95 octane

[Biiker]

Newbie question... Africa Twin uses 95 octane right?

[robelst]

Yes. If you can find anything lower it will probably work fine as well (twin spark will take care of quick combustion and prevents pinking). There is no benefit whatsoever from getting high octane fuels, unless you retune the engine accordingly

[iswoolley]

If you can find anything lower it will probably work fine as well...

I saw some 72 octane on sale in Russia, but didn't take the opportunity to try it in the Africa Twin.

[Biiker]

So using 98 octane instead of 95 won't give the bike any boost?
I remember hearing someone saying that 98 should boost the engine...

So what are the best ways to get more performence?
Change air filter and exhaust? What else?

[Maverick]

So using 98 octane instead of 95 won't give the bike any boost?
I remember hearing someone saying that 98 should boost the engine...

Know for a fact my bike runs better on Shell optimum or whatever it's called. However for the price difference per tank of fuel and the "noticable difference" my local ASDA fuel works as well at a much better price.

I would think K&N airfilter, freeflow exhaust, better spark plugs and maybe rejet with dyna tune would give you better performance but again don't expect it to be a R1 or Haybusa because it just ain't design to do that. Save your £££ and go on a nice trip to Africa or somewhere which will outrun any story about how fast you went on a Sunday morning run.

My 2p worth

[robelst]

So using 98 octane instead of 95 won't give the bike any boost?
I remember hearing someone saying that 98 should boost the engine...

Not really. 98 has less tendency to self-ignite meaning the timing of the ignition can be set a fraction later without the risk of the engine to pink. This can be useful for some highly tuned engines. Obviously, the timing of ignition won't reset itself if you start using 98 so any engine designed to run 95 won't be able to benefit from that. Actually, 98 has more additives than 95 so it is better to use 95 if you can. And on an AT you can

[mal]

The petrol that Shell make is called Optimax,I've tried it a few times didn't notice much difference, it costs about £0.05 pence per litre more than unleaded, give it a try you might find it better than i did

[robelst]

The petrol that Shell make is called Optimax,I've tried it a few times didn't notice much difference, it costs about £0.05 pence per litre more than unleaded, give it a try you might it better than i did

I believe Shell Optimax is a RON 100 octane fuel. ADAC in Germany (organisation like the AA) have tested the stuff on cars that are designed to run 98 or higher and could not measure anything substantial in either performance or economy. Shell also claims it makes engines run cleaner, but I think it only cleans out your wallet more thouroughly
I tried Optimax on my Buell once (instead of 95) because it tends to pink a bit when it is really hot: It made no noticable difference, and did not resolve the pinking to any extent.

[Tikka]

Overhere its called Shell V power. Its 98 RON. Only in germany its 100 RON. Not really a difference. Heard someone explain that it works best in modern cars. It kind of tricks the pinkingsensor which changes the ignition a bit and so gets a little increase in power.

[iswoolley]

... Save your £££ and go on a nice trip to Africa or somewhere which will outrun any story about how fast you went on a Sunday morning run...

Wise words.