What octane fuel do you use?

As we know Kawasaki recommends 90+ octane. This has proved to be fairly accurate on my 2007 Nomad. Before I bought it two dealers said that high test wasn't required most people ran 87 octane. 87 octane will work in mine only if I do not really unitize the roll on performance that this engine has. If I am only going back and forth to work or just slowly cruising the back roads I could probably get by with 87 octane, but even then if the weather is hot I can get serious ping at times on acceleration.
Because of this for normal day to day use I use 89 octane which is a improvement over the 87 octane but still will spark knock more than I like under certain conditions. For serious ridding such as the 1,250 mile round trip I just returned from to the Cherohala Skyway and Deals Gap area I use 93 octane. Even on 93 under extreme hot conditions I get some acceptable pinging.

I have not experimented with the TPS adjustment and may not as this seems to be a trade off between fuel mileage and octane requirements. On the recent 1,250 trip I averaged 44.5 MPG that was total trip average including some 75-80 MPH interstate and the slow mountain highways . I was pleased with this as the Nomad only has about 3,500 miles on it at trip completion and is probably not complete broken in yet.

So it seems that the 90+ sticker on the tank is right. I will probably be using 89 octane for easy ridding and full high test 92 -93 octane for serious ridding.

I was wondering if some of you other Nomad owners are finding this to be the case with your Nomads.

[bluetongue]

Mine used to ping like hell in hot weather but since I diabled the air injection system and install aftermarket pipes it rarely pings unless it is loaded to the max and hotter than hell. I normally use 89 octane except when riding with the wife then I use super.

[dip]

haven't tried anything but 90+, though it's killing me cause gas prices are so high in my area. From what I've read, it seems I have no choice. Haven't experienced the pinging yet and don't really want to. If there is a way to run lower octane I'd like to know, but don't want the side effects.

[flightdoc]

I tried running 89 in mine when I first purchased it. Pinged like hell one rather warm day with the wife aboard. Never use less than 91 now. no pinging at all.

I've always used the highest octane available. I did put regular in once not paying attention. I don't recall it running any differently but I'm gonna use premium as long as I don't have anymore brain farts. :) On my trip through Vermont, there were several stations that had Ethanol gas. I didn't notice any difference using that either.

[spooky66]

I have always used 90+ there is a gas station right by my house that give 10 cents off a gallon for cash. I can't fill up there all of the time but always do before heading out.

I can not use any wal-mart gas both the nomad and truck hates it.

[blowndodge]

Changed the TPS from; 4.40 to 4.43 and it pings noticibly less. Can still get it to ping on really hot 100 degree days but it used to ping like crazy when new.

I'm off the 87 octane kick..... and also noticing it runs better w better mpg on Chevron..... must be the Techron? LOL

[blowndodge]

Are you now preaching "holistic gas stations"???LOL

I'm considering going "green" and getting an electric scooter..... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif


Actually my neighbor here at work has one..... does 45 mph with governor removed.... kinda cool... (chuckle)

[socwkbiker]

yeah, I can just see you decked out in your biker gear on that little scooter! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I've actually thought it would be cool to have my own little Vespa gang..... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[socwkbiker]

the Vespa Vipers? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I like it!!! My little group of 4-6 bikes and riders I refer to as "The Meatheads".... I figure if the "Peckerwoods" exist here in east county.... colors and all.... Meatheads is appropriate!

<marquee> http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u272/DrNickDC/meathead.jpg</marquee>

We are a riding club RC.. not a motorcycle club MC... I meant no harm by that comment...

Nice Nico

[socwkbiker]

I just got the visual of your rc pulling up to a biker bar and trying to look tough.

Btw, I only use top octane since I've used lower and noticed a decrease in gas mileage.

[blowndodge]

Vulcan Vespa????

[socwkbiker]

for girly men of all ages.

<marquee>http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u272/DrNickDC/GirlyManheading.jpg</marquee>

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u272/DrNickDC/arnold2.jpg

[ponch]

The resistor mod seems to work. I plan on doing it for the same reason. It's ridiculous that we need to run 90+ octane for a 9:1 compression engine. Kawasaki needs to use modern engine management. If you go to gadget's site, you'll find the resistor mod.


haven't tried anything but 90+, though it's killing me cause gas prices are so high in my area. From what I've read, it seems I have no choice. Haven't experienced the pinging yet and don't really want to. If there is a way to run lower octane I'd like to know, but don't want the side effects.

[lw]

the Vespa Vipers? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Maybe a "Mo-ped Posse"?

I am now converted and sold on Chevron 91 octane........ just because I like it and it's close by!!!!

Front page of the San Diego Union had a story on the first freeway legal electric scooter!! Does 65 mph...... hmmmm....

[vulcanvixen]

The owner's manual for my 900 says a minimum of 90 octane, which at the pump means poppin' the extra for 91. I've tried a couple of tankfuls of 87 (just to see if there'd be a difference) and can most definitely notice a change in performance. For only about a buck more on a tank of gas, I'll stick with the higher octane!

YOU DIDN'T NOTICE NUTTIN!

[vulcanvixen]

Nuttin? Nuttin honey? How do you notice nuttin? lol

[dano]

I've tried 87 and 89 and mine will tap like a typewriter with both under acceleration. Due to that, I use 91 to 93 octane exclusively.
Ride safe,
Dano
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/omega5m14/Bike8-18-7006.jpg

[oldmanriver]

yes i have had the same problem fuel,i did adjust the tps,but put it back,it was not enough of a differnce to warrent the extra fuel i used,so its high test all the timeor it knocks and pings like crazy.

[Todd]

Spend the extra $1.60/tank and run the good stuff....Any ole high octance will do...Although I do prefer the BP(Amoco) 93 if I can get it......

[ponch]

If the 900 is like the 800 in requirements, using anything higher than 87 is a waste. That is what I miss most about my 800. It would run on anything.



The owner's manual for my 900 says a minimum of 90 octane, which at the pump means poppin' the extra for 91. I've tried a couple of tankfuls of 87 (just to see if there'd be a difference) and can most definitely notice a change in performance. For only about a buck more on a tank of gas, I'll stick with the higher octane!

I have always used 90+and above octane fuel for my nomad since day one. I had a pinging issue with or with out high octane fuel so i added a PCIII and never pinged again and i still use 90+ octane for my bike and it's been flawless for over 11K miles now. just my two cents.

[socwkbiker]

I use QT (quick trip) 93 because its a top tier rated gas.

Check this out: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

[finky]

Come to the land of Aus and you can get 100% octane at all Shell and up to 98 cctane at any other fuel outlet The Shell 100% octane is racing fuel straight from the bowser anytime,lets the Nad run as sweet as.

[spork]

93 for me. Always. (Unless it isn't available, then the highest I can get)

[lw]

Today's trip was fueled by a 50/50 mix of 93 and 89. I had half a tank of 93 in it when I filled up and punched the 89 button by mistake. Logged 180 miles with Dear Baby Daughter as a passenger in just over 4 hours of actual riding between stops.

Rode the Blue Water Highway from Surfside to Galveston ( no, there aint a drop of blue water within a hunnert miles of that road) In the middle of a 20 mile stretch of asphalt where there wasnt another vehicle ahead or behind me, and I only met a handful of vehicles going the other way, I had the sand & surf on my right, a view of the bay on the left, and the radio playing Joe Walsh's Life's Been Good" It doesnt get much better than that. Enjoyed lunch on the Seawall and then tried to hook up for a meet & greet with fellow KawaNOWer WayneM from Texas CIty. Unfortunately he was in Houston when we came through TC. Better luck next time. All in all a great day in the sunshine!

[jayc]

89 with an occasional tank of 93

[blowndodge]

91 is the highest you can get in California. Can you say Ping!!

[Idaho]

I've been running 89 but my ears are shot so it may be pinging away and I might not know it. Good point about the diff in price. Think I'll go back to premium.

[zoom45]

I run the 87 Octane. (Carbureted 2000 Nomad). I haven't noticed any pinging. I tried the higher octanes but couldn't see a difference in performance or gas mileage. Only thing that helps my mileage is to slow down and it makes up to 10 mpg differnce with just 20mph slower (70 down to 50).
Zoom45

[dogdoc]

I run 93 Chevron in HOT TX and rarely get ping, with V&H pipes.

[scion0]

I run 93 Chevron in HOT TX and rarely get ping, with V&H pipes.


Thanks, I put in 93 most of the time... still ping sometimes, seems to be more noticeable when I get on it. I guess that is "normal"?

[dank]

I run 91, 92 or 93, whichever the station has. I have not noticed a problem with pinging. Never tried anything lower in it.