Fuel question?

[DanoHB]

I know this will probably get alot of different opinions, but I am going to ask. What grade fuel should I be using in my cruiser? I live in Cali and we have either 87, 89, or 91 octane (no 93 here). I have installed V&H cruzers pipes, a hypercharger, and the cobra Fi2000 fuel processor,. Is there any benefit on a cruiser to spend the extra cash on the 91, or will the 87 be fine? It's not a sportbike and I do not plan on driving it like one. Just want to know if there is a difference in as far as if it is bad for the bike to run the lower octane gas. Please help.

[mr_resistible]

I usually ride to work and arround town. I use 85 or 87 and get about 44mpg. I have HK pipes, K&N filter and a cobra FI2000. Last weekend I went on a 3 hour trip and got 51mpg on the highway with 87. The manual recommends 87 or higher and to stay away from anything with more than 5% methanol (wood alcohol) We have ethanol here which is corn alcohol. Stay away from anything greater than 10% ethanol. We have a few places here in town that carry 95 and 97.

Prety much whatever you want to use, you'll be fine.

[tlwisner]

Burning 87 octane is fine. Octane is a measurement of how much compression the fuel will withstand before detonating. You only need higher octane in higher compression motors.

Another note, buy decent gas from a name brand vendor. Mom and Pop's store with the one dusty gass pump may not be quite as good...

I have always run 87 Octane. My latest mileage was 51 mpg today on a 160 mile poker run, riding 1 up with some guys who seem to have twisty wrists.

[mr_resistible]

I get really good mileage with Texico.

[axel_2078]

Originally Posted by tlwisner

Burning 87 octane is fine. Octane is a measurement of how much compression the fuel will withstand before detonating. You only need higher octane in higher compression motors.

I couldn't have put it better. Very good advice. Some people are convinced that they have to run premium gas in their engines or they will have reduced performance. They don't understand that premium does not necessarily mean "better" or "more power." Running 91 octane in an engine that's rated for 87 may actually reduce performance.

[DanoHB]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks guys. No more wasting mone for me.

[rappidrabbit]

Originally Posted by DanoHB

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks guys. No more wasting mone for me.

C50 silver and black.. ck old post

[92Notch]

I run 93 in everything..... even my 2cycle weed eater. I prefer Amoco Ultimate.... and definitly stick to the bigger companies at all times (shell, Mobil, etc.), no citco or other off the wall stuff. I got burned on my carbed car and Generator (for hunting) by running cheap crap (killed the carb(s)). It may not be necessary, but I run 93 anyways. I believe the cleaners and other additaves are better, and probably more purer gas (less alcohol and crap). It should not cause any power lose unless you have a week(er) ignition system (it's ignition point is a higher tempature).... if I noticed missing or anyt I've not had any problems (even in the weedeater ). I'm sure the bike would run fine on mainstream (no off the wall bargin gas) 87 though, that's what the manual calls for.

[tlwisner]

Here's a higher standard for gasoline than the Gov't standard:

http://www.toptiergas.com/

[Clint]

This whole problem exists because the marketing jerks at the fuel companies decided to call higher octane fuels "premium", as though it's across the board better. Jackasses.

92Notch, you'll have to fill me in on how a particular grade of fuel ruined your carbs. That's a new one to me.

[92Notch]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

This whole problem exists because the marketing jerks at the fuel companies decided to call higher octane fuels "premium", as though it's across the board better. Jackasses.

92Notch, you'll have to fill me in on how a particular grade of fuel ruined your carbs. That's a new one to me.

The grade didn't do it (IMO), the quality (and alcohol content from what research reviled) killed the one in the car ..... water content killed the one in the generator .... I was running 87 at the time from a generic station.... after spending the money to fix the issues caused with the fuels I said the hell with it and run 93 from a big-name and have not had issue since. (I feel that there is less chance of water or other bad stuff in 93 from the big-guys... i have no data or proof to back it up)... but bear in mind i'm the kinda assclown that runs Mobil 1 in all his stuff and changes it every 3000/mi or once per year.... I'm just hard-headed I guess. .... like I said up there,I'm sure the bike will run fine on any ole 87, but i'll never find out in my bike

[mr_resistible]

My mom used to drive a 68 High Country Special Mustang when I was a kid. We sold it one winter because we thought the engine froze up and cracked the block. Come to find out we were getting fuel from a station that had water in the tanks. It froze that engine up tight. We ended up selling the car for $600 then 6 months later we saw it in a Mustang hot rod magazine talking about how these cars were special built in Devner for the Colorado mountains and they only made 6 of them.

I have seen fuel pumps freeze up in winter, and I always get gas at the name brand places.