Why use the correct gas in a 2003 Electraglide Ultraclassic Anniversary edition?

Question

My roommate is a cheapskate.  He likes to get the top end product, but wants to pay the bargain basement price.  He and I got into a discussion a while back on which gas to use in his high compression motor for his Harley Davidson.  I told him the only gas to use was what the manufacturer recommended since that was exactly how it was designed.  the lower end gas burns too fast and can cause detonation and all kinds of other issues over time. 

The fuel cost is only $1 per tank for him, and less than that for mine.

He suggested detuning it by installing a lower performance cam so he can go super cheap on the gas.  Cams are not cheap, and having them installed is not cheap.  It makes no sense to me why anyone would think that's a good idea just to save a few bucks.  Can anyone help me bring him around to Common Sense lane before he destroys his nice ride?

Askme · Accepted Answer

Wow, please dont let him do that.  Say he spends $600 for cams and installation, at a $0.20 difference for premium gas per gallon it would take 3000 gallons to break even.  Then factor in the bike getting 45 mpg, it would require him to ride 135,000 miles to break even with his bad decision

The Freak Show · Answer

You really only need to run the gas that works in your motorcycle. I have had some motorcycles that absolutely needed premium. My Buell needed it. My DRZ400SM needed it too. My GSXR1000 could could have cared less, and my '07 Superglide has no noticeable difference in fuel economy or performance either. If it isn't knocking and the plugs are looking normal, you can burn what you want. Any sign that your engine doesn't like regular, and you are going to do damage. If it's a stock engine, it's only running 9:1 and that isn't exactly "high compression" but that's only one variable that influences the need for premium fuel.

Captain Awesome · Answer

Your roommate is an idiot.  You are exactly right that lower grade gas could cause pre-detonation (knock), which would reduce performance and fry your piston rings and damage your engine.  Contrary to popular belief, higher grade gas doesn't help performance, it strictly prevents knock.  If you can't afford the correct gas in your bike, you can't afford a bike.  Does he not change his oil regularly, either?

Why use the correct gas in a 2003 Electraglide Ultraclassic Anniversary edition?

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