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.....


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!

I've actually thought it would be cool to have my own little Vespa gang.....

[socwkbiker]

the Vespa Vipers?

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> </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.