Posted by Hogryder on April 12, 2001 at 18:53:14:
In Reply to: Fuel? posted by Amy on April 11, 2001 at 19:07:27:
My Savage always runs better and gets better milage on higher octane fuel. DO NOT burn "gasohol", the engine is not designed for it.
Lower octane gas can "explode" in the cylinder before the spark ignites it as the piston reaches the top of the stroke, especially when the engine is hot. This causes the "knocking" sound and can damage the engine. You will notice it more on hot days or when you've been doing a lot of slow riding, going up hills, or sitting at stop lights.
Low compression automobile engines are designed to run on low octane fuel. Motorcycle engines are designed to operate at higher compression ratios and use higher octane fuel. They will run on the cheap stuff, but do you really want to risk engine damage for 20-30 cents a tank?
Ride free and treat your bike right.