Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Low octane gas Low octane gas
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Dec 2004
NCR NCR is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
Low octane gas
Hi,

Going to Africa with my XR650R next year.

The owner manual states that only +98 octane gas can be used. This may be dificult to find in some African countries ;-)

Is there a solution?? Shall I add something to the gas???

Thanks and regards,

NCR
__________________
Regards,

NCR
Lisboa, Portugal
http://ncr2006.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
don't sweat it! we've ridden from Cape Town to Addis on 90 octane without drama. sure, you get some black smoke and we're only doing 100kmh on/off tar, but your bigger problem is going to be your butt - mine hurts!!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Jul 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Golden, Colorado, USA
Posts: 2
Is there any long term issues that you've found using a lower grade gas? Build-up in the carb, tank sludge?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,051
I have an older XL600R and it too runs problem free on any low octane gas . The problem to be expected from lower octane fuel is detonation , pre ignition, pinging. This can all be avoided by modifying your use of the throttle hand.No sudden full throttle bursts to get up speed, just slowly ease up and shift up through the gears to lessen the burden on the motor which should be kept spinning at its comfort zone. If you do detect the noise of detonation immediately shift to a lower gear.
Burning low octane gas should not entail black smoke ,this simply means the carb adjustment is off a bit, or the choke/mixture enricher is still on.
You can thus work around the low octane feul by being attentive to the motor sounds . High octane is only of benefit for high compression motors, it does not burn hotter or cleaner, .It just puts out more power because you can pack more air into the combustion chamber with higher compression
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Danmark
Posts: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCR View Post
Hi,

The owner manual states that only +98 octane gas can be used. This may be dificult to find in some African countries ;-)

NCR
Talk to a workshop. I don't know your particular model, but if the ignition timing can be changed, this will give you a little less horsepower, but also less sensitivity to detonation/pinging because of low octane fuel.
Maybe the compression ratio can be lowered, by f.x. an extra topgasket, giving the same effect

But as already mentioned, going easy on the gas and changing gear when pinging, will take you a long way too.

Poul
__________________
Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:36.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top