Octane

[Binnsy]

So, here in OZ TRAIL EAR, we can put in Premium ?

Or will it blow up my engine ??




Fug it, I'm sticking to 98RON

 

[CanberraR3]

Won't blow it up Binnsy - I've been using it for over a year - but it does seem to be a waste of money.

 

[Ishmael]

Filled up with regular unleaded (91 RON, no alcohol) day before yesterday. Bike is running great; certainly no worse and maybe even a bit better. Engine is a tad quieter too. Still had about 4 litres of 98 in the tank so will have a more definitive idea after next fill - but so far so good. Almost 15c a ltre cheaper too.

Ishmael, sounds like your son was spot on. Hmmm, wish I'd tried it before now.

Good info Canberra , thanks.
In respect of #1 son being right -- doesn't that sh!t ya!!
( At least I don't have to tell him )

 

[CanberraR3]

Don't tell him. Just spend the extra $3 a tank when he's around.

 

[BigBill]

If he does find out, just credit it to good genetics!

 

[Ishmael]

If he does find out, just credit it to good genetics!

Did that once previously. He credited it all to his mother's side. He's right. Doesn't it sh!t ya!!

 

[BigBill]

Did that once previously. He credited it all to his mother's side. He's right. Doesn't it sh!t ya!!

If he tries that, tell him he is right, his mum is the smartest person in the world, she hooked up with you.

Back on topic, after reading Wayne's post, I'm going to try the Chevron 93 (98 RON) to see if I notice any difference.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

What you have (between your legs) (I'm not talking about the thing you 'think' you have...) is basically a low compression engine so it's not economical to run anything other than regular unleaded. However, I'd be wary of ethanol content. My Rocket isn't fond of ethanol at all.

Now, that means in naturally aspirated condition. Supercharging/turbocharging increases the base compression ratio by cramming more fuel/air into the cylinder, necessitating a higher octane (RON) belnd of fuel. The higher the octane (RON) the less the fuel has the ability to spontaneously combust (from cylinder pressure/inherent heat).

Look at it this way. You pay more for a motor fuel that don't burn as readily, aka: premium.

 

[Gothlander]

I use BP Ultimate because it keeps the the engine clean (no spongy buildup on the top of the valves) and burns longer on the down stroke, that seems to give more power up top.

 

[CanberraR3]

I use BP Ultimate because it keeps the the engine clean (no spongy buildup on the top of the valves) and burns longer on the down stroke, that seems to give more power up top.

Mine's certainly running fine on standard ULP but I'd hate it start going gammy on me. Reading again the earlier posts I note in particular that Pawer Tripp said (post #24) that higher octane can give you more at the top end but at the expense on lower end and responsiveness. I think that's what I'm feeling; a bigger kick low down - slight, but noticeable. Can't say I've noticed any drop off at the top though. Maybe if I dyno'd but the numbers seem so small anyway - and this isn't about horsepower. Think I'll stick with 91 for a few tanks and then switch back again to 98 to see if I can detect any difference. Unless it has some wow factor, I can use the $3 a tank saving (for me, that's about $300/yr) for something else that will actually provide some benefit. Maybe some shocks.

As for the gunk in the engine, how big an issue is it likely to be and is it the sort of thing that something like Sea Foam or Gumout once in a while would fix (or prevent)?