Race Gas Opinion

[borregomark]

I just passed the first 500 miles of my first Buell. My "new" 09 XB12R is startling nice. My riding area is in the desert and have already added the RS scoop for heat reduction. I mix 50/50 race and 91 gas in my dirt bikes to reduce boiling the radiators. I know race gas plugs the cats on autos but the Buell is not cat equipped. However there's a bunch of sensors I don't want to mess with. Any opinions on this cooling method would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Cooter]

Your Buell doesn't have a radiator.
The rest of that "theory" doesn't make any sense unless your "race gas" is alcohol.
And "race gas" doesn't plug cats, unless you're using the wrong stuff that has leaded additives in it.

91 octane is fine. Unless you have a problem with detonation, and you need to use higher octane rating before you fix the problem that's causing the detonation (Mostly lean or timing issues).

 

[TCS]

[confused]

 

[Cooter]

Ya.^^ I'm not sure if he's kidding, but I thought an honest answer was appropriate

 

[snrusnak]

Just as cooter said. If you want a little more detonation protect you can mix a small amount but 50/50 is too much and will only hurt performance. I usually run 93 octane and it works great. 91 works of course, but it's very hot here in FL so the higher octane level is warranted due to it being an air cooled engine.

 

[borregomark]

I am not kidding. Until a few weeks ago it has been 115+ during my rides. The water cooled bikes boil when using 91 and they don't when I mix the race gas. I learned this from the local desert riders in my area. The air cooled bike would benefit from this if the emissions are not affected. I am not sure about the lead content if any in the race gas. If it is lead free then it can be used.
Thanks for the insight. I will check the additives in the fuel.

 

[Cooter]

Quit riding on the SUN! Yikes!
I can't imagine why that trick works, perhaps the much slower burning high octane "race gas" effectively ******* the timing slightly?? (I'm totally guessing, but it still sounds like BS).
I can't help to think it would be MUCH more effective (and much less $$) to address the problem directly.
Run straight water and a water "wetter" in your dirt bike or get desert radiators that are meant for bikes that are ridden in 115+ weather!
Either way, your Buell will be fine

 

[borregomark]

I'm thinking the slower burn is the difference. The Buell seems to take the heat in stride. I am so happy with the bike. Too fun.
Thanks again

 

[ich]

perhaps the much slower burning high octane "race gas" effectively ******* the timing slightly?? (I'm totally guessing, but it still sounds like BS).

high octane gas burns at almost the same speed as lower octane gas, but ignites slower, what leads to the same effect as reducing spark advance.

 

[go cytocis]

Tough to know what the advantage of using race gas would be on a stock motor. I have definitely seen dirt guys cool & insulate their race fuel in hot ambient temperatures to keep it denser, and even use in-line fuel coolers; that's not what you're referring to(?).

 

[snrusnak]

I rode in AR a while back in 110 deg heat all day for two days and we were riding pretty hard, some stretches were at 100mph+ sustained speeds for 15 minutes or so, and using 91 octane gas it was fine.

Just like mentioned above, higher octane fuel is sort of like retarding ignition advance due to the increased resistance to detonation.

 

[theMelvster6]

I've run 100

 

[theMelvster6]

Sorry I meant to say...lol

I've run 100 octane unleaded in my xb9. My bike ran pretty good on it. and It did help with detonation. And it smelled amazing!! But you won't gain any performance from running race fuel...and if it's not tuned, it can actually hurt performance. There are a few benefits of race fuels. They are typically cleaner burning and more consistent.
The higher the octane the higher resistance to detonation, and with that resistance to ignite...which can cause an incomplete burn in the combustion chamber. Basically, if your engine runs fine with lower octane fuel, then don't waste your money! If you are having problems with engine temp causing pinging or detonation, I would be more inclined to tune the bike and try to lessen the heat with things right side scoop, adjust the temp at which the cooling fan kicks on, get your headers coated, etc. You have to remember these are AIR COOLED machines and hot ambient air doesn't cool very good. When it's 115 outside, don't run it wide open at high rpms for a long time, try keep the bike moving, and try not to sit at an idle for long. It's the nature of the beast my friend.

 

[captain13ron]

a Little info;

a few years ago I seen Harley test there motorcycles outside in the desert test the bikes at idle for hours with over 100 degree's F and using a 3 sided barrier to prevent any winds from helping the bikes cool. as we all know Harley owned 51 percent stock in Buell, I am suggesting that information and testing was most likely used for our beloved Buells, and we have a fan to help with the heat, I have confidance the bikes can take it. you may consider asking EBR for a reccomendation that may be helpful to keep your bike cooler in these extreme conditions. I am not a big fan of additives as your bike is not designed for any of them. and may shorten the life of your motorcycle.

you may also consider a high preformance fan. (purchased from digikey) I have used them in forklifts in the past for extreme conditions, I do not recall the name brand, but I am sure a technician could help you there. the fan puts out 4 times the airflow, damm thing sounds like a jet engine! and can be modulated with a voltage command input (potientiometer) or other device. so it could be coupled with a themister/sensor circuit to spin faster when you engine gets hotter so it is not wide open all the time.

if you want me to look into a fan replacement and circuitry to do the above job, shoot me a email; [email protected] I will gladly look into it fo you. my only concerns are amps need to run the fan. and do they make the fan in 12 volt, most were 24 volt dc or 110 vac

 

[go cytocis]

I seen Harley test there motorcycles outside in the desert test the bikes at idle for hours with over 100 degree's F

I am not a Harley expert, but I believe they have a 'parade mode' setting which cuts the spark on every alternating power stroke to cool the motor.

 

[user_deleted]

I am not a Harley expert, but I believe they have a 'parade mode' setting which cuts the spark

you certainly are not. i respect and admire you, Go....but every H-D afficionado knows that the "mode" you speak of is called the "Toys for Tots" mode....in H-D speak.

 

[go cytocis]

every H-D afficionado knows that the "mode" you speak of is called the "Toys for Tots"  mode....in H-D speak. 

Haha, ya! And if you want to see something really insane, try taking your Range Rover into the middle of one of those toy runs!

 

[jimijeans]

the 91 Octane fuel will work fine for your Street bike with an Buell XB- Air Cooled Engine. May not want to treat your Buell like the dirt bikes.
The fan will keep down the heat as much as possible.
You can use a SMALL amount of 104 octane or a small amount of 110 octane and it will help a little.
When I say use a small amount maybe a 1/4 cup per fill up of the Higher fuell will do. good maintenance with Amsoil 20/60 will help will a little bit of the heat issues. Header wrap also helps for quicker Exhaust AND if you are worried about your legs or where you sit. Good Luck ride safe.*Jimi[smirk]