87 or 91 Octane?

[vulcans2]

Just wondering if anyone runs 87 octane gasoline in their 1700 engine. If so, have there been any problems with pinging or knocking? Gas is getting expensive(er) and filling up 2 bikes every time we go riding gets spendy, so if I can save a couple bucks, that would be good. Otherwise, I'll just bite the bullet and burn 91 octane gas. Thanx.

[nomad38028]

I run the 91 all the time. , I "bite the bullet" and keep on riding...LOL

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Since gas prices have gone up so much I have started using 87. I do have the Cobra FI2000R fuel processor though. Without that you would need to run at least 90.

With the Nomad, I ran 91 + most of the time. Sometimes, I would put 89 in it, and had no problems, but as an example, if 91 is 20 cents higher than 89, you are only saving one dollar per fill up. I know that may add up over time. Like, Gene said, a fuel processor will make 87 more doable.

[cactusjack]

You can run whichever grade doesn't make your bike ping. If it runs okay on 87, then no problem. Try a tank of 87 and see, it's the only way you're going to find out.

[pirate]

I have the 1600 engine, but just to toss my 2 cents in, I have run 87 before without any problems. I have V & H baggers but no processor. Like CJ said, just try and see what works. Most of our gas here is 89, but 87 has worked with no problems.

[flightdoc]

I have a 1600 and am able to use 87 when the weather stays cooler. When it gets hot ( 80 degrees or higher) I have to switch to 89 or 91 to keep it from pinging. It kind of pisses me off that the book says 87 octane is recommended but I need 89/91 most of the time. My bike is completely stock.

vin

[Sin City Stan]

1700 Nomad
Below 80 degrees 87 has worked fine.
Below 105 it's 89
Over 105, yes I ride when it's that hot, 91.

That being said, it took a couple years of trial and error to figure this out for my style of riding. I tend to use a gear higher than most people. Rode a 100 miles with the cruise on at 50-53 mph last Saturday. All of it in 5th gear. (that's the first OD gear on a 1700 to you 1600 guys) Mostly flat with a few hills and allot of constant radius sweepers. A very enjoyable Saturday. Also, for the whole day (245 miles) got 40.3 MPG riding 2 up. A very rare occurrence on a 1700.

[sakirider]

I have an 2009 1700 Nomad and have a little more than 30,000 miles. I have been using 87 octane since the first day I purchased the bike. No problems so far. I rode to Northern Arizona and that was about the 7,000 foot level and no problems. I don't plan on changing to higher octane.

[ringadingh]

I too get by on 87 octane, If it doesn't ping there is no reason to use the higher octane fuels.

[Jared]

I use the cheap stuff too. No problems.

[vulcans2]

Well, it looks like an experiment to conduct. Thanks for the input guys.

[ponch]

What does the owner's manual say? I never could run less than 91 or it would ping, but that was my bike. For the 1600, I believe Kawasaki suggests 90 or better. I have no idea what the 1700 requires.

[peterdarby]

I run 87 in my 1700 with no pinging at temps from 100 to 25.

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by flightdoc

I have a 1600 and am able to use 87 when the weather stays cooler. When it gets hot ( 80 degrees or higher) I have to switch to 89 or 91 to keep it from pinging. It kind of pisses me off that the book says 87 octane is recommended but I need 89/91 most of the time. My bike is completely stock.

vin

My 07 Nomad says it needs 91. Stamp is on the gas cap. Are you sure your 1600 book says 87?