Gasoline
Your motorcycle was designed to get the best performance and efficiency using unleaded gasoline. Most gasoline is blended with alcohol and/or ether to create oxygenated blends. The type and amount of alcohol or ether added to the fuel is important.
NOTICE
Do not use gasoline that contains methanol. Doing so can result in fuel system component failure, engine damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00148a)
NOTICE
Use only unleaded fuel in catalytic converter-equipped motorcycles. Using leaded fuel will damage the emission control system. (00150c)
Gasoline/METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE) blends are a mixture of gasoline and as much as 15% MTBE. Gasoline/MTBE blends use in your motorcycle is approved.
ETHANOL fuel is a mixture of ethanol (grain alcohol) and unleaded gasoline and can have an impact on fuel mileage. Fuels with an ethanol content of up to 10% may be used in your motorcycle without affecting vehicle performance. U.S. EPA regulations currently indicate that fuels with 15% ethanol (E15) are restricted from use in motorcycles at the time of this publication. Some motorcycles are calibrated to operate with higher ethanol concentrations to meet the fuel standards in certain countries.
REFORMULATED OR OXYGENATED GASOLINES (RFG) describes gasoline blends that are specifically designed to burn cleaner than other types of gasoline. This results in fewer tailpipe emissions. They are also formulated to evaporate less when filling the tank. Reformulated gasolines use additives to oxygenate the gas. Your motorcycle will run normally using this type of fuel. Harley-Davidson recommends using it whenever possible as an aid to cleaner air in our environment.
Do not use racing fuel or fuel containing methanol. Use of these fuels will damage the fuel system.
The only octane booster Harley-Davidson recommends is SCREAMIN' EAGLE SUPER OCTANE BOOST (available only in the U.S.). This is the only octane booster that has been extensively tested and approved for use with Harley-Davidson engines and components.
Some gasoline blends might adversely affect starting, driveability or fuel efficiency. If any of these problems are experienced, try a different brand of gasoline or gasoline with a higher octane blend.
Air entrapment and pressurization is a possibility.
Table 1. Minimum Octane Ratings
SPECIFICATION | RATING |
|---|
Pump Octane (R+M)/2 | 87 (91 RON) |
Catalytic Converter
Vehicles in some markets are equipped with catalytic converters.
NOTICE
Do not operate catalytic converter-equipped vehicle with engine misfire. If you operate the vehicle under this condition, the exhaust will become abnormally hot, which can cause vehicle damage, including emission control loss. (00149c)