Wow -- it's hard to pick a more controversial subject. I don't know of anyone who's blown an engine using higher than recommended octane. My bike calls for 91 or better (1kRR).

Now I don't even claim to be an expert on octane but there are a couple of things I've picked up along the way. First is there are at least 3 different ways of measuring octane. Usually at the pump it's R+M/2 . R=research method. M= I dunno.

Second, and I actually do know this due to turbo issues, octane is simply a number placed on a fuel's ability to resist detonation. Detonation is when your fuel ignites before the spark. To say this is a bad thing is an understatement. Less than 2 seconds of detonation at high rpms can cause bent rods, dropped valves, holed pistons and generally a real crappy day. The only reason you'd need to run higher than recommended octane is if you've raised your compression. Shaved heads, turbo or NOS are a few examples.

Running higher octane in a 9:1 engine (93 as opposed to 87) will not increase horsepower. It will slightly decrease horsepower because the 93 resists burning more than the 87 therefore if you're not combusting at 100% efficiency some of the 93 will be unburned yielding less horsepower. It's not a lot less horsepower, but it is less.

And RE: Baldman -- his sarcastic tendencies are starting to grow on me. Plus he's in Jawja like me so he can't be that bad. ha ha. Since the written word does not convey body language or tone I'll just tell you dudes what I tell the wifey: If I say something that can be interpreted 2 ways and one of them is bad ... I meant the other one.[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

Yeup, this topic is one of the Black Holes, just like 'what type of oil is best'. Thus...I refuse to debate this topic and what I have learned along the way. I agree with most of what you said, except for your idea of what mods call for increased Octane (with cars that is a true statement - to a point).

I wholeheartedly agree with your last sentence! [sm=exactly.gif][sm=smiley32.gif] Time for a Group [sm=smiley31.gif]

 

just so you know... there are no hard feeling over here Baldman.

i just thought that for a newcomer to the forum, you were coming in guns-a-blazin.

but hey, if that is your style and you are as sarcastic as you say, we will get along just fine.

[sm=trust_me.gif]

 

Oh my -- this is a group-huggin, hamster-sharin moment. I think I'll cry. Bwuhaahaaahaaa

 

Sorry, perhaps a wee bit too sarcastic?

 

Sounds like a Kodak moment....LOL....

 

Bwaaa -- it's all good dudes. A healthy debate on octane and how it affects your ride is a good thing. What turns peeps sour is when it gets to the "I have an engineer friend ..." stage. When my last bike (Busa) was stock, I couldn't run 87 octane even though that's what was in the manual. Peeps on the Busa boards said I was stoooooopid and the the Busa made more HP on 87. Well, I took what they said with a grain of salt because my particular ride knocked valves like a **** when I used 87. And let me add that I used the 87 for several tanks before I gave up and started the 93 (87 knocked upon acceleration).

With the new 1kRR I just said screw it and run pure 93 baybee! She loves it!!! When the bike's happy, I'm happy!!

And if anyone wants the whole nine yards on octane, let me know. I've read and stored crap loads of info on the subject. The actual fact that matters most to me is how my bike runs. Period. Who cares about 1/2 horse at 15K rpms. That's all paper. The real world is what it's about.

 

1000rr huh, sweet. just got my 600rr a little while ago and it's fun. anyway, you should try running 87 just to see how it runs. i started out with 93 on my bike, but then thought i'd give 87 a try since it's what the manual recommended. it turns out that she runs fine on 87, so i just thought that since we both have modern hondas, maybe they could both run on similar gas. anyway, not trying to bust your ***** or anything, just letting you know my results [8D]

 

Anyone notice a difference between gas stations? I can run 87 at some gas stations but if i go to chevron i have to use 91?

 

I havent really noticed a difference..and I get gas alot. I tend to un 91 octane all the time just because my bike is my baby and I want the best..even if it isnt required. Bikes dont hold enough fuel to warrant me buying the cheaper stuff..it might cost me a dollar more to use the good stuff. Now if my bike were a Suburban or something....87 ALL THE WAY!!!! (octane)Gas prices here in Californai is a out of hand!! 87 octane fuel is $2.25 a gallon for the cheap stuff around here