PULP V ULP

[elrond]

I've read a bit regarding this debate now and im still unsure as to which is the better choice.

From Rapid Magazine:
http://www.rapidbikes.com.au/dynotime.htm

PULP or ULP

Q: Which is better for my 01' R1?

A: You will make more power on standard unleaded as it burns faster. The higher the octane the slower it burns, the lower the octane the faster it burns. If you run a high compression engine (most modern sportsbikes, including yours) you should run high-octane fuel because it burns slower and has less chance of detonation. Thus giving you less power but better fuel economy. If you have a lower compression engine you should run low octane fuel, as it will burn faster giving you more power at the risk of detonation.

----

Now I ride a 96' ZX-7R, is either really going to make a lick of difference to *my* machine given its age or am i just wasting money on PULP?

[Gosling1]

....Now I ride a 96' ZX-7R, is either really going to make a lick of difference to *my* machine given its age or am i just wasting money on PULP?

stick to the manufacturer's recomended octane for your model. Thats the best advice.

If it is a minimum of 95 RON ( as is my '05 12R), then nothing under 95RON is used.

If you want some real proof, then do some real testing for mileage, see if you get better mileage with the PULP than normal ULP. What you will *probably* find is that the slightly better mileage you get from PULP is more than offset by the higher price, so effectively, it is a waste of money.

[elrond]

cheers

[Smitty]

....Now I ride a 96' ZX-7R, is either really going to make a lick of difference to *my* machine given its age or am i just wasting money on PULP?

stick to the manufacturer's recomended octane for your model. Thats the best advice.

If it is a minimum of 95 RON ( as is my '05 12R), then nothing under 95RON is used.

If you want some real proof, then do some real testing for mileage, see if you get better mileage with the PULP than normal ULP. What you will *probably* find is that the slightly better mileage you get from PULP is more than offset by the higher price, so effectively, it is a waste of money.

and if ya bikes got carbs...stay away from Optimax
the other brands don't phark ya engine like it does

[mrmina]

and if ya bikes got carbs...stay away from Optimax
the other brands don't phark ya engine like it does

smitty has a point

[Saki]

i ran 98 in my ZX2R and it seemed to go slighty better, back on 91 tho now it seems to idle a bit rougher

[Stereo]

On a poor week I buy ULP on a rich week I buy PULP....

I have not noticed any Pinging, I have not noticed any knocking which some people say happens... But perhaps that is because when you fill up before reserve you still have at least 3 litres of the previous fuel in your tank.... possibly reducing the effect....

In any case, overall I dont notice any extra noises...

I have also not noticed any improved performance between the two options... I even filled up with 99% Octane once without any noticable difference...

Perhaps I am just bad at noticing the difference.... I guess it is not as if I am doing a speed test every day.... Commuting is probably not a good test...

[John H]

If you run a high compression engine (most modern sportsbikes, including yours) you should run high-octane fuel because it burns slower and has less chance of detonation. Thus giving you less power but better fuel economy. If you have a lower compression engine you should run low octane fuel, as it will burn faster giving you more power at the risk of detonation.

This is a major oversimplification of the issue. There's also issues such as ignition timing and the overall design of the engine to consider.

My Alfa 164 has a 9.5:1 compression ratio and requires minimum 95RON
My ZZR250 has a 12.4:1 compression ratio and requires only 91RON

My strong advice: as Gosling said, run whatever the manufacturer recommends in the owner's manual. If it pings using that fuel, try a higher octane fuel but bear in mind it could well be pinging because the engine is in a poor state of tune.

[Renepo_Gel]

doet a little research on my own on this, let me stress the word little

i own a 04 zx636R i've tried a few different petrols and heres how they stack up. (although let me tell you i'd never put anything under 95Ron)
i judge these from top of tank fill up to reserve light. this way i can get an accurate messure, then i use up the rest of the fuel (this this is not counter in the stats)

Mobile Synergy 98 octane
kms avg per tank: 205 - 210km
performance: smooth, reliable power deliver, no pinging, no knocking, long mileage.

BP Ultiamte 98 octane
kms avg per tank: 190 - 195kms
performance: smooth and reliable power deliver, no pinging, no knocking, sometimes while powering down exhaust almost at point of backfiring, i dunno what you call that noise when your releasing the throtle at high revs and letting it roll down. good mileage

Shell Optimax
dont even bother

Caltex Vortex 95 octane
kms avg per tank: 175 - 180 kms
performance: power is not so smooth and throttle seems to bog down on occasion, wen it comes to feel, this fuel doesn't feel right, the tank pings, the engine knocks, it gets you lower mileage and whats the point of having apremium thats the same octane as other stations NORMAL ULP?
(the guy at the caltex repeatedly assured me this was 95 octane)

these are just my individual results and they probably will vary for your bike.
but when it comes to reliabilty, mileage, power, the mobile synergy and bp ultimate by far out do the rest.

don't fill up at 7-11 if you like your bike