Triumphrat

greenman · 03-09-2005

Is anyone using extra super expensive unleaded? I just put my first tankful in (at 95p/litre) ant first impressions are that it runs better.

I know some engine management systems are sophisticated enough to adjust themselves for higher grade fuel, but I can't see Triumph going to that expense- pre-ignition and knock detection sensors etc.

Interested to hear your experiences.

Dave

BigStripey · 03-09-2005

I have run my bike exclusively on BP 'Ultimate' unleaded since i got it new. All i can say with any certainty is :

1) I notice the difference if i am forced to fill up with another type of unleaded. The response is not so sharp.

2) The top end of the engine is spotless!, Valve stems and exhaust ports are very clean after 14,000 miles.

I dont think that there is any difference in fuel consumption however ??? It's certainly not any worse......

Timtiger · 03-09-2005

I am with BigStripey. I always use Premium unleaded using either BP or Mobil. I never use Shell fuel - it is bad and leaves residues in your motor.
I think the small price difference (in Oz it is about $1.50 per tank) is worth the better performance and smoother running. It is worth noting that fuel in different countries varied widely in terms of Octane rating and additives.

tango · 03-10-2005

Yep I use super every fill, except the last one, garage didn't sell it.
I immediatly noticed a difference in the bike, just wasn't as crisp as it normaly is.

I use Shell almost exclusively, it's all that's sold locally.
When the bike was getting its 12k service I asked the mech what the head was like, and he assured me it was fine, but I'll check it myself at 18k

doitright · 03-10-2005

Quote:

I know some engine management systems are sophisticated enough to adjust themselves for higher grade fuel, but I can't see Triumph going to that expense- pre-ignition and knock detection sensors etc.

Are there anyone who knows about the ignition system? Does our bike have "knock-sensor"?

BigStripey · 03-10-2005

I don't know for sure about the preignition sensor, but i think there is a knock sensor in the system
Don't underestimate the complexity of the E.C.U and fuel injection set up on the Tiger. Sagem, the french company that makes the systems are renowned for producing some pretty good systems.

At £1,100 to replace the ECU alone!, they are obviously not just a few circuit boards and an AAA battery :razz:

Beyond that... i choose to remain blissfully ignorant of what goes on that little silver box! :razz:

BigStripey · 03-10-2005

I don't know for sure about the preignition sensor, but i think there is a knock sensor in the system
Don't underestimate the complexity of the E.C.U and fuel injection set up on the Tiger. Sagem, the french company that makes the systems are renowned for producing some pretty good systems.

At £1,100 to replace the ECU alone!, they are obviously not just a few circuit boards and an AAA battery :razz:

Beyond that... i choose to remain blissfully ignorant of what goes on that little silver box! :razz:

Diego · 03-10-2005

> Are there anyone who knows about the ignition system? Does our bike have "knock-sensor"?

No. The only sensors feeding the ECM are for intake air temperature, barometric pressure, crankshaft position, exhaust oxygen, coolant temperature, throttle position, neutral switch, side stand switch, and clutch switch. It's not possible to infer the presence of knock from any of those.

Fuel quality can vary widely from dealer to dealer, and even from grade to grade at the same dealer. (I suspect there may be even more performance variation in areas where fuel contains an oxygenation additive, which seems as if it might affect the system's perception of air/fuel ratio.) I've been fortunate around here in having no difference when using Chevron's high octane or their mid-range.

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2005-03-10 11:23 ]

Diego · 03-10-2005

> Are there anyone who knows about the ignition system? Does our bike have "knock-sensor"?

No. The only sensors feeding the ECM are for intake air temperature, barometric pressure, crankshaft position, exhaust oxygen, coolant temperature, throttle position, neutral switch, side stand switch, and clutch switch. It's not possible to infer the presence of knock from any of those.

Fuel quality can vary widely from dealer to dealer, and even from grade to grade at the same dealer. (I suspect there may be even more performance variation in areas where fuel contains an oxygenation additive, which seems as if it might affect the system's perception of air/fuel ratio.) I've been fortunate around here in having no difference when using Chevron's high octane or their mid-range.

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2005-03-10 11:23 ]

greenman · 03-12-2005

If the ECU does not adjust automatically to take advantage of higher octane fuel can the map be adjusted to exploit this opportunity?

Its just that I will probably (eventually, knowing me) fit a Triumph sports can and K&N filter, so it would make sense to have the ECU programmed for that combination.

Meanwhile I'll get used to the premium price (local garages have BP Ultimate or Shell Optimate) then revert to the usual Texaco and see if I notice the difference, as Bigstripey & Tango.

Thanks for the feedback.

Dave