What octane fuel should I be using?

[Guest]

1982 GS1100GL

I've been using regular gas, should I be using something stronger or is that ok?

[Nessism]

Regular is good unless the engine is knocking. Move up a grade if that is the case. On an engine that does not knock running the more expensive fuel adds zero value.

[JEEPRUSTY]

I use regular gas an never had a problem
I throw a tank of Shell premium in once and a while for the illusion of cleaner carbs and valves.

[mrbill5491]

What does your manual say? 86 or higher? My bike knocks like a *itch with 86 at the altitude here (3,800+ft).

[jbird7262]

Up where I live, Liberty gas sells ethanol free regular, its a major stop off for everyone going to Summit Point raceway, thats all I run in my bike and small engines. I always keep a shot of "starbrite" fuel additive handy for the other stations as well.

[bille]

Thanks guys, I haven't heard any engine knocking so I guess I will stick with regular. As a side note, I don't have a manual, I just got this bike and I was 7 years old when it was made (1982).

[Steve]

I've been using regular gas, should I be using something stronger or is that ok?

Believe it or not, "regular" gas is stronger.

I forget the actual numbers, but "regular" gas has more BTUs per gallon than "premium".

.

[cowboyup3371]

Go get your manual here at Basscliff's site - http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff

[83GS850L]

I always use Premium Non-Ox in my bikes, or any thing similar like a 4 wheeler.
Let me clarify, atleast here, octane rating like 91 or 93 isnt the same as Non-Ox, Premium Non-Ox is only available @ 2 stations near me here in SE, MN.
I am not sure what blend other states have but MN thinks adding food to our fuel is a good idea...... IMO, bad idea. That arguement is for another time.

I am sure this topic has been debated on every motorsports forum on the internet, so its a blah to argue about regarding performance gains.
That being said, with non-ox i have never had carb issues, nor have i had tank corrosion issues, or winter fuel storage issues, like i have had with regular fuel.

[GSX1000E]

89 octane in the stock 8.8-9.2:1 compression ratio's that are used in these GS air cooled engines.
Higher octane if you have added a higher compression ratio big bore kit.
The human ear cannot hear detonation until it is way past causing engine damage.
That is why most modern engines have a built in knock sensor. If YOU have super human hearing, don't worry about it.

[Gooner]

Over here in the UK we can get standard unleaded at 95 Ron or super at 97.
just been discussing with the mechanic in local bikes shop and he recommends that all bikes should use super as the lower grade now contains more ethanol which will attack 'o' rings and rubber seals inside carbs?
he also went onto state that he had seen bikes with plastic tanks expand when removed from bike for cleaning?
I use standard in my GS but have recently had issues with fuel being contaminated.
what do you think?