Fuel mileage

[bcoulter19]

I have a 2012 RS, have had it for a month & a half and have 2100 miles on it. First tank of gas I got 30 mpg on 93 octane. After that, I have been averaging 31-33 mpg around town. Took 1 long road trip (150 miles one way) & got 38 mpg on the highway doing between 60-65 mph.

Now, with that said...I have been reading some posts on here about what grade fuel to use. Some say to use 93 octane (my dealer told me the same thing), some say not to that it burns hotter and to use 87 octane. So, I am testing the 'waters'. So for the last 2 tanks of gas I have used the 87 octane. First tank I got 31 mpg and the second tank I got 33 mpg. Same mileage, a little cheaper price per gallon at the pump = savings in my pocket. It seems to me (not sure if I am imagining things or not) that the engine seems to run a little smoother with the 87 octane...has anyone else ever noticed that? Just curious...

After a few tanks of the 87, I might try the 89 to see if there is any difference with that.

I also have a DROID X, so I have started using the FuelLog App, seems to work very nicely.

The higher octane actually burns cleaner so it is better for the engine in the long run. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ARCTIC]

Octane is the numerical measurement of a fuels resistance to ignite when compressed. The higher the number the more compression it takes to get it to ignite. For best performance you need to match the octane with the motor. If your bike can run on 87 octane, you should run 87 octane because otherwise you're wasting your money burning a fuel that can be run with a higher amount of compression that you don't have. Higher octane DOES NOT mean higher quality.

 

[billybovine]

well said

Octane is the numerical measurement of a fuels resistance to ignite when compressed. The higher the number the more compression it takes to get it to ignite. For best performance you need to match the octane with the motor. If your bike can run on 87 octane, you should run 87 octane because otherwise you're wasting your money burning a fuel that can be run with a higher amount of compression that you don't have. Higher octane DOES NOT mean higher quality.

:agree: