Fuel Octane

[8 LEGS]

Ok peeps, what octane are u using? Manual says minimum 91??

[HntngTrout]

87 or 89 depending on the price....

[ARtraveler]

We have 87, 88, and 90 available here. I have tried all the grades--but the RTS (IMO) runs best on the 90. It seems sluggish with lower blends.

My Kawasaki 990 LT runs great on the 87.

I am guessing when you mix in ethanol blends that also throws other things into the mix.

[Bob Denman]

I give mine just what the doctor ordered... They're smarter about this stuff than i am.

[MikeinGA]

I use no less than 89. If I'm riding in the mountains or on a long trip it's 92 or more, 92+ keeps the engine cooler and I get more mpg. If I going to ride where it's going to be hot and/or humid I use Sta-Bil, it prevents corrosion from moisture and ethanol-induced water attraction. I add 1 ounce per tank full in my Syder RS-S. That's IMHO.

Mike

[BajaRon]

I use Premium in my 2008 RS. I've tried all 3 grades. It's not as noticable in the winder/cold months. But in the summer it's about 3~4 mpg better with Premium which pretty much pays the difference and I get better performance as well.

[harddrive]

I mostly use 89. Every once in a while, I will use 91 or 87. I have not noticed a big difference...

[capt.jim]

I use REC 90 non ethanol, even in my Toyota truck, more power and better mileage for about the same price as premium, luckily I am close to farming and fishing areas and it is readily available for non highway use only, except for me that is. I haven't really noticed a difference between 87-93 ethanol gas. My 08 GS is rated for 87 on the sticker, but the new RS's are rated for 91, even though the compression is the same.

[boborgera]

I've used 92/93, Makes me feel better, And if i feel better my ride feels better.

[mrfats]

I've always used 93 in my 2011 RTS SE5.

[bikeguy]

I use the highest octane I can get. Unfortunately, that's usually 90 octane. Our local station (there's only one) has 86, 88, and 90. I've used them all and, honestly, I can't feel any difference in performance but, for the reasons HDX mentioned, I much prefer using the highest octane I can buy.

Cotton

[NancysToy]

The Spyder has an ion-sensing anti-knock ignition system. When detonation is detected, the computer will remove some ignition timing advance. When timing is retarded away from optimum, power and fuel efficiency will suffer. Higher octane is less prone to detonation. Lower octane 'pings' under load sooner.

It all depends on how and where you ride your Spyder. If you don't carry a passenger, or climb hills, or 'test' the upper limits of the rpm range, you'll probably never require the higher octane. If you do any or all of the above above, why not run the higher octane, and take advantage of the aggressive ignition timing? If your going to play in the power band of the Rotax, why handicap the engine from the start with less than optimum fuel?

The RS uses ion-sensing knock detection. I believe the RT uses knock sensors.

[FrankPa]

Filled up the last two times (been warm enough to ride and I didnn't think I'd get through that last tank before it got REAL cold) with 87 from the ONLY no ethanol pump in the entire city. I wish it was 89 or 91, but I'd rather have lower octane than have the ethanol eating away anything rubber inside for a whole winter. It's more expensive, but then again, it's not "watered down" either...

It'll get back up to the high 40's eventually.... and not be dark by 5PM... but it seems like forever!

[Bob Denman]

Besides; on a four-gallon fill-up the cost difference is minimal...

[Boriken]

I've used 92/93, Makes me feel better, And if i feel better my ride feels better.

Premium and Star*Tron every tank full, average MPG 33.

[SpydeRider2010]

you ALL have very informative advise.

personally... I use 87 NON ethanol, plus a
fuel additive one of our techs uses for auto
induction services. seems to work good.

we both use the same fuel grades, and the
same additive; and his bike runs good as
well. he just tore his entire drive train down
to rework everything, due to a base gasket
leak. when the pulled the pistons, at 132,000
miles, there was barely any carbon build up
on the piston tops; and no scoring on them
or the cylinder walls or rings. so maybe we
latched onto something that works for us in
this area.

[Marker]

Always 91 and sometimes 93 if its available and the price is right but no less than 91

[TuckMiddle]

I guess I'm a bad guy. I use 87 with what ever is in it and the new green stuff, not Stabil. I'd be happy to use no ethanol gas, I don't think there's a pump around here anywhere. I'll have to keep an eye out for one. I don't expect max performance and I think what I'm doing is ok.

Big Red Bug is in the shop for a coolant leak. It's not awful, but obviously it has to be addressed. The tech couldn't make it leak a drop this afternoon. My poor bug looks awful de-skinned. BUDS said everything was ok - big deal. They suspect the base gasket per above. Difference is mine has only 7,400 miles, not 132,000.

Tuck

[StriperKing]

Premium and Star*Tron every tank full, average MPG 33.

second the StarTron.

[NancysToy]

Ok peeps, what octane are u using? Manual says minimum 91??

I use what is recommended by the manufacturer. For the RT, that is 91 octane (US). In this area our premium is actually 93 octane. The RT will run on lower grades, but it will not run as well. This is not some half-baked theory or a conspiracy hatched by the oil companies to get more of your bucks, it is an engineering fact. When running lower grade fuels, the RT will adjust the engine timing accordingly, to prevent knocking. This reduces performance. If this fits your style of riding, fine, but I like a more spirited ride.

BTW, using premium fuel will only cost you about $100 more a year if you ride 12,000 miles a year.

[MMcc]

I just double checked my 2011 RT-S. The label by the gas fill said minimum 87 octane. Have tried 91 non-ethanol highest available in our part of MN, $0.50 per gallon difference. I did not notice any difference in fuel economy. Always used mid-grade or premium in my 08 RS/GS.

[capt.jim]

If you go to pure-gas.org you can find if there is a station in your area that sells non ethanol in Canada or the U.S.

[Bob Denman]

BTW, using premium fuel will only cost you about $100 more a year if you ride 12,000 miles a year.

Most of us wouldn't miss it when it's only spent about a dollar at a time...

[Tonga]

I use what is recommended by the manufacturer. For the RT, that is 91 octane (US). In this area our premium is actually 93 octane. The RT will run on lower grades, but it will not run as well. This is not some half-baked theory or a conspiracy hatched by the oil companies to get more of your bucks, it is an engineering fact. When running lower grade fuels, the RT will adjust the engine timing accordingly, to prevent knocking. This reduces performance. If this fits your style of riding, fine, but I like a more spirited ride.

BTW, using premium fuel will only cost you about $100 more a year if you ride 12,000 miles a year.

I agree with you Scotty. If recommended then use it. For the back yard engineers, use what ever suits your personal needs. The RT has a higher compression engine then the GS does and detonation is a killer. Many Miata guys that I know think of saving a few bucks when filling up as the Miata recommends 91 as well. I want any vehicle I own to run at it's best and last longer!!

[Roadkill]

+I've used the manual spec 87 octane in my '08 GS since day 1, including aggressive driving, without ill effect and will continue to do so.

Ride on.
Roadkill