Gas Types. Is there a difference?
Chesapeake Beach, United States
I know the deference in the octane of the three types of gas we use. I know the how's and why's of the combustion ratios that come along with those octanes also.
fill'er up!
What I don't get is the way the bike feels with these different octanes. Maybe it just me? Maybe it's just my bike?? Maybe I haven't been riding long enough to feel get a feel for this topic.
Starbucks parking
But in the short 1000+ miles I've put in my bike. I did experiment with the gas grades. And it feels like the premium gas is best. I feel like it should be however.
I have a small 900cc engine and at best, I should be using the mid grade gas. I've tried it, it worked better than regular gas (as expected). And so it goes, with higher octane.
I guess the concern is if these higher octane gases will hurt the engine in the long run. Anyone have any thought or experiences to share about this??
You must be logged in to comment
Login now
84 months ago
Your bike came with a manual that tells you the preferred grade octane for your bike and that recommendation should be followed when possible. Higher horsepower motors typically have higher compression ratios. These bikes need higher octane. If you use high octane in a low compression motor the combustion can't burn all of the gas. This gas slips by the rings and essentially causes octane poisoning to your motor. If you use low octane gas in a motor that needs high, it will ignite before the bikes compression stroke is complete. This is pre detonation also called knocking. A previous reply said you should use 91 octane. Use higher and you'll loose power and decrease your fuel economy. Do it long enough and you'll destroy your piston rings as the unburned fuel passes by them and goes into your oil.
84 months ago
Shell 91 every time. Anything from other stations (Chevron, Mobil, Valero, AmPm, 76, etc.) seems weird... I can't put my finger on exactly why, but my bike just feels and sounds healthier with the high octane Shell stuff. As far as oil goes... y'all should try the Mobil1 4t full synthetic, won't use anything else.
84 months ago
That's another reason why I tested the gases. The owners manual say to put regular gas. But like you, I found the internet saying something different.
84 months ago
@Qeww
I would use the octane rated fuel that Triumph recommends.
My tiger is an older model, but it is a lot of fun and ideal for touring.
84 months ago
@allworld yeah, I found that but I also found other comments about the topic. That's why I experimented with the different octanes. Just to get my own feel of it all.
Who's the Tiger ride, wanna test ride that in the near future.
84 months ago
I quick check on the internet: You should be using premium gasoline 91 octane.