PilotDave
Dave Wilson
My dealer says it it OK to run 87 octane in the ST1300. What is the opinion and experience of ST owners? With 93 octane over $4, I would like to use something less expensive if appropriate. Thanks.
Gas octane
- Thread starter PilotDave
- Start date
Well, I fully understand the desire to use less expensive fuel but to put it in perspective for everyone I have the following example:
7.7 Gallons at 3.50/gallon = $26.95
7.7 Gallons at 4.00/gallon = $30.80
for a given mileage of 45mpg we can reach 346.5 miles (assuming we could use every drop of fuel).
The difference in $/mile from the cheaper gas at 3.50 and the more expensive at 4.00 is only $0.01/mile driven. One penny per mile difference.
That being said, I'm still interested in hearing the report on running 87 octane vs. 93 octane in the bike and how it responds.
7.7 Gallons at 3.50/gallon = $26.95
7.7 Gallons at 4.00/gallon = $30.80
for a given mileage of 45mpg we can reach 346.5 miles (assuming we could use every drop of fuel).
The difference in $/mile from the cheaper gas at 3.50 and the more expensive at 4.00 is only $0.01/mile driven. One penny per mile difference.
That being said, I'm still interested in hearing the report on running 87 octane vs. 93 octane in the bike and how it responds.
Tankereng
Site Supporter
I've heard that lower octane = lower mileage. I haven't tested this myself. Perhaps on the next tank. Just filled up this morning...
I haven't run lower octane, but I did notice slightly better mileage when I had higher (93) octane available. I think Ray's reasoning is sound. It's good to know that you can, but I'd only run regular if premium was unavailable.
I forget what it says in the manual but I know I can't run 87 in the '04 st1300.
It pings. Midgrade 89 works. YMMV with different unpublished ethanol blends.
It pings. Midgrade 89 works. YMMV with different unpublished ethanol blends.
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I've been running mid level octane, dont notice any difference in mpg, etc, on my 100mi daily commute.
Along those lines, what does the 1100 take?
My '93 1100 was happy with regular, which I believe was specified by Honda.
Whew, good. Last thing I need is feeding another vehicle with premium (I have a Maxima).
Yes, but if you have a long commute daily, the difference will add up. Using your example, that is an approx $12 a week difference I would have to spend for premium, for no discernable difference in performance. With my 100mi round tip daily commute, I wind up filling up generally every other day.
I have run regular many times, and can tell little difference.
I've been using the cheapest gas I can find in my ST1100. Shows no signs of rejecting it. I got 48.36 mpg on the last tankful.
some quick calculations...your commute is 100 miles a day..lets say 500 a week X50 weeks = 25000 miles a year assuming you can drive it everyday no matter what the weather.
assuming 40 mpg you will burn 625 gallons a year
If premium is .25 a gallon more than regular it will cost you $156.25 a year more for 93 octane gas.
For $3.12 a week the ST deserves high octane and you will probably get better mileage.
Just my .02 cents.
assuming 40 mpg you will burn 625 gallons a year
If premium is .25 a gallon more than regular it will cost you $156.25 a year more for 93 octane gas.
For $3.12 a week the ST deserves high octane and you will probably get better mileage.
Just my .02 cents.
I know of one gent who runs colder iridium plugs in his 1300 with regular gas and has had no problems and has good fuel miles...
YMMV..........
so what does a colder plug do?
mitch
YMMV..........
so what does a colder plug do?
mitch
So the US versions take 93?
My UK ST1300 tank notice/sticker says it requires minimum 95 Octane!
My UK ST1300 tank notice/sticker says it requires minimum 95 Octane!
I believe you calculate octane using a different formlula. You wouldn't *typically find anything over 93 in the US.
Some of the guys are right, you can run reg. and not notice any diff., most new bikes have anti-knock equip. in them. BUT just because you arn't hearing it doesn't mean that its good for the long run. And cooler weather is not as bad as hot when using reg.. M2C
timmybob4
06 ST1300a
Honda has nothing to gain by telling us to run premium. I'll side with their engineers and use 91 or higher.
I test rode a used 2005 ST1300 last fall from a dealer that had to have regular in it.
Every time I took off with more then normal acceleration it would ping. very irritating. Seems the knock sensor wasn't working or it would reset the ignition timing back to normal too quickly.
When you retard the ignition advance curve you get less power and mileage. Pure physics.
My baby gets 91.
Those with ST1100's use 87. it's what's called out for in the manual. any more isn't doing any good.
What bothers me is my CBR1100XX called for and I used regular. Worked great. MUCH higher performance engine. Why does the ST1300 need premium.?
Every time I took off with more then normal acceleration it would ping. very irritating. Seems the knock sensor wasn't working or it would reset the ignition timing back to normal too quickly.
When you retard the ignition advance curve you get less power and mileage. Pure physics.
My baby gets 91.
Those with ST1100's use 87. it's what's called out for in the manual. any more isn't doing any good.
What bothers me is my CBR1100XX called for and I used regular. Worked great. MUCH higher performance engine. Why does the ST1300 need premium.?
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