Fuel

[sclafani]

What fuel I should be using for my 1965 R50/2? I non-ethanal best? Or the high octane?

[schrader7032]

At a stock compression ratio of 7.5:1, you certainly don't need the premium grade. I'm sure you can use the lowest grade, but if you notice some pinging, bump that up to the middle grade. Have you had any head work done? Even if you haven't, I wouldn't worry about using 10% ethanol at the pump.

[Parked 2Long]

What Kurt said
Except If the bike sits more than its ridden I wouldn't use ethanol fuels.
O-rings and rubber carb parts don't like the stuff.

[sclafani]

I've just restored the bike. It's on it third bore. New pistons and rings.

[schrader7032]

I was wondering if the valves and seats had been changed to unleaded type.

[sithot]

I've seen lawnmower engines with bent valves from rusting due to water in Ethanol. Best fuels there are for storage would be aviation or Sunoco Optima which isn't cheap. The shelf life is in years.
We have no-ethanol where we live so it's not an issue but still won't let a bike sit idle with anything like regular gasoline in the tank.

Good luck!
Tom

[VintageJim]

I found a location in Phoenix AZ selling the Sunoco Optima. It only comes in a 5 gallon metal container with a short spout for $95 and an optional long flexible screw on spout for an additional $10. The dealer said they advertise 3 year usage but it is probably closer to 5 years.
I purchased it for the planned first start this weekend on my R26 after a 1 year complete restoration including carb rebuild by Bing. I won't drive it much so the can will most likely last me a couple of years so is worth the extra expense not to continually have carb, petcock, and tank concerns. I will post some pictures of the first start and ride!
Jim

[Davidd321]

This summer, I did an 8,700 m solo r/t from Mass to Alaska on a recently rebuilt R 60/2 engine. I started off using 87 octane, but noticed a significant improvement with higher octanes and by the northern plains was only using 93. Much greater hillclimbing ability and less knocking.

[malmac]

This summer, I did an 8,700 m solo r/t from Mass to Alaska on a recently rebuilt R 60/2 engine. I started off using 87 octane, but noticed a significant improvement with higher octanes and by the northern plains was only using 93. Much greater hillclimbing ability and less knocking.

well that deserves a ride report.

Sounds like a great trip.

Mal

[FL54]

I only run non ethanol fuel in all my bikes. I have found that I get better performance and mileage with it. I don’t know if it’s true but I’ll pass along what an outboard engine mechanic told me. He said that the refineries can have up to 3% ethanol in the fuel and still call it non ethanol. It does cost more but we’re only buying a few gallons at a time, not filling up a Suburban.