The engine REQUIRES 91 or better. Just read the engine emissions tag on the frame under your seat (RT) or frunk (F3). Its very clear. This changed in 2013 when the compression ratio in the 998 was raised and for all 1330s. 2012 and older merely recommended the higher octane.
I can feel the difference running the low quality fuel when I get stuck with it. Some don't care. But is it really worth the dollar or two to not use the required fuel and substitute a lower quality alternative the bike has to work around?
The last few times we went riding, Linda on , and me on Vulcan, I put 88 octane in both. My Vulcan calls for 87--and since I fill both at the same time, I compromised at 88--down two from the usual. Noticing no difference in either machine. Is 87 in our future?? I can save up to 20 cents a gallon over 90? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
The engine REQUIRES 91 or better. Just read the engine emissions tag on the frame under your seat (RT) or frunk (F3). This changed in 2013 when the compression ratio in the 998 was raised and for all 1330s. 2012 and older merely recommended the higher octane. I can feel the difference running the low quality fuel when I get stuck with it. Some don't care. But is it really worth the dollar or two to not use the required fuel and substitute a lower quality alternative the bike has to work around?
I think the question was what to use when 91 isn't available (true in many high-altitude areas in the West; the highest I can find is 88)? I don't think anyone is trying to save $$ on gas, just $$ on expensive repairs.
Food for thought: Have any of you who use 87* octane weighed the cost savings per gallon Vs the money you spend on octane boosters , Sea Foam etc?
Yeppers, actually you are spending more than just filling up with 91*. Why make life so complicated when you can easily make it simple.
Jack
All my life I wanted to be somebody, now I realize I should have been more specific.
2019 Specialized E-Bike COMO 2.0
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2018 Tiffin Phaeton 37BH Motorhome
2015 BMW R1200R LC
2014 RTL SE6 Pearl White
2012 RT-622 trailer viper red
2014 Look 7x12 motorcycle trailer silver and black
2011 Polaris Ranger green
2013 GMC Yukon Denali XL silver oak
2016 Can Am Maverick
I'm running a test of ten tanks of mid grade and ten of premium to figure my fuel cost per mile. I'm applying the actual cost for each at the pump and am halfway through the premium run. Yes, the premium costs more but my mileage is up enough that the cost per mile is the same. Now that's at the current $0.25 - $0.30 price difference. I'm sure that sometime in the future when the difference becomes bigger then this will no longer be true.
That' my man! I'll buy you a Beer at the Red Rocks Rally.
Jack
All my life I wanted to be somebody, now I realize I should have been more specific.
2019 Specialized E-Bike COMO 2.0
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2018 Tiffin Phaeton 37BH Motorhome
2015 BMW R1200R LC
2014 RTL SE6 Pearl White
2012 RT-622 trailer viper red
2014 Look 7x12 motorcycle trailer silver and black
2011 Polaris Ranger green
2013 GMC Yukon Denali XL silver oak
2016 Can Am Maverick
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, and me on Vulcan, I put 88 octane in both. My Vulcan calls for 87--and since I fill both at the same time, I compromised at 88--down two from the usual. Noticing no difference in either machine. Is 87 in our future?? I can save up to 20 cents a gallon over 90? 
Originally Posted by jcthorne
