Gas octane for the 800

[pacomutt]

What octane rating are you 800 guys using in your bikes?
Just curious; I usually use 87, but after topping off a half-tank with 89, the mpg went up a good bit. Way too soon and a completely un-scientific test for sure, but just wondering what others are using. Thanks!

[98vulcan]

I went 12 years burning 94 octane. I new that the compression ratio didn't support burning that high of octane but for some reason (besides having no ethanol) I thought it ran better, sounded better etc.
This spring I had to do a complete tear down for several reasons. I was blown away with the amount of carbon deposits on the piston and cylinder head. It became completely obvious that 94 octane was not good for this motor.
After the rebuild I put 87 octane in it and it ran ok. I thought the exhaust notes didn't sound quite as loud but I got better milage right away. Then I put in a tank of 89 octane and there was such a noticeable difference in sound, performance and even better milage that I have decided to stick with the 89 octane.

That's my story
Dave

[DBallin69]

I think I saw somewhere on my 97 VN800B Classic that they recommend 91 octane. I run premium in mine seems to run good but I just got the bike and am still on my 1st tank lol.

[Floowid]

Unless you have done engine work that raises the compression ratio of your engine, you do not need higher than 85 octane.

[98vulcan]

Originally Posted by Floowid

Unless you have done engine work that raises the compression ratio of your engine, you do not need higher than 85 octane.

Where do you buy 85 octane? I've never heard of it. We have 87, 89, 91 and 94. The 94 is ethonal free.

[pacomutt]

Originally Posted by 98vulcan

Where do you buy 85 octane? I've never heard of it. We have 87, 89, 91 and 94. The 94 is ethonal free.

85 is available and runs well in the Rockies usually above 5000' above sea level. If you live in Steamboat Springs, 85 is your fuel!

[Floowid]

Originally Posted by 98vulcan

Where do you buy 85 octane? I've never heard of it. We have 87, 89, 91 and 94. The 94 is ethonal free.

I'd love to get me some pump gas 94 octane for my dune quad. Here in Utah we have 85, 87, 89, and 91. I usually end up mixing 91 with race gas to keep it happy.

But 85 is the norm around here. I guess in lower elevations I should amend my earlier statement and say: If you have not done engine work to increase the compression, 87 is all you need.

[XCR600]

I run 87 , our 89 is 10% ethanol . In my car I don't get as good of mileage on the 89 so I run 87 in it also. Never tried it in my bike.

I'm getting better mpg since I grampsized mine , sprocket change helped too but that was before. My last 2 tanks have been 53 mpg + , combination hwy / city , thats up from 46-50. It runs like a scalded dog too.

[pacomutt]

Originally Posted by XCR600

I run 87 , our 89 is 10% ethanol . In my car I don't get as good of mileage on the 89 so I run 87 in it also. Never tried it in my bike.

I'm getting better mpg since I grampsized mine , sprocket change helped too but that was before. My last 2 tanks have been 53 mpg + , combination hwy / city , thats up from 46-50. It runs like a scalded dog too.

Thanks! That's impressive mileage for an 800.

[markstep]

Grampsized??