Fueling on the road (no premium fuel)

The GS's are made for travelling, the injection system adapts itself to whatever grade/quality of fuel you throw at it. In the case of my 2009 GS, I don't feel much difference (I admit that I did not do any scientific testing, just an impression).

If you are concerned with the quality of fuel (like roadside stands where they sell fuel from soft drink bottles), consider carrying something to filter your fuel (paint strainer are good, but are nasty to store after use, I think of them as disposable).

I'll put E-99 in my bike before I sit stranded.

I would not worry with octane booster, just fill it up with what's available and don't worry about it.

What exactly is your definition of "Premium"? Just trying to understand what fuel you think will be scarce, and where?

Forgive me for the dumb question. I don't live in free America. I live in CA and I can get 91 octane anywhere. Newscum hasn't completely effed us yet.

I've been running the lowest octane from the cheapest low life gas pumps in America in mine since I got it & it couldn't give two shits. Hell, I think it would run on water if you waved gas over it (which is what some of it probably is).

Redcard said:

What exactly is your definition of "Premium"? Just trying to understand what fuel you think will be scarce, and where?

Forgive me for the dumb question. I don't live in free America. I live in CA and I can get 91 octane anywhere. Newscum hasn't completely effed us yet.

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A couple of us are going to tour Alaska this year. Normally 91 octane is available anywhere, but when you get up north, it becomes scarce in spots. They will have plenty of 87 octane, but not the fancy stuff.

Doesn't the 1250 engine run on 87? I think octane boosters are a waste of money, I'd just put whatever gas is available to you when you need to fill you're tank.

I would rather take my risk with lower octane fuel rather than strange octane boosters. The ECM along with the couple air fuel sensors should automatically address using lower octane fuels. You will lose a few horsepower but that's about it.

The BMW police bikes, at least for California, have the lower octane fuel map set as the default. They run 87 all the time.

dpickens said:

I would rather take my risk with lower octane fuel rather than strange octane boosters. The ECM along with the couple air fuel sensors should automatically address using lower octane fuels. You will lose a few horsepower but that's about it.

The BMW police bikes, at least for California, have the lower octane fuel map set as the default. They run 87 all the time.

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None of those sensors will correct for lower octane.

However the engine does have a knock sensor or as BMW calls it a ping sensor. It will correct timing to eliminate any ping from low octane fuel.

Running on Kerosene since 2018!!
Exotic India
Like everyone said these bikes adapt...nothing to worry. That being said I run a guglatech filter but others in my group dont and there has been no difference.

When I was up there last year I got a tank or two of fuel that my bike didn't agree with but it didn't hurt it. The next time I fueled up all was good. With the low speeds your not stressing the engine at all and the bike is designed to handle it. Premium gas isn't required, its only recommended.

I was on a group ride through Idaho with a dozen riders and the only gas around in the desert was regular and no one could tell the difference!

TSConver said:

knock sensor

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Doh!

Northern Quebec and Labrador only had 87 in many places when I was there last year. My ‘09 has a knock sensor which retards timing if necessary. I put multiple tanks full of 87 through it and didn’t notice any difference in performance or engine noise.

All I ever run is 89 in either of my Boxers. Works just fine.

BMW Don said:

All I ever run is 89 in either of my Boxers. Works just fine.

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Same here. 89 is the recommended fuel grade (for the North American rating system). This is what I buy if I have a choice. Unless ethanol free fuel is close enough in cost, which in my area is usually 91 rated.

whisperquiet said:

Straight out of my 2022 1250GS owners manual……premium recommended with 87 acceptable.
View attachment 36227

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That isn't premium, that is mid-grade. Premium would be at least 91, or 93 in some areas.

RefCat said:

That isn't premium, that is mid-grade. Premium would be at least 91, or 93 in some areas.

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Fixed……I run mid grade.

the bike will run on anything , it will adapt .