What octane?

[kidicarus13]

The guy I purchased my 350X off of (my first one) suggested that I run 87 or 89 octane but NOT 92/93. What do the experts suggest? It is a stock engine.

[200x Basket]

octaone is just a raing number to show fuel ability to resist detonation. to make the most power you shoulds run the lowest octane gas you can but not detonate. a common mistake is thinking race gas will make you run faster. it will actually slow you down if your compression is low.

[HemiChallenger71]

87 is safe with your bike, but often times the higher the octane # the cooler your machine will run. I would stay with 87 or 89 if I were you. 92-93 is safe but not really needed. I've never seen a 350x overheat, even idling in 100 degree heat, with a lot of humidity, and running on 86 octane gas.

[plkmonster2]

someone in the dunes had a suzuki twin 600 cc streetbike motor in their quad running 92 octane. my uncle was able to keep up with a 400ex, with ease. my uncle was running 87. the guy was having problems with tuing all day. went to 87 octane, and was fine. the 92 detonated so late that he had to advance the timing in order for it to run correcly. i say, why spend extra for what you don't need?

[NOS_350X]

use some of the leaded airplane fuel that stuff works great

[TimSr]

If your motor doesnt knock or ping, your octane is high enough. Anything beyond what is needed will do absolutely nothing for you, nor will it in any way harm you. Its simply wasting money. Id start with 87, and see how it runs, and then go higher if needed. Remember, in the mid 80's when these came out, unleaded gas was 87 octane, "regular" was 89 and had lead in it, and premium was only 91 octane. 93 octane wasnt even readily available at the pumps at that time, so I have to laugh at those who insist you need it for a stock motor. Of course if youve done anything to boost compression, youll probably need to boost octane.

[Joel85350X]

The only bad thing about running lower octane fuel is that the fuel additives like detergents are better when you buy a higher octane fuel. Actually, a good portion of the price difference is the fuel additive package that is mixed into the gasoline. If you get on the major oil company websites you should be able to find out which low octane fuel brand has the best detergents and use that brand. It's like comparring oranges to tangerines...they are both good and you'd enjoy either one of them, so don't get your panties into a huge bunch if you have to go with one or the other for some reason. My $0.02.

[ATCnut]

The factory 1985 350s manual states on page 11

Any automotive gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 or higher may be used. If "knocking" or Pinging" occurs, try a different brand of gasoline or a higher octane grade.

[trikerider2oo7]

I use 87 in my 350X and it works fine.

[kidicarus13]

I understand now. THANKS!

[Bill X_R]

I Run Jet fuel in my lawn mower and I can get the grass done in 1/2 the time!!!!