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[SDCVO]

Last summer I got a slight "knock" on very hot days under the perfect conditions so I started using Lucas Octane Booster which seemed to help. I have been using it in every tank since but ran into a HD training tech that told me that they heard that the octane boost can leave a residue in the motor. He really didn't seem to be very certain of this and admittedly had very little experience.
What do you guys think? I have read many debates on whether octane boost really works or not but I always figured for the couple of bucks it cost per tank it was worth a shot and as I said it did seam to help. Any truth that I could be doing damage?

[mark]

Seems odd that HD would sell their own brand of octane booster if it's bad for their engines.

[ultrafxr]

Seems odd that HD would sell their own brand of octane booster if it's bad for their engines.

I would not be surprised by anything the moco would do to make a buck.  Look at all the performance stuff that is for 'race application' only that can void your warranty?  Good or bad if someone else has it and the moco can make a buck selling it vs having you buy it from their competition I think they would. 

[grc]

First, there are all kinds of "octane boost" products on the market.  Some (very few) actually do boost octane; they will be labeled for off road use only and are not street legal under federal law.  All the others you find at your friendly convenience store, Walmart, auto parts store, Harley dealership, or similar places tend to be a high profit rip-off that at best might increase octane a few tenths of a point when used in the prescribed amount.  Otherwise known as snake oil.  As for detrimental affects, since there are so many different brands of snake oil out there and most do not list all the ingredients, your guess is as good as anyone's.  Some may leave deposits, some may not.

The smartest thing to do is get the bike tuned to run on the fuel normally available and under the conditions where you have noticed problems, and forget all the additives.  If the tune is correct and all the sensors are working properly, the ECM should automatically adjust at extreme temps to prevent serious detonation.  Any additive that only costs a couple bucks per fill up is unlikely to contain enough real octane boosters to be much more than a placebo, and using the really high priced stuff can easily add up to the price of a tune over time.

Jerry

[SDCVO]

I have been using Lucas brand and when I say a couple of bucks (it retails for 6 bucks i think) its because I buy it in bulk. I did do quite a bit of research on all the brands available (including the HD) before buying and it did look like Lucas was the best on the market but who knows. I really don't mind the money part of the deal as long as there is not a down side. It (slight knock) did only happen once and it was on a very long washboard dirt road (yea, long story..) on a 110 degree day both of which will never happen again if I can help it!

[Twolanerider]

I have been using Lucas brand and when I say a couple of bucks (it retails for 6 bucks i think) its because I buy it in bulk. I did do quite a bit of research on all the brands available (including the HD) before buying and it did look like Lucas was the best on the market but who knows. I really don't mind the money part of the deal as long as there is not a down side. It (slight knock) did only happen once and it was on a very long washboard dirt road (yea, long story..) on a 110 degree day both of which will never happen again if I can help it!

So you're repeatedly spending money on a questionable fix for a one time isolated incident that has never recurred and you don't expect to ever reproduce the circumstances of?

Does Lucas Oil send out Christmas cards ?


Pay me no mind.  If you're comfortable with the use go for it.  It's your bike so screw anyone else's opinion .

[SDCVO]

So you're repeatedly spending money on a questionable fix for a one time isolated incident that has never recurred and you don't expect to ever reproduce the circumstances of?

Does Lucas Oil send out Christmas cards ?


Pay me no mind.  If you're comfortable with the use go for it.  It's your bike so screw anyone else's opinion .

No one has ever accused me of making smart or frugal decisions when it comes to my bike...

[Twolanerider]

No one has ever accused me of making smart or frugal decisions when it comes to my bike...

Oh geez I'm a member of that club.  Or would be if there was a club.  Instead of a club there should be a 12 step program...

[SDCVO]

Amen to that but dam- its fun...

[grc]

I have been using Lucas brand and when I say a couple of bucks (it retails for 6 bucks i think) its because I buy it in bulk. I did do quite a bit of research on all the brands available (including the HD) before buying and it did look like Lucas was the best on the market but who knows. I really don't mind the money part of the deal as long as there is not a down side. It (slight knock) did only happen once and it was on a very long washboard dirt road (yea, long story..) on a 110 degree day both of which will never happen again if I can help it!

There are millions of people who buy these boost products, just like there are millions of people who buy premium gas for vehicles that only require 87 or even less octane.  It's a testament to the power of marketing, whereby we are convinced to spend money on stuff we don't need or in some cases spend money on stuff that does nothing positive and may even be detrimental. 

Why not just run the fuel the MoCo specifies and only if you experience a persistent problem then seek a solution?  One instance of detonation in abnormal conditions is not what I'd consider a good reason to start throwing additives in the tank.  If you actually had a persistent problem, say due to the quality of the fuel available in your area, then I still say the best approach is to fix the tune, not pour in additives.  But to each his own as they say.  It's your bike and your money, and thus your choice.  I'm just flapping my gums for those who may be on the fence about using these products.

JMHO - Jerry

[Yellow09SERG]

Twolaner, could we get a new category started with the guidelines and beliefs for this 12 step program? Maybe group support there? Thinking a lot of us could use it....lol

David

[SDCVO]

There are millions of people who buy these boost products, just like there are millions of people who buy premium gas for vehicles that only require 87 or even less octane.  It's a testament to the power of marketing, whereby we are convinced to spend money on stuff we don't need or in some cases spend money on stuff that does nothing positive and may even be detrimental. 

Why not just run the fuel the MoCo specifies and only if you experience a persistent problem then seek a solution?  One instance of detonation in abnormal conditions is not what I'd consider a good reason to start throwing additives in the tank.  If you actually had a persistent problem, say due to the quality of the fuel available in your area, then I still say the best approach is to fix the tune, not pour in additives.  But to each his own as they say.  It's your bike and your money, and thus your choice.  I'm just flapping my gums for those who may be on the fence about using these products.

JMHO - Jerry

Your probably right but we do have lousy gas in CA which was why I was doing it. With that being said, i will stop it or go to using it once every 4 tanks or so until my "stash" is gone.

[HUBBARD]

Go buy 5 gal. of Torco, 112 Octane, (Purple Fuel), and keep a squirt bottle in the Bag.  5 gal. here in West "By God" Virginia, costs $27.45.  It costs less than the "snake oil" you buy at the local Auto Parts Store, smells good, and will convince your dumba$$ your Motorsickle is running a whole lot better.  There endeth the lesson.  Later--HUBBARD   

[SneakyPete]

Go buy 5 gal. of Torco, 112 Octane, (Purple Fuel), and keep a squirt bottle in the Bag.  5 gal. here in West "By God" Virginia, costs $27.45.  It costs less than the "snake oil" you buy at the local Auto Parts Store, smells good, and will convince your dumba$$ your Motorsickle is running a whole lot better.  There endeth the lesson.  Later--HUBBARD   

Until it blows up!

[HUBBARD]

Here, here!  I have been known to make one "give its milk", Pete!  She ran good while she was runnin'!  Later--HUBBARD