Should Motorcycles Always Use RON 98?

Table of Contents

One of the things that determines the performance of a motorbike is fuel. In order for the motorbike to remain optimal and its performance does not decrease, motorbike users or motorbike owners are advised to choose fuel that meets the standards set by the factory. One aspect that needs to be considered in choosing fuel is the engine compression ratio.

How to choose the most effective fuel

In this article, otomodify will discuss how to choose the right fuel so that the motorbike remains optimal. Here are the steps:

Check the engine compression ratio

What is the engine compression ratio? This is the comparison between the cylinder volume when the piston is at its lowest point and the volume when the piston is at its highest point. The higher the compression ratio, the higher the octane number (RON) needed for perfect combustion without causing knocking or detonation.

The following is a general guide to choosing fuel based on the compression ratio:

• Compression ratio 9:1 and below: Use RON 88-90
• Compression ratio 9:1-10:5: Use RON 92-95
• Compression ratio 10:5 and above: Use RON 98 or higher.

Adjust to factory standards

It is important to know the manufacturer's fuel recommendations. Usually this is written in the motorcycle manual or near the fuel tank cap.

Pay attention to efficiency and performance

Choosing to use fuel with a lower octane will cause knocking and decreased performance. Conversely, although using a higher octane, which is usually touted to improve performance, is not necessarily good. Using a higher octane than recommended can actually be wasteful.

Adjust to usage conditions

Motorcycles used for short-distance trips or for everyday use, using fuel according to recommendations is sufficient. However, if the motorbike is used for high performance purposes, such as long trips or racing, choosing fuel with a higher octane can provide additional benefits.

Driving behavior determines octane requirements.

The selection of high octane fuel is also determined by the user's driving behavior.

• Aggressive riding and high RPM: For riders who often ride at high speeds and demand maximum acceleration, using high RON fuel such as 98 will be very helpful. Also for users who often travel in heavy conditions such as uphill tracks or races.
• Casual riding and urban routes: For daily motorcycle users with standard speeds in urban areas, there is no need to use RON 98 fuel. This is because high fuel will also not provide significant benefits.
• Terrain and load conditions: Uphill roads coupled with heavy loads, or even exceeding the capacity of the motorbike, must use RON 98 fuel. High RON helps maintain engine temperature and combustion stability.

Impact on emissions and the environment

One of the advantages of using high octane fuel such as RON 98 is its impact on the environment.

• More perfect combustion: RON 98 allows for cleaner combustion, resulting in lower exhaust emissions.
• Supports modern emission systems: Modern motors with catalytic converter technology will work more optimally with high RON.
• Reduces carbon residue: Vehicles that use RON 98 tend not to have carbon deposits in the combustion chamber.
• More environmentally friendly: In general, greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants from motors that use high RON are lower, if they are in accordance with the engine specifications.

Advantages and disadvantages of RON 98 fuel

RON 98 fuel is usually used and recommended for high compression vehicles. However, there are several things to consider regarding its use.

Advantages of RON 98

• Cleaner combustion. High octane fuel has more efficient combustion, leaving less residue.
• Reduces the risk of knocking. High RON fuel usually takes longer to burn. This prevents detonation that can damage the engine.
• Improves performance. Sport bikes and motorbikes with high compression ratios will get maximum power by using RON 98 fuel.

Disadvantages of RON 98

• Expensive price. The price of RON 98 fuel is quite high when compared to other types of fuel.
• Less than optimal. RON 98 fuel can be less than optimal if used inappropriately. For example, it is used in motorbikes with low compression ratios. Not only does it not provide benefits, the fuel can be much more wasteful.
• Effects if the motor does not use fuel that meets the standards

Using lower RON

If a motor with high compression uses lower RON fuel, the effects that occur include:

• Carbon buildup: Choosing the wrong fuel can cause incomplete combustion. This will cause carbon buildup that can clog components such as valves and fuel injectors.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: The engine has to work harder causing more wasteful fuel consumption.
• Decreased performance: Motors with high compression will experience decreased performance if they use fuel with low RON. For example, gas response is not optimal, acceleration slows down, the engine will feel heavier.

Using a higher RON than recommended

Here are the effects that may occur if a low-compression engine uses fuel with a much higher RON than recommended.

• Fuel waste: The engine cannot burn optimally.
• Engine temperature heats up: High-RON fuel has a higher flash point, so in low-compression engines, combustion can occur more slowly and less efficiently.
• Higher costs: Because there is no significant benefit in performance, using expensive fuel can be wasteful.

Motorbikes that are recommended to use RON 98 fuel

As has been mentioned many times above, not all motorbikes are suitable and must use high octane fuel. Here are some examples of high-tech motorcycles and large engine compression that are ideal for using RON 98 fuel.

• Yamaha R6: This sport bike has a 600cc 4-cylinder DOCH engine. It has a large compressor so it is necessary to use RON 98 fuel.
• Kawasaki ZX-6R: Also has a 600cc engine and is recommended to use RON98 fuel.
• KTM RC 390: Although only 1 cylinder, the RC 390 uses a high compression ratio and an aggressive engine. RON 98 can make power smoother and the engine stays cool when driven.
• Yamaha MT-09: Equipped with a 3-cylinder engine with a capacity of 847cc, this naked bike is designed for instant power and large torque. With this engine composition, it is highly recommended to use RON 98 fuel.
• BMW S1000RR: Its electronic system and 4-cylinder engine work optimally with high RON.
• Ducati Panigale series: Using RON 98 is mandatory to maintain the L-Twin engine from Ducati.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fuel for your engine compression is an important step to maintain engine performance, efficiency, and longevity. So, always make sure to use the right fuel to keep your engine durable, efficient, and provide an optimal driving experience. 🚀