What bike is it? It may be worth checking the manual for what Ducati recommend. Dealers/mechanics aren't always right about these things. Back in the days when I had a Triumph twin, a couple of mechanics who were admiring it, when I called into a dealership for some bits, told me I might as well piss in the engine as put multi-grade oil in it. They reckoned I should be putting SAE40 in it. They just didn't understand that 20/50 is actually thicker when hot, even though it's thinner when cold. So it's entirely possible that your 'dealer' subscribes to the theory that if its higher RON and more expensive, it has to be better.
I only have only put Super in my DVT since new, no doubt even after 2k miles I am getting 60 as an constant average sometimes and never drops below 52, In my view it can only be better long term for the bike to put in super at very little extra cost. I put in Super in everything I own including the Ride on Lawn Mower
As I understand it, if your engine is optimised for high octane/RON fuel, you can damage it by using lower grade fuel, due to pre ignition. However, if it is optimised for ordinary grade fuel, you will get no benefit from it. It will probably run hotter and you will be wasting your money on profits for oil companies and tax to the government. Ducati recommend 95 RON for my 999 and that's what I use.
The DVT has a knock sensor so it can use lower grade fuel. Preignition is useful for high compression engines. And it does have benefits on longstroke high compression V-twins. Especially evident if you have a full system. On me and my friend's Diaval (even stock exhaust), there is less overrun pops suggesting cleaner combustion. Hence better fuel efficiency all round. I use V-power when I can.
If your engine can adjust itself to the fuel it's using, there may be a benefit to using a higher octane fuel that will allow more ignition advance. However, have a think about what high octane fuel is designed to do. It is designed to not pre-ignite in high compression engines. Therefore it is less volatile, not more. If you want to maximise power and economy in a given engine, use the most volatile fuel it will run without pre igniting. @Mr.R for instance, has an engine he has optimised to run Shell V power. He has high compression and lots of ignition advance. Those of is with engines that Ducati recommend 95 for are best off sticking to exactly that.
Old Rider We have had this conversation before there are many benefits to using higher octane with lower ethanol, it is not all about Performance. It is Called DVT for a reason. Most up to date ECU's will change to suit fuel to more or less advance ignition timing, But most of all the Ducati Manual for the DVT Recommends Fuel used 95-98 P388. Mine runs better, my old 1200 S runs better on higher octane Fuel I cannot understand why you keep preaching wrong information about Higher octane fuel ???????
Hmm, ok, volatility I think confuses the issue here. The ideal scenario is if the fuel burns with coherent expansion therefore generating useful power. Lower octace fuel reaches flash point at lower compression compared to higher octane. Compression pressures vary not just with stroke/bore, but also speed, valve timing/lift, and of course fuel/air mix (fuel map). The 1200 engine has always had a lambda sensor. So the mapping can adjust to take advantage of higher octane fuel. Since 95Ron is one of the commonest, stands to reason Ducati will make it run well on 95RON. that is not to say it cannot run better with higher octane because there is additional movement in the fuel map. Probably not enough to go 105RON but 98 should be within its reach. As I said, less atmospheric detonation of the exhaust when using 95RON; which means better combustion, therefore power and economy. Less wear on engine as well. But the converse is also true. I used to run an RX8. the rotary engiine's compression is less, so it was actually recommended on forums etc to use lower Octane fuel despite its high revving nature. I think Ethanol does affect the flame front and it is not a bad idea to use E0, high octane for running in until the components bed in.
ofc lokyc you forget to mention that no ethanol means less corrosion effects on rubber, plastic and other items etc. so far better to use and leave in bikes not used often.
Yes that too. But I wanted to focus more on the combustion aspects. Also on a practical level, it's not that easy to find E0. Although that guide is really helpful!
I did ask what fuel Ducati recommend in the handbook. If they say 95/98, that answers the question. Yes, lower ethanol has to be a good thing and if certain fuels definitely have lower ethanol, it's worth using them for that reason alone.
We will all be plugin our bikes into the wall socket soon, and the problem will be the same, will it be better with a 3 amp or a 13 amp fuse. LOL
I use shell super unleaded in the Ducatis and Blackbird they seem to run better it could be my imagination
Always just used standard unleaded in everything except my old volvo t5r estate where I used super unleaded but I didn't recognise any improvement other than piece of mind.
Tesco momentum or bp ultimate , I have the termi and c Js racing tune. I also one day tried bp ultimate diesel that didn't go so well ! Yes yes I know How ! We still wonder to this day
great info and very handy, i have to say i normally use BP 95 but occasional 98 super as a treat. I do find it smoother and better pick up from 3000 rpm, and smoother higher up 8000 plus. Could well be my imagination but i don't think so. Anyway i respond because the link you kindly gave is taking me to a TR owners appreciation society?
Skimming through this I tend to use regular stuff but every now and then put in some v power or Tesco momentum. Reason for this is a few years back I had a 660 supermoto with no electric start. There is a starting procedure but it was always easier once I switched to v power....
