The Right Octane Of Gas To Run In Your Motorcycle

By: C Miller

Most owners manuals don't tell you what octane to run, they simply say: unleaded gas. If this is the best your owners manual tells you, or if you don't have one, read on. But if it tells you a certain octane of gas to go with, use that, your bike may need a higher octane due to high compression.

If your motorcycle has a turbo, a supercharger, or nitrous oxide injection, then this does not apply to you. You should know all about fuel mapping by now (if you don't learn!)

If your motor is heavily modified, with high-compression pistons etc, you will need to run a higher octane as well.

Ok, so, if your manual doesn't say what to run, you don't have a turbo, supercharger, nitrous, or really high compression, then:

There is a big misconception that you need to run the highest octane you can. This is false.

Octane: the amount of resistance to detonation

Higher Octane Gas: More resistance to detonation

Lower Octane Gas:Ignites easier and produces more horsepower, assuming no detonation is present.

Detonation: basically when the air/fuel mixture ignites at the wrong time and cause a tremendous increase in pressure in the cylinders. If it continues for a long period of time, it can ultimately destroy the engine.

However, most sport bikes are designed to run 87 octane gas, and will not experience any detonation, but will actually LOSE power by running a higher octane, plus it will make it run hotter as well.

Check the tank:

If it says: 90 ((RON+MON)/2) - Use 90 octane or better

If it "knocks" or "pings" at all, increase the octane until it stops.

Knocking and pinging: During detonation, when the explosion occurs it creates a shockwave that reverberates inside combustion chamber and raises the pressure immensely, creating a metallinc "pinging" sound. If you experience this, stop the bike immediately, turn it off, put a higher octane gas in there.

About the author: I am the webmaster of Custom Fighters - Everything About Sportbikes and Streetfighters

Original source for this article and more great articles at: EzineArticles.com

For more motorcycle articles visit: http://www.motorcycle-articles.com

Two and Four Stroke Engines - Fast and Simple Answers

By: Daniel Levy

Many years ago when I got hooked by motorcycles, I started to hear a lot about two and four stroke engines... It seemed there were (and there still are) strong opinions in pro and con of each of the engine types.

As Internet wasn't available, and as I was worried about other aspects or motorcycle riding back then, I left that question unanswered for a long time.

If this is your case or if your are interested in these two kind of internal combustion engines, in the next few lines I hope to give you a few fast answers and some resources to get more in depth information.

Just keep reading...

Here are some facts about two and four stroke engines:

TWO STROKE ENGINES

Cycle - Two Strokes:

1.- Compression (intake+compression)
2.- Combustion (combustion+exhaust)

Take a look at the cycle in:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/two-stroke2.htm

Advantages of two stroke engines:

• The engine fires - spark plug ignites - once every revolution of the crankshaft.
• They produce twice the power than four stroke engines.
• They are much simpler than four stroke engines. Fewer parts to worry about.

Disadvantages:

• You have to mix two stroke engine oil with gas, and depending on your consumption, this might be expensive.
• They last less. Lubrication is not as efficient as in a four stroke engine with heavy oil.
• Do not use gas efficiently.
• Pollute more.

FOUR STROKE ENGINES

Cycle - Four Strokes:

1.- Intake
2.- Compression
3.- Combustion
4.- Exhaust

Take a look at the cycle in:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/engine4.htm

Advantages of four stroke engines:

• Last longer than two stroke engines
• More efficient use of gas
• Pollute less than two stroke engines

Disadvantages:

• More complicated. Many more parts to worry about.
• Half as powerful as two stroke engines (for equivalent engines)
• Fires once every two revolutions.

If you want to learn more about two stroke and four stroke engines, take a look at the pages I mention above. You will find extensive information and diagrams that will solve all of your doubts.

Well I hope this gave you some basic information and helped you answer some FAQ about two and four stroke engines! :-)

Enjoy the ride!

Daniel Levy

P.S. Want more motorcycle info? Get it at www.motorcycle-articles.com.

Daniel Levy is the owner and contributing writer of Motorcycle-Articles.com. He loves motorcycles and Web development. For more great info visit www.motorcycle-articles.com .

For more motorcycle articles visit: http://www.motorcycle-articles.com