what octane do you use and do you think it shows in difference in performance?

You'll get many expert replies. But almost everyone agrees on one thing, use the lowest octane that won't cause spark knock. I've got 87 in mine now but it hasn't been on the road yet. Higher octane only suppresses preignition and won't add any performance, unless you're already spark knocking. These bikes are probably pretty resistant to spark knock in their stock state. Higher compression or a turbo needs higher octane. So in other words we can probably stick with the cheaper gas, if you can call it cheap.

Derek

I heard you're only supposed to use 92 octane if you have pinging.  Otherwise it's unnecessary and might be detrimental.  I also heard that all of the "Premium" and "Premium Plus" labeling was just a bunch of bogus hype that some marketing dept. cooked up after some newer cars(which will have ignition problems when running 87 or 89) came to market.  So now you have a reason to laugh when you hear people say stuff like "give her the good stuff", etc.

DerekNC beat me to it by...um...no minutes.   :mrgreen:

thanks guys

Use the recommended octane in the owners manual....higher octane is a waste of money and can reduce the performance....The only time high octane fuels are needed are when the ignition timing is advanced or if a power adder is added (turbo, nitrous)....you may also need a higher octane if higher compression is added to the engine...

But most bikes run best off 87 octane even with piping induction and a proper jet kit....If you do hear any pinging on 87 switch to the next available grade and maybe get your bike checked out....it should run best on the recommendation of 87 Regular....