Will Using 87 Octane impact performance?

[BajaRon]

I was reviewing the tech specs today in the back of the manual, (I was bored). I came across the fuel specs. I know in the manual about what fuel to use it says 91 octane. Well in the tech specs, it says minimum of 87 octane. I found that interesting. So 87, as some of us know, works fine. I know on the sticker on my 998 it said minimum of 87, 91 optimum performance. On the sticker on my 2021 says only 91. Anyway, I know I am beating a dead horse here. Bruce

I think this dead horse is probably wishing he could beat himself! Having done my usual exhaustive research. Here is what I found.

The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians — passed on from generation to generation — says that when you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. Sounds pretty simple, but it doesn’t take very long to discover that people just love doing it and are unlikely to stop anytime soon.

The reality is that today’s organizations as well as individuals have found a whole range of creative and far more advanced strategies to use when dealing with a dead horse, such as:

Buying a stronger whip.
Changing riders.
Threatening the horse with termination.
Appointing a committee to study the horse.
Proclaiming, “This is the way we’ve always ridden this horse.”
Arranging to visit other countries to see how others ride dead horses.
Develop a training session to improve our riding ability.
Reminding ourselves that other organizations ride this same kind of horse.
Determining that riders who don’t stay on dead horses are lazy, lack drive, and have no ambition – then replacing them.
Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.
Reclassifying the dead horse as “living-impaired” and provide special privileges.
Hiring an outside consultant to advise on how to better ride the horse.
Harnessing several dead horses together to increase production.
Confessing boldy, “This horse is not dead, but alive!”
Providing additional funding and/or training to increase the dead horse’s performance.
Riding the dead horse “outside the box.”
Get the horse a new or refreshed website.
Killing all the other horses so the dead one doesn’t stand out.
Taking a positive outlook – pronouncing that the dead horse doesn’t have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead, and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the organization’s budget than do some other horses.
Rewriting the expected performance requirements to fit the dead horse's abilities.
Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position where they fit right in. Having nothing, whatsoever, to do.
Name the dead horse, “paradigm shift” and keep riding it.
Riding the dead horse “smarter, not harder.”
Remembering all the good times you had while riding that horse.

Bottom line! The union will never allow their dead horses to be terminated, much less suffer the embarrassment of being called out for it.

 

[racoon]

Does this mean your shop is now carrying Dead Horses?

Are they a special order item, or are you going to be keeping them in stock?

Inquiring minds want to know. :joke:

 

[troop]

I was reviewing the tech specs today in the back of the manual, (I was bored). I came across the fuel specs. I know in the manual about what fuel to use it says 91 octane. Well in the tech specs, it says minimum of 87 octane. I found that interesting. So 87, as some of us know, works fine. I know on the sticker on my 998 it said minimum of 87, 91 optimum performance. On the sticker on my 2021 says only 91. Anyway, I know I am beating a dead horse here. Bruce

BRP confusion reign's as this is direct from the 2021 RT owners manual
Fuel delivery Type Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection(EFI) with ETC (Electronic Throttle Control)
Single throttle body(54mm) with an actuator
Fuel pump Type Electrical module in fuel tank
Idle speed 900RPM Electronically controlled, not adjustable
Type unleaded gasoline 87 Pump Posted AKI (RON+MON)/2 Minimum octane
92 RON 91 Pump Posted AKI (RON+MON)/2 Fuel Recommended octane 95RON
Fuel tank capacity 26.5L(7U.S.gal.)

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

My Spyder runs as it should no matter what type of fuel I run, but I pamper it with high octane usually. I mostly run 100% gas ( Non ethanol) and around here that only comes in either 89 or 93 octane. The 93 is around .70 a gal more than say 87 ethanol gas.
I understand if I went on a road trip through different states I might not be able to find high octane 100% gas, and that would be OK. I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[2dogs]

I think this dead horse is probably wishing he could beat himself! Having done my usual exhaustive research. Here is what I found.
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians — passed on from generation to generation — says that when you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. Sounds pretty simple, but it doesn’t take very long to discover that people just love doing it and are unlikely to stop anytime soon.
....

Ride'n the dead horse Ron is what keeps sites like this alive. Millions and millions are made by making people think they can squeeze one or two more MPG out of a gallon of petrol.

 

[Allen42]

Millions and millions are made by making people think they can squeeze one or two more MPG out of a gallon of petrol.

Remember those little tornado spinner gadgets for carburetors that guaranteed you an increase in MPG?

 

[ARtraveler]

My Spyder runs as it should no matter what type of fuel I run, but I pamper it with high octane usually. I mostly run 100% gas ( Non ethanol) and around here that only comes in either 89 or 93 octane. The 93 is around .70 a gal more than say 87 ethanol gas.
I understand if I went on a road trip through different states I might not be able to find high octane 100% gas, and that would be OK. I wouldn't sweat it.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh please. That is one of our best kept secrets. And it keeps the thread alive. Mine ran fine on 87 with 10% ethanol here in Arkansas the last five years we rode Spyders.

 

[BajaRon]

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh please. That is one of our best kept secrets. And it keeps the thread alive. Mine ran fine on 87 with 10% ethanol here in Arkansas the last five years we rode Spyders.

To be fair, the OP's original question was "Will Using 87 Octane impact performance?". The answer is yes. Running a lower octane fuel than optimum will affect performance. This is a completely different perspective as to whether the Spyder runs fine on 87 octane. Of course it does. The computer is engineered to make adjustments for the lower octane fuel. This is exactly what the owners manual is attempting to convey. At least the rationally written copies.

It's like the oil question. People will ask what is the best oil to run in the Spyder. When this question is answered you always get those who say they have been using the manufacturer's XPS oil and their engine still runs fine. Which does not address the original question.

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh please. That is one of our best kept secrets. And it keeps the thread alive. Mine ran fine on 87 with 10% ethanol here in Arkansas the last five years we rode Spyders.

:thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

To be fair, the OP's original question was "Will Using 87 Octane impact performance?". The answer is yes. Running a lower octane fuel than optimum will affect performance. This is a completely different perspective as to whether the Spyder runs fine on 87 octane. Of course it does. The computer is engineered to make adjustments for the lower octane fuel. This is exactly what the owners manual is attempting to convey. At least the rationally written copies.

It's like the oil question. People will ask what is the best oil to run in the Spyder. When this question is answered you always get those who say they have been using the manufacturer's XPS oil and their engine still runs fine. Which does not address the original question.

My comment was intended to liven up the conversation a bit. Most everyone knows what I usually say about the subject. I have never tried to eke out every performance molecule from the Spyder, and was just another geezer enjoying his motorcycle, in his own way. It may have not been right on point, but I guess I am digressing from the subject.

Back to the original thread. :yes:

 

[BajaRon]

My comment was intended to liven up the conversation a bit. Most everyone knows what I usually say about the subject. I have never tried to eke out every performance molecule from the Spyder, and was just another geezer enjoying his motorcycle, in his own way. It may have not been right on point, but I guess I am digressing from the subject.

Back to the original thread. :yes:

I wasn't responding to anyone in particular. That's why I didn't imbed a quote. Just a generalization. People are free to say what they like (within protocols, of course). And opinions vary, as usual. Not having a problem with anyone or their opinion on this one.

 

[PMK]

As this topic and posts travel the path, the very obvious same logic dictates that without proof of associated value, a fool and his money is soon parted. And with this, since BajaRon makes mention of folks happily running BRP oil, are the monies wasted in buying Amsoil, as it could be considered too good, just the same as the person running high test fuel, that is not required.

The Blueknight, self admits running 87 octane, and Shell Rotella T6, purchased on sale, has become rolling proof that money is wasted on high octane fuel and Amsoil, knowing his own Spyder has the proven mileage as proof, the added expense is not required.

Perspective, and viewpoint are key elements of being focused, without focus, the words of the many posts here are simply a blurr.

 

[2dogs]

Remember those little tornado spinner gadgets for carburetors that guaranteed you an increase in MPG?

HA! remember the cow magnets? My wife was the DMV girl for a dealership back then. My son was about 5 five years old and she gave him all the cow magnets that came in on cars as trade-ins on new vehicles. He had a string of them longer than he was tall. LOL Oh, don't forget the deer whistles. They came in all shapes and sizes. Even the local sheriff's office fell for that one. They had them put on all the patrol vehicles. Nothing changed, cops were still hitting deer.

 

[racoon]

Remember those little tornado spinner gadgets for carburetors that guaranteed you an increase in MPG?

You can still buy them on eBay.


Oh, and I also found motorcycle fuel filters with magnets.
A 5-pack is only $3.99 with $4 shipping.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/183919008531

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

As this topic and posts travel the path, the very obvious same logic dictates that without proof of associated value, a fool and his money is soon parted. And with this, since BajaRon makes mention of folks happily running BRP oil, are the monies wasted in buying Amsoil, as it could be considered too good, just the same as the person running high test fuel, that is not required.

The Blueknight, self admits running 87 octane, and Shell Rotella T6, purchased on sale, has become rolling proof that money is wasted on high octane fuel and Amsoil, knowing his own Spyder has the proven mileage as proof, the added expense is not required.

Perspective, and viewpoint are key elements of being focused, without focus, the words of the many posts here are simply a blurr.

Maybe you haven't factored in a person's locality & where pinging might occur. Like when it's hot outside and you're climbing mountain passes. High octane helps this.
I know the computer is a marvel of technology on our Spyders and adjusts fuel delivery and timing to stop the pinging, but pinging has to occur before the computer can react. That's one reason why I use high octane 100% gas.
Secondly, some people's locality will include high humidity and Temps. That's also why I use high octane 100% gas. My Spyder lives in a very hot and humid garage during the summer and it's very cold in the Winter. I don't want my Injectors to form rust on the tips, or my fuel tank having moisture in it.
Thirdly, I don't let 3 more dollars a fuel up bother me. I could really care less. I'm having fun, and if 3 bucks ruins my day, I've got bigger problems to worry about.
So don't lump us all together with your assumptions of how we run our lives, maybe you're just not getting the whole picture here.
If someone wants to run their machine and not follow the manufactures recommendations I could care less, but I'll still decide the best way for me to go.

 

[Snoking1127]

Let's see: my 2021 F-150 2.7L Ecoboost can get over 24 MPG on 87 octane regular (think up to 10% alcohol) and that is 99% all that has been in it for 33,000 miles; my Kawasaki KRX 1000 SxS has run fine for over 4,000 miles on 87; and both of my 2018 Spyder RT's run fine on 87.

 

[700wolvy]

Here ya go. Next! https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/us/en/owner-zone/getting-started/vehicle-information/what-type-gas-3-wheel-motorcycle.html

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Here ya go. Next! https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/us/en/owner-zone/getting-started/vehicle-information/what-type-gas-3-wheel-motorcycle.html

Straight from the horses mouth. How could anybody argue with that.

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Lets see; my 2021 F-150 2.7L ecoboost can get over 24 MPG on 87 octane regular(think up to 10% alcohol) and that is 99% all that has been in it for 33,000 miles, my Kawasaki KRX 1000 SxS has ran fine for over 4,000 miles on 87, and both of my 2018 Spyder RT's run fine on 87.

Excellent. That's great.

 

[Allen42]

Now y'all have me wondering if I could switch down from 93 in my Lexus RX-450hl. Fill ups in that thing can get quite expensive, and gets about the same mpg as my Spyder, lol.