New '13 R1200RT questions: fuel octane

[CRUZER]

Hi folks,

Just bought a new 2013 R1200RT and have a few questions. I'll split them up over several messages so the topics don't step on each other and make archiving better for those in the future.

First question, the manual lists "Recommended fuel quality" as "98 ROZ/RON", then "alternative fuel quality" as "95 ROZ/RON". Isn't the US fuel octane method "RON" which is 92 for Super Unleaded? Seems like our engines will never develop their rated power with lower octane fuel, the detonation sensors will always be retarding timing and whatever else they do.

Thanks for any insight on this.

 

[lkchris]

Use premium.

 

[marchyman]

The US uses what is called the AKI (Anti Knock Index). AKI is (RON + MON) / 2. The RON is typically about 10-11 points higher than the MON. A RON requirement of 95 approximately matches an AKI of 90-91. Where I live that matches Premium grade fuel as lkchris mentioned.

 

[chewbacca]

Hi folks,

Just bought a new 2013 R1200RT and have a few questions. I'll split them up over several messages so the topics don't step on each other and make archiving better for those in the future.

First question, the manual lists "Recommended fuel quality" as "98 ROZ/RON", then "alternative fuel quality" as "95 ROZ/RON". Isn't the US fuel octane method "RON" which is 92 for Super Unleaded? Seems like our engines will never develop their rated power with lower octane fuel, the detonation sensors will always be retarding timing and whatever else they do.

Thanks for any insight on this.

Look on your gas cap. My 2011 1200GS says use premium unleaded (but also says) min 89 AKI. Additionally you have three gismos controlling things the zfe, i-cluster and bms-k. That k in the bms-k is a knock sensor that pretty much allows you to run 89 without any issues. That is what I have run for the last year and I run my bike hard with no knock at all. Also, my dealer says if you want to run premium, that is ok but he hasn't seen any difference with bikes running 89.

 

[Hammam]

Have a look here. It'll show you the equivalent between Ron rating (European) and Pon rating (America.) BMW, being European, recommends Ron ratings. Easily converted here:

?½ http://thoms1.net/Ford/Reference/RONMONPON.html ??

As as side, BMW now recommends 95 Ron (91 Pon) and tolerates up to 10% ethanol for the new 2013 R1200 GS LC.