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.
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.
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. 🚀