Gasoline Grade

[moenko]

Yepp, I am

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/moenko_album/VolusiaRiders/beating-a-dead-horse.gif

But I'm still new and curious so a little poll might help.

Thanks fellas!

Carsten

[pablo]

I run mid-grade (89 octane) in the summer and regular unleaded (87 octane) when it cools off. I can run regular without pinging from about October to May.

[oldbikers]

I run 87 octane all the time no problems yet

I run premium about 75% of the time.

[VulcanE]

If it's mid 90s and up I have to run premium (93 octane)
If it's 80 up to the mid 90s I can run the mid-grade (89 octane)
and cooler than 78-80 I can run the regular (87 octane)
Here in Georgia, most of the regular riding season is above the mid 90s, but it does seem to run it's best (power wise that is) on the 87 octane. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

Here in the hot, humid South, I find I have to run 93 octane. Danged thing simply won't run 'right' with anything less. I tried 89, but it just didn't work. Don't dare to try 87.

[jussmatt]

Well..I run premium all the time, but after reading a couple of the post on here, I might have to start watching some temps and experimenting with different grades to see how the "Ping" "No-Ping" goes... I know my Nad much prefers the cooler weather!!!

[socwkbiker]

Premium all the time. I don't want to take any chances with pinging.

[dantama]

From prior threads, some Nomads have a tendency to ping more than others. Mine doesn't ping.
I run 85 octane, the low grade here. I live in Denver, and ride in Utah and Colorado, both high elevations with no pinging.

[cactusjack]

Since my most recent round of modifications - Cobra FI2000R and Caddmann Kit, pinging is nearly non-existant. Maybe I just can't hear it over the roar of the intake, I'm not sure. I have been using 89 octane. On road trips with lots of high-speed riding, I'd use 91 to try and eliminate pinging during high-speed roll-ons. I'm going to keep 89 in it for awhile.

[moenko]

Interesting, seems like everyone has some preference, but the most important fact I am getting out of this survey is that mid-grade won't HARM the engine unless you start hearing pinging. Appreciate it!!!

[watchman]

I voted for the premium but I can and do run some mid grade in cooler weather. Or do a partial fill up with 89 when I already have 93 in the tank.

[waterman]

I run 85 octane most of the time. Do fill up with 87 when it gets hots here.

[schoeney]

Premium all the time...no pinging or other issues. Have never tried a different grade so it might be fine on Mid or Reg. Mine is a 1500fi.

From prior threads, some Nomads have a tendency to ping more than others. Mine doesn't ping.
I run 85 octane, the low grade here. I live in Denver, and ride in Utah and Colorado, both high elevations with no pinging.

Ditto

[misunderstood]

I run 87 octane all the time no problems yet

ditto http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[rickyboy]

I have tried lower/different grades of fuel a few times with no difference in the running of the bike. It has never "pinged" on any grade. But during another thread it was explained to me that the lower grade gas ignites sooner/easier than say...92 or 94 octane. So before the pistons reach t.d.c. and max. compression, the fuel ignites. If this explanation is correct the ignition of the fuel actually wants to force the piston down before it reaches t.d.c. and starting the "down stroke". Unless I misunderstood ! So because of that info given to me, I have always fueled up with 90+ oct. and not wanted to take a chance on damage. I live in the Vancouver Can. area, close to sea level and never suffered from pinging. On this summers trip down as far south as Vegas I used prem. gas and never had pinging then either.

That explanation sounds right to me. Higher octane burns slower. Pinging or pre-ignition knock is caused by the compression igniting the fuel rather than the spark. Usually only noticed (or is worse anyway)when you are accelerating hard and fast. There are different factors that can come into play such as elevation and temperature and different engines will perform differently.

[chainsaw]

Premium here also.

[nighthawk700]

Interesting, seems like everyone has some preference, but the most important fact I am getting out of this survey is that mid-grade won't HARM the engine unless you start hearing pinging. Appreciate it!!!

Hence my problem... I'm deaf, and don't wear my hearing aids when I ride... so I won't hear pinging at all. Can you feel them? My last fill up I put in 89 because a friend kept telling me it would work fine. Haven't noticed any issues, but only put about 40 miles on it since. Maybe I should have someone ride it and tell me if they hear pinging...

It's hard to find 91 here, so far I only found one station that has it, and it's not on my usual commute.

[donguer]

Premium all the time.
Carsten, How's the bike working out for you? Have you succumed to the Chrome Devil yet?

[moenko]

Hi Don, well, the first 300 miles were sort of a "getting used to the new bike" period and I had a problem with stalling twice while downshifting (put a thread out in Blowndodge's). Have since adjusted my very low idle and it becomes more and more fun.

Only chrome I have added as of yet is a nice luggage rack from Custom World. Have also added an aftermarket backrest, helping tremendously in the comfort department. I'm still at awe at the nice torque. This weekend we have a wrench party at a buddy's house, I'll be leading a bunch of Volusias/Boulevards for 50 miles to his place - hope they can keep up ;)


Premium all the time.
Carsten, How's the bike working out for you? Have you succumed to the Chrome Devil yet?

[donguer]

[quote author=moenko board=general thread=6117 post=109365 time=1219102487]Hi Don, well, the first 300 miles were sort of a "getting used to the new bike" period and I had a problem with stalling twice while downshifting (put a thread out in Blowndodge's). Have since adjusted my very low idle and it becomes more and more fun.

Only chrome I have added as of yet is a nice luggage rack from Custom World. Have also added an aftermarket backrest, helping tremendously in the comfort department. I'm still at awe at the nice torque. This weekend we have a wrench party at a buddy's house, I'll be leading a bunch of Volusias/Boulevards for 50 miles to his place - hope they can keep up ;)

Sounds good. I just got an inquiry from another VR member asking questions about the Nomad. Looks like we'll anothr VR/KawaNow member soon. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Cajunrider]

I fill up with 93 octane when the tank is nearly empty. After 1/2 tank or a little more is gone I fill up with 87 octane. At 1/2 tank I'll fill up with 89 octane and when this is gone I'll fill up with 93 again. Sounds a little complicated but it saves a little change and keeps > 90 octane in the tank nearly all the time. I haven't heard any pinging or knocking.

[lomax]

....I run 87 octane all the time. Have never had any pinging problems. V+H, Thunder air, PC111.. :)

87

[VulcanE]

I have tried lower/different grades of fuel a few times with no difference in the running of the bike. It has never "pinged" on any grade. But during another thread it was explained to me that the lower grade gas ignites sooner/easier than say...92 or 94 octane. So before the pistons reach t.d.c. and max. compression, the fuel ignites. If this explanation is correct the ignition of the fuel actually wants to force the piston down before it reaches t.d.c. and starting the "down stroke". Unless I misunderstood ! So because of that info given to me, I have always fueled up with 90+ oct. and not wanted to take a chance on damage. I live in the Vancouver Can. area, close to sea level and never suffered from pinging. On this summers trip down as far south as Vegas I used prem. gas and never had pinging then either.

If the air-fuel mixture pre-ignites before TDC, that is "pinging". If your not pinging, your not pre-igniting. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[formikec]

The way I started off, I mixed and matched based on how she is running. But, then, I got to looking at price vs. worrying/thinking about it and decided that $1.00 more for 5 gallons of premium just isn't worth worrying or putting much thought into.

So lately I just use premium. I guess I am flushing a dollar bill down the toilet for my bike on each full tank, ehhh...

[formikec]

One more thing. I haven't really tracked it, but if you get slightly better fuel mileage from higher octane, and a cleaner running engine, that $1.00 more per fill up for premium should balance out. I also am a firm believer in Sea Foam.

[Blue Rebel]

I run the premium, 93 Octane. My bike prefers the warmer weather, runs much better.

[jester]

1600 w/ V&H Baggers. 87 until it gets warm (80+ in MN is warm) then it is 91. Sta-bil or Sea Foam is a must.

[markusmaximus]

I run a 50/50 mix of 92 and 89 octane. Will run just 89 when it gets cooler outside.

[flavor]

I've tried running 89 but if it's hot (over 90) and riding two up, I'd ping going up a hill if accelerating. So I just stay with high test. My bike is a stock 2007.

[ells]

Stock. Does great on mid-grade until the temps are in the 90s and then I go to premium, like many others it looks like.

[pbab]

Premium all the time. A few extra cents per gallon is worth my peace of mind

[Kawhead]

Me 2 pbab. You stole my thunder! A peace is what I'm after.

[moenko]

Don, whas that Gregstur ?? He spotted the same exact year/model that I bought somewhere in NY State and almost the same price that I paid. I told him "go for it - you only live once and don't know for how long" ;)


I just got an inquiry from another VR member asking questions about the Nomad. Looks like we'll anothr VR/KawaNow member soon. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[mmartin]

Premium here, just seems to run better.
Also the brand (Shell, BP, etc) seems to make a different too.

[nomad561]

I tried lower grade fuels but always heard pinging until I started running 93 octane only.

[redjay]

Pinging no matter what octane I use. Stock 2005.

[kawiman]

2007 VH pipes, no other mods. Get pinging even with 93 on steep hills. I use Seafoam, and helps some, but I really think Temps/elevation makes some difference. After looking at locations its got me wondering about humididty level as well. Any ideas on humidity? Higher = more ping?

[moenko]

Hmmm, as we know that pinging stems from premature ignition, I would really doubt that humid air has anything to do with it - if anything, it would cause a less ideal mixture, less prone to pre-igniton - I could be wrong here, though :)


2007 VH pipes, no other mods. Get pinging even with 93 on steep hills. I use Seafoam, and helps some, but I really think Temps/elevation makes some difference. After looking at locations its got me wondering about humididty level as well. Any ideas on humidity? Higher = more ping?

[redjay]

I have tried lower/different grades of fuel a few times with no difference in the running of the bike. It has never "pinged" on any grade. But during another thread it was explained to me that the lower grade gas ignites sooner/easier than say...92 or 94 octane. So before the pistons reach t.d.c. and max. compression, the fuel ignites. If this explanation is correct the ignition of the fuel actually wants to force the piston down before it reaches t.d.c. and starting the "down stroke". Unless I misunderstood ! So because of that info given to me, I have always fueled up with 90+ oct. and not wanted to take a chance on damage. I live in the Vancouver Can. area, close to sea level and never suffered from pinging. On this summers trip down as far south as Vegas I used prem. gas and never had pinging then either.

If the air-fuel mixture pre-ignites before TDC, that is "pinging". If your not pinging, your not pre-igniting. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

Hi, I thought a lot of bikes and cars were timed to fire before TDC, that is back when you could adjust them manually.