Which octane gas?

[Cyclejohn]

Hi,

John here. In the previous 2 1st gen Valks that I owned I ran 87 octane gas in both and they ran great.

I now own a '14 Valk (purchased last week with 0 miles). I'm not familiar with the bigger fuel-injected Goldwing engine (yet, that will change) as far as required octane. I know the owner's book calls for 86 PON (pump octane number).

My question is: Can I run the 87 octane (cheapest at the pumps) that I always ran in my 1st gen Valks. I did try using the search feature but couldn't find the definitive answer I was looking for.

Thanks,
John

[Kidd]

yes , 87 is fine

what year and  color and what did you pay for your Valk

I have a 2014 white one , paid $13K

[hubcapsc]

It probably says in the owner's manual. I just looked through the service
manual and didn't find it.

87 is the right thing, higher octane would be a waste, and maybe
not even as good.

-Mike

[Verismo]

My theory about the higher octane gases is that they burn hotter and therefore speed engine wear.  Some twins call for them, but I think the owner's manual for ours only calls for 87 and above, so considering our wide power band and linear(ish) torque curve, I don't think the performance gains outweigh the additional engine wear.  But I've never tested this theory explicitly.

I've heard that ethanol free gas provides a performance advantage, but have not experienced this for myself.

[hungryeye]

HD and BMW specify premium, they will ping/knock without it especially in hot weather, The manual says minimum 87 or 89can't remember which but it is in your manual. I always use regular in all Goldwings I've owned, never a ping. My 14 Valk gets 42 mpg constantly.

[Cyclejohn]

Thank You Kidd, hubcapsc, Verismo, and hungryeye,

for your responses. That is what I needed to know from folks that have already been there/done that.

I did mention in my opening post that I read the owner's book and it called for 86 PON. I didn't want to Google 86 PON when the best answer possible could come from people (y'all) with actual experience.

As I mentioned, it is a '14 in the fastest color (black, unless of course you have a different color, and then it is the fastest) and the dealer's hanging tag attached to it was $9999. With tax, tag, title, dealer prep, and freight, it came to $11,082 out the door so I went out the door with it. It is not the ABS version. I purchased it at TriangleCycles in Danville, Va.

[hungryeye]

You could have gone down to Cycle Center in Asheboro NC and rode out the door with a black non ABS brand new for $10,750. I took the red one on 4/15. Sales tax on MV in NC is 3% as you may know. Virginia must have 6%, about $300 is difference between your price and mine...

[Verismo]

You're welcome, Cyclejohn, and congratulations on your new bike! Hope you love it and have many happy miles!

[Robert]

Have used premium since I bought it, dont have to use it because you all are correct in 87 is ok. Knock sensors may retard the timing if they hear any ping and not give you as much power. And no my engine didn't melt down from the increased heat. In fact most 2 cycle mfgs recommend premium in their engines. Not that has much relevance with the current conversation.

[Verismo]

Lmao, I wasn't implying that the engine would melt, Robert, but being that heat is a primary factor in wear, that added heat would speed wear over time.

[Robert]

Lmao, I wasn't implying that the engine would melt, Robert, but being that heat is a primary factor in wear, that added heat would speed wear over time.

Wow thank goodness I was worried for a moment there 

There is little difference in energy content of regular versus premium gasoline. They both contain about 111,400 BTUs of energy per gallon. Premium burns a bit slower so actually it could be argued that there is more heat in regular than premium especially if it detonates early. But actually the heat is so small that it is irrelevant or a non issue. The heat would have to be something so high that the cooling system couldn't handle it. Most modern engines are comfortable at 210 but most run 195 to 205 for emissions.

[ledany]

If we talk about the same thing, in France we have 95 (less and less), usually 95-E10 (for 10% ethanol) and pricey 98. The forums are endlessly comparing 98 and 95, people say that the 98 makes the bikes run better but as long as I don't see any difference 95-E10 is my standard. I'd love to avoid the 95-E10 for ecological reasons and use 95 but 95-E10 is the one you find everywhere here. 

[dans2014]

  I run premium because the refineries add more of the good additives than the other 2 grades. Shell premium is my favorite. These bikes do great on gas, use the best!! and be happy