Octane level / Introduction

[06GSF]

First I wanted to say hi to everyone.  I'm a newbie on the forum and a new GSF owner.  I've had it for a little over a month now (bought brand new off the show-room floor). When I drove it off the lot it had .7 miles on it... I have since added another 1000+.  The miles really add up when your out enjoying a nice spring country ride!  I had a 95 Ninja ZX6 for a couple of years, but I sold it when I joined the US Marine Corps in '97 and have been wanting another bike ever since!  The rising price of fuel helped push my decision into finally getting another bike and I've been loving it ever since!  I was nervous originally going with a 500, but I don't regret it at all now that I've had the opportunity to enjoy it!  Who really needs to go 0 - 100 in less than 10 secs? 

My two year old son and my Bike!



On to my question... I've always put 92/93 octane when I've filled it up, but after running dangerously low trying to find a gas station on a country ride (after flipping to the reserve no less) I discovered the mom and pop place I had finally found only carried 87 octane.  I had no choice but to put it in and hope for the best.  After a hundred + miles on this fuel, I've noticed spitting and sputtering going on... Is this because of the low grade fuel and if so should I empty the tank and put in the good stuff or will it be ok to run it out and then switch back to the good stuff?

Or is there something else that could be the culprit?

[trumpetguy]

Suzuki says use regular fuel.  Higher octane is wasted.  You may have gotten some gas with water in it, but your problems aren't due to low octane fuel.

I have never used anything but regular.  No issues.

[scottpA_GS]

Welcome!

+1 on the gas... I never put anything other than 87 

[ohgood]

Hey, welcome to the forum. Ya kid's beautiful, and ya bike is nice n clean. Enjoy it, maintain it and it will last a nice long time.

87 is better for the gs. The higher octane fuel (higher octane doesn't burn as thoroughly or cleanly) is only for high compression engines.

Enjoy the miles

[spc]

I joined the US Marine Corps in '97

Welcome to the board, nice clean bike, cute kid.   I'm down here next to the Marine breeding ground/Recruit Depot, whatever the hell you want to call that island.  Could you please tell your brethren to stop trying to kill themselves on brand new liter bikes with nothing but a reflective vest, flip flops, swim trunks and a pair of oakleys on?   (that's my brash way of saying I hope you wear your gear)

[pjm204]

I am glad I found this thread, all this time I have been running premium when I could have been running regular. Maybe I'll go in the middle and get plus? haha. Anyway, looks like it will cost a little less now.

[ben2go]

Problem with small fuel station is there volume level or lack of.They're tanks are filled less often and set half empty or less for weeks.This allows for condensation to form in there tanks.Then a patron comes along and buys their fuel and the water is passed on to you.The reason I know the place is low volume because they only carry one grade of fuel.The place my girl friend is from(KY) is the same way.Her truck and my car won't run there gas.Every time I've fueled up there I had to drain the tanks when we get back home.I fueled up at a mom n pops up there and bought nearly a gallon of water with the fuel.Almost didn't make it home after that.

[06GSF]

Well looks like I've been wasting $$$ on the supposedly better gas!  Thanks everyone for the clarifications and responses!

[scratch]

Welcome!  And, thank you for your service.  Are you still in?

[06GSF]

No I am no longer in.  I did my 4 and got out! Sometimes I miss it, but then I remember those small paychecks and I would never be able to support my family on those.

[yamahonkawazuki]

I joined the US Marine Corps in '97

Welcome to the board, nice clean bike, cute kid.   I'm down here next to the Marine breeding ground/Recruit Depot, whatever the hell you want to call that island.  Could you please tell your brethren to stop trying to kill themselves on brand new liter bikes with nothing but a reflective vest, flip flops, swim trunks and a pair of oakleys on?   (that's my brash way of saying I hope you wear your gear)

same as teh army guys, terry lol

[spc]

I guess I can't even say anything seeing as I'm out too.

OP:  I get that urge to go back in on occasion too.  Fortunately, if I cave I have no family to support, just a really needy bike.