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[TXGator]

I have a gas station close that offers a non-ethanol 90 octane vs. a sub 10% ethanol blend that is 93 octane.  Which is better for my CVO in the long run?

[FLSTFI Dave]

I use 93 with 10% ethanol over 90 pure gas in my Stock except exhaust and tune CVO.

On my built motor CVO king I use 93 pure gas most the time as I know the places that sell it in the greater area I live.  When I take it in a trip, I run 93 with 10% ethano if I have to add octain buster.

[CVO Couple]

non-ethanol is always better especially in humid climates or storage conditions. Ethanol absorbs water and that what causes some problems. The fuel system components are designed to handle a certain amount of it.

[Cat Eye]

I would run the 90 nonethanol and if the bike doesn't ping....there's your answer.

[TXGator]

Appreciate the info...  I figured that they were set up to handle a minimal amount but figured that the straight gas was better.. Think I will run the 90 and just add an octane boost..

[Dr.D]

What recommendation does Harley make about the octane requirements? A stock motor may do fine on 90 octane but a high compression built motor may need 93. I choose the 93 with 10%etoh over the 90 without. There is no argument that straight gas is better but I can not find 93 oct. pure.

[TXGator]

someone posted this on another thread..  Maybe it will help..

http://pure-gas.org/

[CVO Couple]

Look for a marina or where a lot of boating places or an airport for ethanol and higher octane.

[2 ROSE]

Look for a marina or where a lot of boating places or an airport for ethanol and higher octane.

I didn't know I could buy fuel at a marina or airport for my harley...

[grc]

What recommendation does Harley make about the octane requirements? A stock motor may do fine on 90 octane but a high compression built motor may need 93. I choose the 93 with 10%etoh over the 90 without. There is no argument that straight gas is better but I can not find 93 oct. pure.

Harley recommends 91 octane (R+M/2).  Straight gasoline isn't necessarily "better", btw.  There really is no such thing as "straight" gasoline available on the open market; what all refineries sell contains many additives.  Ethanol is just one such additive.

Jerry

[CVO Couple]

I didn't know I could buy fuel at a marina or airport for my harley...

They will sell it to anyone. It usually cost more because its made for a smaller market.

[Beak Boater]

Look for a marina or where a lot of boating places or an airport for ethanol and higher octane.

Most marina fuel, at least where I am in Fl, is 90 octane non-ethanol. Its marketed as Rec 90. Its below Harleys recommended octane of 91. Be careful running Av-gas if you have 02 sensors, the 100LL is leaded and you 02 sensors will not like it.

[Ridgerunr]

I wouldn't worry about it. Run the 93 you can find easily and if the bike is going to sit for a couple weeks or longer, add some fuel stabilizer.

[Dr.D]

Harley recommends 91 octane (R+M/2).  Straight gasoline isn't necessarily "better", btw.  There really is no such thing as "straight" gasoline available on the open market; what all refineries sell contains many additives.  Ethanol is just one such additive.

Jerry

Thanks and again Dragnet style, "just the facts man".

I wouldn't worry about it. Run the 93 you can find easily and if the bike is going to sit for a couple weeks or longer, add some fuel stabilizer.

x2 This is what i do and one tank of 90 ain't gonna kill ya motor.

[TXGator]

Sounds good to me.  I just wanted to make sure I was taking the best care I can.  I can afford to ride it but don't want to cut into that with having to repair it if avoidable.

Thanks again for each of your responses and insight.

Wayne