What Octane Gas for SV650?

[ChibbMD]

Hey folks. Let me take a second to introduce myself before I fire away. My name is Adam and I recently took a MSF course and purchased an awesome 2000 SV650 (naked). I got it up in Dallas, TX and just got it home (College Station, TX) last week. The weather finally straightened out and I've gotten out on the bike a few times. So far it's just been the nearby residential streets because I'm taking it slow.

Needless to say, I haven't even been through a tank of gas yet and I was curious... What kind of gas do you guys recommend? I've read differing opinions on a couple other forums and the dealer said to use Super Unleaded. Is this really necessary? What does the owner's manual say?

Anyway, I appreciate any input you might have. I'm glad to be a new member and look forward to being an active participant.

Adam C.

[The Chad]

I would go with 91 octain or up, DO NOT USE LEADED GAS. the high compression ratios of todays bikes demand a good gas.

[Louis]

I leaded gas still available? I know that I haven't such a thing in ages! We don't have leaded in Quebec, nor in Eastern Ontario. (I know, I don't get out much )

[Clint]

You'll find a bunch of people will tell you to get the "good stuff", meaning premium. The fact is, for most bikes, 87 is the good stuff. The lower the octane, more readily it burns. Higher octane, slower burning gas is formulated for high compression engines solely to prevent pinging. Most street bikes aren't high compression. So, if your owner's manual doesn't state the need for high octane, you're better off as far as power and pocketbook to use 87.

Don't believe the hype. Higher isn't necessarily better - in fact, it's usually not. Buy the lowest grade that meets manufacturer requirements (not salesman suggestions), and doesn't result in engine knock.

[wolph69]

the compression for the sv650(2004) is 11.5-1 I think that's a rather in the upper middle ranges of what most bikes are. I use only 93 octain in my bike. I have an 03 gsxr and it's compression is 12.5-1 I believe. at that high a compression and a redline of 14,000 I don't want a missfire. the reason I use higher octain is because it's harder to burn... in otherwords, I don't want it burning when it's not supposed to. If your unsure just go with the middle grade. my manual says I can run 87 octain but I never have and I don't know anyone that does that rides a sportbike.

[Clint]

If the ignition timing is set properly (as Suzuki intended), then 87 would be fine. If you're getting serious knocking, you'll know it. You're likely losing power with 93.

Again, many people buy high grade falsely believing it's better quality. Your sportbike friends may be among them.