Gasoline. Unleaded or Premium?

[rmrc51]

Another fella I know has always used High Test in his Valk. He just wanted the best for his bike.

The few extra cents doesn't bother me and if it'll be better for the performance and overall engine/fuel system, I'd go for it.

What are all your thoughts?  ???

[sandy]

Don't waste your money. It doesn't help performance a bit. Maybe once every 6 months, add techron or Seafoam to keep the system clean. If you have to store it, add one of these and drive it a few miles to get it into the carb bowls before long term storage.

[asfltdncr]

The main differences between "high" test and unleaded regular is the ignition time.I've used regular since I owned mine with no apparent issues.The plugs seem the right color, it doesn't ping or hesitate in any way upon hard acceleration.I have had a 6% trigger wheel for  over 20k miles.
Take the difference and put it into other maintenance suggested.

[rmrc51]

Will do! 

[flatsixrider]

Why put in something better than what Honda calls for?  No need and a waste of money. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I can tell if I run lawn mower gas in my bike especially if I'm smokin' it in the mountains.

[Ricky-D]

The main thing premium gets me is more miles per gallon.  I have the 6 degree air lake wheel  and a k&n filter.  The best I can get is around 43 miles per gallon highway and 39 around town. Regular grade drops it by about  3 miles per gallon.

[Madmike]

 some info from Shell on octane ratings and what they refer to.........



http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=ca-en&FC2=/ca-en/html/iwgen/shell_for_motorists/carcare/about_fuels/zzz_lhn.html&FC3=/ca-en/html/iwgen/shell_for_motorists/carcare/about_fuels/encyclo_gasoline_octane.html

[Tundra]

I always use branded fuel., premium grade with detergent additive. Also the best synthetic oil. I'm like that with all my vehicles. Garbage in, garbage out. Same with your body and food. You get what you pay for. Many will disagree, that's ok, you can't change my mind, I worked for the oil Companies. You will also reap the benefits of a cleaner, more fuel efficient engine.

[Larry]

Honda tuned the engine for regular. If you've moded with a TW oyu may have to use a higher octane to prevent pinging but not necessarily. Around here reg gas at some stations is dirty and messes up the carbs so I burn premium for that reason. You'll have to figure it out. Check the plugs for colour and if right should be good to go. 

[X Ring]

But my question is what can i do to offset the loss of power and mileage caused by 10% ethanol?

[chrise2469]

But my question is what can i do to offset the loss of power and mileage caused by 10% ethanol?

That's the reason the only premium fuel I buy has  no ethanol.  My bike hates high ethanol- some sites claim 10% ethanol but the bike runs like it is 50% water.

Hopefully you can find a station that is ethanol free.

[N0tac0p]

I always use the mid-grade.

[MAragorn]

Premium gas in and of itself will not gain you any performance benefit.  The increased octane rating is there to prevent pre-ignition (knocking) that can cause significant damage. 

Many vehicles these days have knock sensors that adjust the timing to avoid these knocks.  These sensors can detect knocks you can't possibly hear.  When the timing is backed off to eliminate a knock, your performance will suffer.

I don't know enough about the Valks yet to know if they do have this kind of sensor.  if so, your performance could benefit from premium.

Either way, I use premium anyway just in case to avoid problems.

[John U.]

The least expensive thing you can do to pick up some MPG and/or power is the ECT mod (check Shop Talk). The mod will increase advance up to 10 dergrees until about 3400rpm. You can install a potentiometer switch to dial in as much as you want. You should use at least  mid grade to avoid pinging.

[rmrc51]

I know the fella who owned my trike before me used High Test from the first day and he was the original owner.  So, she's use to the blend I guess. I'll stay with the same grade just to keep things the way she's use to. 

[F-106]

Since i have had my valk i have kept a record on every take i have put in the bike. i have found that overall, my bike runs best on the 91 octang gas. now keep in mind our gas here in california is overly refined. so my bike may do the same on 87 in other states. but my records show 1-3 more miles per gallon on premium.