Triumphrat

stmike · 03-26-2006

I just made a deal on a new black S3 today, and will pick it up on Wednesday. I suppose this topic has been covered before, but I used the search engine and nothing came up. I generally put 91 octane in my bikes, unless it's a Japanese bike that doesn't call for it, and I'm wondering what grade of fuel is required in the Speed Triples. BTW, this seems like a great forum, and I'm looking forward to being here for a long time.

2bugeyez · 03-26-2006

I've used 91 in my '01 since new. Runs great.

DaFris · 03-26-2006

I´m always going for the 98.pump when I´m filling up.....

Catenaccio · 03-26-2006

I've burned regular in both my bikes when no higher grade gas was available. However, neither bike ran as strong. I don't know if they "pinged" as the wind noise and exhaust masked any mechanical sounds. I think it's best to go with the high test - always.

Geof3 · 03-26-2006

I think running the highest grade possible is the best bet. I run 91 in mine, as I am high altitude and there are only a couple of stations that have 93. I haven't tried it yet in the bike though.

miker · 03-27-2006

Don't know how the numbers convert to what you get where you are.

We have 91 Octane, 95 Octane and 98 Octane. I use 95, as it's a little cheaper and runs no worse than the 98. In hot weather the 91 pings a little in my '99 S3.

Mick

vinnyf · 03-27-2006

Cheers, Stmike,

Welcome to the S3 club - good luck with your new toy!

Owner's manual says your bike likes 89 octane - usually the mid grade in most stations. You could probably get by with regular, (87 octane), especially in the cooler weather, but it just ain't that much more for the right stuff. Ride safely, I'm sure you'll LOVE your triple!

crashmasterd · 03-27-2006

I run exclusively 87 octane, known here as "Regular Unleaded". It works just fine. My bike does not ping, which is the only reason you would need to run a higher octane rating.

90 or above octane in an engine designed for 89 is just money down the drain, and this is a well established scientific fact. If the bike does not Ping or knock, it doesn't need a higher octane. Believe what you want. Before reading these articles, remember that the Speed Triple has Map based fuel injection, that does not include a knock sensor like many cars. Therefore, some of the information here does not apply. However, there is consensus by the experts. Your vehicle does not need a higher octane than that specified by the manual.

The straight dope: Octane

Wikipedia: Octane Rating

Federal Trade Commission: Consumer advice on Octane levels.

Better Business Bureau: Octane

amberale · 03-27-2006

Interesting question.

I picked my 06 up last Saturday.

The Australian owners manual recomends 95 octane.

I use BP ultimate [98] in most of my engines as they have relatively high compression ratios [ eg 12.5:1 ] but if they don't need it, yes it's a waste of money and can damage your engine[ or so I'm told].

I wonder if the Oz models run a different map due to different emission laws and compliance regulations?

Legman · 03-27-2006

Australia and Europe use a different standard to measure octane rating to the US. In OZ and Europe Triumph recommend minimum 95 octane rating. In the US they recommend minimum 91 octane (by the US standard) At least I think it is 91. But the fuels are the same despite the different rating methods. Google "Octane Rating" and you will find plenty of information explaining the different methods of rating.