doesn't knock and ping the higher octane is just a waste. Try a search on here for octane and you'll find plenty of conversation.

09-04-2008, 07:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
DOGBONE In Training Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 120	The sales person told me to use 93 and I have done so since day one, no problems!

09-04-2008, 07:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
CJasper Ditch Magnet Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: 2008 Black M50 Location: Tallahassee, Fl Posts: 175	The Service Manual states this "Use only unleaded gasoline of at least 87 pump octane (R/2 + M/2) or 91 octane or higher rated by the research method." Me I use the 87 and sometimes I use midgrade but I find when I use the higher Octane it leaves the tank faster can't figure if its the engine or am I going faster lol

09-04-2008, 08:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
Waltamighty In Training Joined: May 2006 Bike: 05 Blue M50 Location: South East Texas Posts: 113	My favorite grade of fuel is El Cheepo Grande (that would be 87)!!! Been usin it sence bike was new with no adverse effects.

09-04-2008, 08:20 PM	#11 (permalink)
boooya TurtleWax Taster Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: '08 Suzuki Bandit S Location: Barrie, Ont. Canada Posts: 583	Read http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...ms-3-days.html __________________ M50 SOLD 2008 Bandit 1250 S stock 4 now

09-04-2008, 08:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
Paper Plane In Training Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: Suzuki M50 Location: Del Rio TX Posts: 134	what i'd like to know tho, is whether fuels like V-power from shell really does have cleaning properties that could help in cleaning the fuel system and the engine.

09-04-2008, 08:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
sarjent In Training Joined: Jun 2008 Bike: 2008 M50 - Black and Gold Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 129	racing fuel 4tw __________________ ...and the gods made Heavy Metal and they saw that it was good.

09-04-2008, 09:36 PM	#16 (permalink)
Drtoronto Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2008 Bike: suzuki m50 Location: Oakville Ontario Posts: 92	yea 87 your just wasting coin on anything else

09-04-2008, 10:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
Trigger1985 Kickstand Operator Joined: Jun 2008 Bike: 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 258	I use 87, when I can find it I use straight gas, but thats getting hard to find. __________________ Places to ride: Beartooth Pass, Deals Gap, Yellowstone, The Dakotas 2008 Suzuki M50 Custom Painted Satin Black an Sublime Green, OEM Engine Guard, Spitfire Windshield, Sissy bar/back rest, MJ limited Risers, Küryakyn XL saddlebags, home brew light bar with driving lights, debadged, Küryakyn ISO flame grips, hand tooled sissybar pad cover, , drag specialties clamp on highway pegs, custom crosshair radiator cover, lowered two inches with a set of stock pipes painted black and debaffled...

09-04-2008, 10:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
dreygun Found second gear by accident Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: 2006 silver M50 Location: barrie, ontario, canada Posts: 305	i use the supreme or top one. no probs and only a few bucks extra. __________________ Tom Poh @ Dreygunz Decalz Custom Stickers/ Banners 2006 silver debadged M50/ kury iso-grips ( with throttle boss, grip spikes, front & back pegs, clutch & brake covers)/ chrome accents (oil and brake cap)/ garmin Zumo 550 Gps/ Stock pipes (debaffled, demickey'd, blacked out header side)/ leather saddlebags & supports/ sissy bar & rack/ memphis fat 13" clear/ roadrunner cup holder/ HD fork pouch/ PC3/ 32" drag bar/ sidemount curved plate mount/ clear signals/ johnskit 3in lowering/ chrome rad cover/ Integrated signal back light kit/ removed OEM back signals and license housing/ Sickle Stem Lucifer Mirrors/ kury ultra tour bag/ JK's forward controls. Coming soon: Hypercharger/ adaptor.

09-05-2008, 10:19 AM	#20 (permalink)
UpstateM50 In Training Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 2007 Suzuki M50 Location: South Glens Falls, NY Posts: 127	I use nothing but 87. Once I ran a tank of 93, but the bike seemed to sputter with it and seemed to have less power. I have not had that problem since going back to 87. I have also found that gas with less ethanol helps the bike run better too. There is only one station near me that is still running straight gas. __________________ '07 M50, Blue Debaffled...but it's just the beginning

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