I found a place in town here (bulk fuel distributor) that will sell me ethanol free gas 5 gallons at a time (YES!), but they only have 87 octane...
opinions?
What bike and what mods? I run 87 octane on my S2R 800.
Unless you have high comp pistons 87 should work fine.
Interesting... might have to see if I can find a local distributor that can do that as well. What did they quote you for 5 gallons?
I've been nervous running 87 in the past, as with the gas in TX all being 10% ethanol now, I've felt like I could be hurting the bike in more ways than one. I might give it a go. From what I was told over the phone, they distributor brings in ethanol free fuel, then as it's vended out to the various gas stations (various fuel brands), the ethanol and various proprietary additives are added to the fuel.
This brings up my next question, though. Is the octane rating for a particular fuel calculated before, or after the ethanol is added to it. Is it possible that 87 octane gasoline, without it's added amount of ethanol, is actually a different octane? I'm not up on my fuels, so I'm not totally sure...but I know a little chemistry, and I know that ethanol would change the combustability of the fuel.
Quote from: Artful on September 16, 2010, 05:51:32 AM
Interesting... might have to see if I can find a local distributor that can do that as well. What did they quote you for 5 gallons?
A straight 2.55 a gallon (going price for regular unleaded 87 around here). I get the feeling they sell alot of fuel to individuals. The lady didn't even hesitate when I said 5 gallons at a time.
I plan on running it in my lawn mower and weed eater for sure...even if I don't end up using it my bike for some reason.
In most states the octane rating must be valid as pumped whether it be from a retail or wholesale station.
I just emailed my local independent fuel company, I'll post results.
My 900 runs just fine on 87. On really hot days I might spring for 89, but that's rare.
For some reason, my 750 doesn't like 87. It misbehaves unless I put in 92.
Turns out the deals even better. Went down and picked up 5 gallons to see how she'd do on the straight juice with none of that pesky corn in it....turns out the lady on the phone was wrong. It's 89 octane!
[drink]
Haven't put any in the monster yet...but I'm looking forward to it.
My fuel contact got back to me, they don't offer ethanol free fuel unfortunately... She mentioned an additive that neutralizes ethanol, but all my Googling turned up nothing and she had no information.
Quote from: Artful on September 17, 2010, 09:30:39 AM
My fuel contact got back to me, they don't offer ethanol free fuel unfortunately... She mentioned an additive that neutralizes ethanol, but all my Googling turned up nothing and she had no information.
there is no such substance.
Startron and Stabil Marine mitigate the phase separation issues, but you are stuck with it.
That was my assumption as well, sounded like a magic do-over elixir. Figured I would at least humor her and see if the unicorn actually existed.
After much reading of old threads here and on TOB i only run 87 in my 2006 S2R1000. 4,000 miles and no issues - actually runs better on lower octane.
Doesnt Ducati recommend 89? It was explained to me that the engines are tuned from the factory with the recommended fuel rating. It makes sense to me to stick with what the manufacturer tuned the engine for. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Quote from: speedknot on September 17, 2010, 06:06:05 PM
Doesnt Ducati recommend 89? It was explained to me that the engines are tuned from the factory with the recommended fuel rating. It makes sense to me to stick with what the manufacturer tuned the engine for. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Ducati recommends 95 RON, which is a rating not used in this country. We rate in AKI. Unless you have some serious carbon build up or other mechanical problem your 750 will love 87.