[Carl334]

How could this be? WingWorld July 2010 page 42 "All Honda Gold Wings from 1975 to the present time are designed to use regular grade 87 octane gasoline." article by Howard Halasz and Randal Washington of Randakk's Cycle.

See photo of label attached to my 1995 Gold Wing Aspencade: "Gasoline 91 RON min."



This outa be an interesting thread!

Carl

 

[Matt]

I always burn the cheap stuff (87 octane) ethanol blend of course. Tried higher octane in the past, no better mileage or performance so why pay the extra. That's my .02 worth.

 

[marcsvette]

Always buy from "Namebrand" stations like Shell and Exxon and always buy Regular. Been working for me.

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

Here is the formula for Ron vs octane.

( RON Octane Rating x 0.95 = AKI Octane Rating )
98 RON Octane x 0.95 = 93.1 AKI Octane (US measure)
100 RON Octane x 0.95 = 95 AKI Octane (US measure)


So the 91 RON is really 86.4 octane (87)...

 

[drmcmtru]

Regular for my 1500SE.Have tried premium,could tell no difference other than lighter wallet.

 

[MarkH]

My two sense...Can't tell you why...but burn regular during riding with no problems...but use the higher octane in the last tank of the season and found it does less varnishing to the carbs than the regular...not sure why...?

 

[oldsmores]

My two sense...Can't tell you why...but burn regular during riding with no problems...but use the higher octane in the last tank of the season and found it does less varnishing to the carbs than the regular...not sure why...?

Octane rating doesn't really affect how well gas ages, just makes it ignite at a higher temp to avoid pre-ignition. Use Seafoam in that last tank of regular and you'll have better results, IMHO.
The only reason to use a higher octane gas is if you're getting pinging or knocking with regular...

 

[billcarr_]

I buy name brand low grade gasoline. Honda calls for 87 or more, I burn 87. No pings runs good. take advantage of a break. I try never to buy cut rate gasoline from any broker gas station. rememebr they buy cut rate gas from anyone. One of our speedy quick stores out here was selling 50% water. Any one who got a tank of this crap was through driving for a weekend or so.

 

[bajabreeze]

I wonder, as with fuel systems in older boat motors/fuel systems, if you use higher octane fuel that has alcohol additives to the fuel, if this will turn the fuel lines to mush? Anyone have experience with that? I guess 50% water might cut down on that chance

 

[blk93wing]

I run the cheap stuff here in Ohio as Ohio and about 6 other states do NOT check the pumps for grade of fuel, only volume. As I see it, not many people are running the higher octane fuels, thus longer time in storage tanks picking up moisture. Then again gas doesn't spend any amount of time in my tank.

 

[Radarsdad]

Started out buying 91 octane but then wiened the wing off the good stuff and now run 87. Haven't noticed any loss of performance or mileage but as mentioned before, have a little more money left over (which means I get to buy more 87 and ride more). I use only name brand fuels (Chevron almost exclusively unless I'm somewhere that doesn't have it).

 

[detdrbuzzard]

on earlier wings like the '75 one thing you have to remember is that back in '75 regular gas had lead in it and the octane ratine was higher so if you are having problems with unlead regular you may need a higher octane rated gas. my '75 cb750 runs much better with premium gas 92 / 93 octane

 

[budoka]

The biggest thing we find here in the shop is the lifespan of the different grade fuels. Up here, regular (87) will begin to deteriorate/go flat whatever in as little as 3 weeks. Premium will remain stable for up to 6 months, sometimes longer. Most street riders use a stabilizer when storing their bikes for the winter, but on yard equipment, outboards, dirtbikes etc, it is often overlooked. I use 92 in the Wing, did in the ST and the Vulcan. Never a problem. Big runability difference in the Vulcan, not sure if there is ANY advantage other than the lifespan with the last two bikes. I'll try a few tanks of 87 on the Wing and just see what happens. It will be full of 92 with stabilzer come bed-time though. I use nothing but premium in my Polaris smowmobiles (my FST, Mrs 600Rush). Use 87 in the RZR, but it runs all year round.
Something people often get confused about is octane is not an additive, but a rating based on the burn properties of the fuels

 

[Radarsdad]

It's a hot tamale in the summer but at least there's no winter storage issues here in Vegas. It just means we have to get up early and finish the ride before noon. I try to burn at least half a tank per weekend to keep the fuel fresh.

 

[RKP000]

Radarsdad,
I envy you being in Vegas. The winters here in upstate NY are way too long. Then again if I lived in Vegas, I'd have no money for fuel (regular or premium). It would all be lost in the slots or craps tables. I will be in Vegas in November for a much needed vacation. I love Vegas! Too bad I can't bring the Wing.
Rob

 

[Radarsdad]

A weekend might not do it, but a couple weeks of non-stop losses would hopefully cure ya!

 

[RKP000]

Radarsdad,
I am not a veteran of Vegas yet (been there 6 times on vacations). So far - amazingly - I have come home a winner on the majority of trips. No huge jackpots but I did hit a slot for $2K on a 35 cent bet! I keep hearing the "locals" know what casinos to hit. Any suggestions?
Thanks for any input.
Rob

 

[Radarsdad]

Can't help you there. The only time I visit a casino is when my flower and I are in the mood for a buffet.

 

[RKP000]

OK on the recommendations for Casinos. As to buffets, is the Rio the best?
Rob

 

[lonewolftx]

My two sense...Can't tell you why...but burn regular during riding with no problems...but use the higher octane in the last tank of the season and found it does less varnishing to the carbs than the regular...not sure why...?

That could be more a function of the quality not octane. Gas from Shell, Texaco ect containe additives to clean your engine. Lesser qualities don't.