Is anyone running regular octane gas.

MZEMS2 said:

This....fresh fuel is more important to me that the octane these days.

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With all the ethanol that is in today's fuel it does not have a long shelf life like in the days past. And that is very important.

Blrfl said:

So then there's the burning question: Who's done a teardown and inspected the valves and pistons?

--Mark

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That, I have not done. But I'm willing to have a qualified person do that for the sake of the group.

Skip

I know car ignition systems detect knocking and retard the ignition to avoid engine damage. Retarding the ignition reduces performance. If the ST1300 uses the same technology, using a lower octane fuel means you're accepting lower performance under conditions which cause knocking (i.e. pinging or pre ignition). My KTM's will knock noticeably with lower octane Mexican gas under heavy loads at moderate rpm's such as when riding deep sand. I assume the ST1300 will knock (without electronic intervention) under heavy load moderate rpm conditions like when riding with a passenger. I don't know if the ST is more or less prone to pre ignition than my KTM's. FWIW I use 91 octane all the time as I'm more concerned with smiles vs. $$$ per gallon. Not to mention pistons with no extra holes in them. Plus in Montana much of the premium gas is alcohol free.