So me and a friend were arguing over what octane in necessary for bikes. I say 91 he says middle grade at the most. Is there a definite answer to this?

A side note: do i want to replace my rear tire with the OEM model or upgrade?

--'02 F4i

 

I'm pretty damn sure high octane (91+)...All sport 600's are high compression over 10:1 so 91octane is a must. Not really sure about v-twins. Lower compression such as 9:1 can get away with a lower grade.

 

It all depends on the bike and the compression. Some newer high compression bikes recommend anything over 91 but anything over 94 is way overkill and will hurt the performance of the bike. Some older bikes or less performance oriented will ride perfectly fine on middle or lower grade gas. So the definite answer you are looking for is that it depends on the bike the gas goes into.

As for the tire it all depends on your riding style and how big those chicken strips are...

 

The comp. ratio on my RR is 12:1. The manual requires atleast 89. I've HEARD you can use the lowest octane without pinging.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by eh3 93 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The comp. ratio on my RR is 12:1. The manual requires atleast 89. I've HEARD you can use the lowest octane without pinging.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I had a 600rr also and it requirs 91+, when the salesman went through the check list he even said 91..Those RR run hot *** ****, i could feel it through my jeans. I no longer have the manual so I can't check for myself.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ReBornGSR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> anything over 94 is way overkill and will hurt the performance of the bike</TD></TR></TABLE>

BS. Octane doesn't hurt you unless your running below the recommended octane for your bike or car specified in the manual. Octane rating is it's resistance to spontaneous ignition under pressure. Running 101 octance in a bike recommended for 91 doesn't hurt performance, if anything it's wasting money on gas.

 

Most recent sportbike require 91 octane or more... I only put premium(93) in my tank.... You might get by with mid grade but won't be good in the long run... is this about cost issue??? I hope not cause to fill up on premium its like $5..... anyways

As far as tires. I just got a new set of Pirelli Diablos. I had them half scrubbed and today my neighboor decided to go do some twisties so I went along... needless to say that they are officially scrubed.. REALLY NICE TIRES excellent feed back awesome grip. (that grip is with semi scrubbed) so I can't wait to see after they have more than 150 miles on them...

 

I have the manual, actually its says 86. I wouldnt trust a salesman over the manual. Some of the guys on the RR board have tried different octanes to try and cure the heating problem. Whether it be 87 or 91 didnt make a difference.

 

markymarc when you gonna buy my 2001 premium white pearl lude, it's only 20k..

 

Throw 91 or 93 (if you're special like us nj people) in your bike. The extra 20cents you end up paying is worth the reliability and performance you'll enjoy.

 

Thanks again for everyone who replied. Here in Utah 91 octane in my highest grade, and i will continue using it.

As for the tires, i was pleased with the old one and will go with it again (bridgestone).

 

I've ridden all Bridgestones so far (BT56 and BT010) and they've been good tires so far. I may try the Michilen Pilot Sports next, not sure.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VolpeOwnsU &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Throw 91 or 93 (if you're special like us nj people) in your bike. The extra 20cents you end up paying is worth the reliability and performance you'll enjoy.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I didnt know we were the only ones around that had 93. I guess jersey is good for something.

 

VA has 93 also so you aint that special. Only 93 octane goes in my bike.