Increase Octane to Maximize Motorcycle Performance

Increase Octane to Maximize Motorcycle Performance 

Though many Harley-Davidson* owners don’t realize it, their bikes are equipped with electronics that detect engine knock. When the computer adjusts ignition timing to eliminate knock, performance suffers. AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost offers an economical solution.

 

What is Engine Knock?

Understanding engine knock, also known as detonation or pre-ignition, requires an understanding of octane. Octane is a standard measure of gasoline performance. The three most common octane ratings include the following: 

•Anti-Knock Index (AKI)

•Research Octane Number (RON)

•Motor Octane Number (MON) 

AKI is the rating most motorists are familiar with. It’s typically displayed on gas pumps as the average of the fuel’s RON and MON. Since RON, however, is the most common industry rating, it’s the rating AMSOIL uses when conducting performance tests and product validation. Gasoline’s RON generally is a few numbers higher than the AKI posted on the gas pump (e.g. 87 octane fuel, or regular pump gas, has a RON of about 91-92).

 

The higher the octane, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. Low-octane gas is susceptible to uncontrolled and early ignition in the combustion chamber. It causes a knocking or pinging sound, robs the engine of power and, left unchecked, can cause catastrophic piston damage.

 

Engine Detuning Reduces Performance

Modern Harleys are equipped with a knock sensor that adjusts timing to compensate for low-octane gasoline and eliminate engine knock. Unfortunately, when timing is adjusted decreased performance results. Rough idling and lack of throttle response are the most common side effects of the engine saving itself from low-octane gasoline. Many people don’t even know this is occurring. Engine knock may be eliminated by raising the fuel’s octane number. 

 

By increasing octane up to three numbers, which eliminates knock or ping and maximizes power and efficiency, AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost offers a low-cost, effective solution to engine detuning and helps maximize bike power and performance.

 

Controls Harmful Deposits

In addition to increasing octane number, Motorcycle Octane Boost maintains engine and fuel-system cleanliness. Its active detergents help prevent deposits for improved efficiency. [For initial clean-up, AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL Quickshot®, which contains a greater concentration of cleaning agents.]