Gas Additive + Octain

[Bweiner]

Hello all,
I tried the search function, but it seems to be getting hung up (prolly my computer), so I will post...
Does anyone add anything to their gasoline to negate the effects of the ethanol content? Also, what octain gas are you all running in your valks? 

Thanks,
Ben

[Valker]

Mine is stock, so I run the lowest octane I can find.

[JetDriver]

The most popular additive on this forum is seafoam.  It works great as a stabilizer and also will help dissolve varnish and gunk in the carbs.  I use it when I put the bike away for the winter, and maybe a tank or two in the spring.  Other than that, unless you've got a problem, there's no real reason for an additive.  As far as gas, Honda calls for 87 octane and, unless it's modified, 87 octane does great.

[cookiedough]

JBB is right on the money.  I have tried running on my stock I/S a full tank of 93 octane (no ethanol) with lucas fuel treatment/octane boost.  I will never do that again.  My Valk revved at idle well over 900 rpms, more like 1200 rpms at idle and never a constant idle constantly up and down on the rpms.  The bike also did not seem to like running 60 mph+ on 93 octane either.  87 octane even with 10% ethanol works just fine with an occassional 16oz. bottle to 1/2,1/4 bottle of seafoam if gunked up carbs or for fuel stabilizer/treatment winter storage for sure to use.  I've also used mystery marvel oil as recommended on bottle in the gas tank and it helped I think and others have used techron although they say techron is stronger than MMV and seafoam.

[Chicago Mark]

As others have said, Sea Foam in the Spring and for winter storage. Other than that they run great on the low priced gas. With gas prices being so high these days, I suspect the low octane stuff is very fresh while the mid and high grades linger in the tanks for quite a while. Fresh gas will always perform better than the stale stuff as well.

All the best,

Mark

[Challenger]

I usually buy the 87 unless the 89 is cheaper. I've checked almost every tank of gas that I put through my STD and 87 always gives the better mileage by 1 or 2. and I add a little seafoam once in a while. I tryed the 93 a couple of times for grinns & giggles, saw no difference.

[ossvalk]

MMO a few ounces a few times over the summer in a tank of gas use the rest in the lawn mower

In the winter I put half a can of seafoam every other tankful of gas because the bike is not always ridden every week

Dont think it is necessary but it feels good to me to pamper the Valkyrie once in a while, like waxing it to a shine, it dont make it run better just feels better

anduse the 87 unless you have an advanced timing trigger wheel

YMMV

[Valker]

Dont think it is necessary but it feels good to me to pamper the Valkyrie once in a while, like waxing it to a shine, it dont make it run better just feels better

Wow, Oss, My Friend. I totally agree. ;-D

[Challenger]

valker: If I had the money you've spent on Synthetic oil, premium gas, glass cleaner and carnauba wax, I could, uhmm, well I could buy, OH never mind!

[Valker]

LOL..............................

[Bweiner]

So, its sounding to me like 87 octain with some seafoam in it.  Is there a danger of using seafoam to much?  Also, how much are you guys adding to each full talk? 

Thanks for the help guys.  I do appreciate it alot!

[JetDriver]

Most of the time I run without it.  It's not an "every tank" additive.  For a routine cleaning, I use 1 oz per gal.  I do that once or twice a year.  If it's running crappy, or it's the first tank of the season, I'll use 2-3 oz per gal.  Honda did a pretty good job with these carbs.  You really don't need to worry about it too much- I'm probably doing overkill.  Straight 87 octane on a regular basis (assuming you don't let it sit) does fine.

[ossvalk]

Valker agrees that it isnt necessary

Personally I think he is in some kind of contest with his fellow Texan Daniel Meyer to see who has the most
"natural"  * Valkyrie

* meaning untouched by soap and water or wax 

If I put in a whole can a year thats a lot but dont forget to check your blinker fluid 

[Challenger]

I went back and reread your question. Does anyone use anything to negate the effect of ethanol? I don't believe there is any effect to negate. I change nothing or add anything when I use ethanol fuel. I will however switch to non ethanol fuel when the riding season starts to dwindle so I do not have ethanol in the tank during storage. And that is when the seafoam or stabil or what ever you choose should go in.

[NITRO]

I went back and reread your question. Does anyone use anything to negate the effect of ethanol? I don't believe there is any effect to negate. I change nothing or add anything when I use ethanol fuel. I will however switch to non ethanol fuel when the riding season starts to dwindle so I do not have ethanol in the tank during storage. And that is when the seafoam or stabil or what ever you choose should go in.

I agree completely. As long as you're riding her, don't worry about the ethanol.