2 newbie quesstions - fuel and sprocket

[bman40]

Hello all!

I have wanted a motorcycle since 1982, when I had a deposit down on a yamaha 175 enduro and backed out of the deal.  I have been riding a 50cc scooter for three years, and on thursday  I will be the new owner of a 1989 GS500E.  Pretty good shape, and just what I need for commuting (that's what I told my wife anyway...)

I have two questions:

1. What grade of gas do y'all recommend?

2. Why would I want to change the front sprocket - other than wear, is there an efficiency or performance benefit?

Thanks

Barry Richmond BC Canada

[ohgood]

Gas = whatever burns, 85 does.

Sprocket = change down the front for easy wheelies and faster starts. Just don't forget it will be screaming at interstate speeds.

Congrats on the new bike !

[Jay_wolf]

I believe its called 88 octane , its the cheapest gas id guess, and that the gs doesnt need high octane fuel as they designed for weaker

increasing the front sprocket by one tooth , makes it rev lower , so a slightly higher top end, and better MPG
dropping a tooth to 15 , with make it rev higher than it would before , increasing acceration and torque in the the lower ranges

feel free to correct me anyone!

[CndnMax]

from what ive seen 89 octane is 10cents a gal more and 91 octane is 20 cents more then regular(85). soo filling up 3 gal cost u 30-60 cents more not a big deal go with which ever makes u feel better haha.

[makenzie71]

I usually put the higher grade stuff in because:

It's not that much more expensive.

Local station fills that tank less often, which means there's less debris floating around in the fuel.

It makes me look high class.

Full exhaust + intake + timing retard = knock on the cheap stuff.  The GS is a bit milder than the CX, though, so the cheapo stuff should work for you all around.