Probably my ignorance showing here, but for a year I've been buying 93 octane fuel at the pump. But it occurs to me that with such a small tank (typical refill for me is 3 gallons), aren't I just getting whatever fuel is already in the hose from the last guy to buy at that pump with maybe just a little bit of higher octane fuel toward the end? Am I just throwing money away? Someone who knows correct me if my assumption about US fuel pumps is wrong. Thanks.
Do I Get High Octane Fuel When I Buy It?
- Thread starter Ithel
- Start date
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93 octane retains the octane longer, so you can assume that the gas remaining in the hose is 93
What about at stations where all fuels, from an individual pump, go through one hose? So, the last user buys 87/85 octane. Now, you come to that same pump and purchase 93 octane. How much fuel is left in the hose, from previous buyer, to dilute your purchase (of just 3 gallons, compared to last buyer's 20 gallons) down from 93 octane to maybe 89 octane.
What can one do if there are no separate pumps for individual octane ratings?
Interesting thought, I wonder if the shut off is above the hose. Not a lot of fuel seems to come out when we first put the hose in the tank before squeezing the handle.
I have to agree with you, here, besides the instructions on the pump say to wait 2-5 seconds before removing hose from ones fill-pipe. Still, it is an interesting question about something we rarely think about. If we follow instructions, I would conclude the most current buyer is getting much less than @Ithel is concerned about, and not enough to greatly influence his octane selection. However, if someone from the industry can offer further information, I'll gladly take my education.
triumph900
Active Member
People have been using hose pumps for many years. I've yet to hear of any issues.
Fill yer tank and ride.....
Fill yer tank and ride.....
Bloodknot
Well-Known Member
Agreed. Triumphs are sold worldwide. The quality of available fuel varies enormously yet, as far as I’m aware, no region specific mods are made to the bikes for coping with poor fuel quality.
The only time I would be fussy about ensuring that I was purchasing ethanol free petrol is when I brim the tank prior to winter storage (to prevent condensation on exposed tank walls to minimise water accumulation at the bottom causing a rust problem.)
triumph900
Active Member
This should read "single hose pumps"...
Lordmac
Well-Known Member
Having a primo original 1978 Bonneville, which Bonneville's owners manual calls for NOTHING LESS THAN 97 octane premium fuel, I carry with me and add a product called Octane Supreme. Two ounces (costing two dollars) boosts octane levels to around 100 using standard 93 octane NO ALCOHOL fuel. I pay a lot for gas, baby, but my Bonnie runs reeeel good. And yes, Octane Supreme actually contains the deadly and evil TETRA-ETHYL-LEAD!
Bloodknot
Well-Known Member
They took leaded fuel off of the road years ago but the aviation industry are still allowed to use it.
The amount of fuel in the house would be relatively small and likely won’t impact the performance of your motorcycle. The modern pumps blend gas from several tanks to my understanding. The exception would be ethanol free is likely from its own tank. I don’t think they would pump ethanol free from a single hose pump though.
Side note, I prefer the ethanol free gas for my vehicles.
Side note, I prefer the ethanol free gas for my vehicles.
My Honda owner friend is not the fuel nerd that I am so when he got the Africa Twin he didn’t know what fuel to run and as usual he got many different answers including the dealer’s which of course was wrong . I did some checking and it turns out all late model Honda engines , regardless of application are designed to operate on 86 octane . Who Knew !
I run 91 octane free in the Rocket as well as the Speedmaster.
Ethanol free
Figured that’s what you meant. LoL.
Granted it's a 10 year old article, but..... according to this Am I getting hosed by regular at the pump?, Shell (at least) says there IS remnent fuel of about a half liter from the last customer when you pump your own fuel, but "shouldn't be a concern" UNLESS "you are filling a small tank such as a motorcycle." So paying for 93 probably puts me somewhere around 90 or 91. Maybe I should be siphoning the 93 out of my daughter's Mini Cooper S instead haha. I can't think of any gas stations near me that have separate pumps but if I find one I'll definitely switch.
Try looking for ethanol-free fuel in your area: Pure-Gas.org
My Shell is still E Free in all octanes but most others “ may contain “ in the lower numbers . 2024 Tiger manual says 91 octane for all models , 850 sport an obvious miss print , was 87 .
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Yes, this. Regardless of the octane at least there’s be no ethanol which is more critical over long periods of inactivity. Ethanol attracts water moisture.
