Fuel requirement?

[ccemn1]

I have a 2018 X-Town 300 i. If I'm not mistaken, it says that it requires Hi Test gas.
With 2500 miles on the bike, I performed a little experiment. I ran a full tank of gas with high test and a full tank on regular. There was no pinging, or engine detonation, on the regular gas, usually the first sign of too low an octane fuel, but the really telling thing was, I got 65 MPG on regular gas, while only getting 59 MPG with the Hi Test. That is usually an indication of the engine is running at it's optimal performance.
I was very careful and accurate with both tests, making sure the volume of fuel was identical and the travels and usage were the same.
This would indicate to me, that it's perfectly safe, and even beneficial to use regular gas. Any opinions?

[john grinsel]

I have 2019 Xtown 300 I----book says 91-92 octane but RON I believe but there is 4-5number difference between RON and ROX common on pumps in US.    4-5 number difference= Reg should be ok in US system====Kymco should have made the North American Octane equirement, matching what is commonly displaced on pumps here.....for this market.

I find reg works fine.

[stuo]

I stupidly filled my GV 250 with regular (87 octane) and it ran fine, no pinging. I'm still scared to make the change, though, considering the measly difference in cost and mpg vs. possible engine damage.

[mnpugdog]

I go with the non ethanol here. I have several stations to pick from.

[klaviator]

I don't think any of the Kymco scooters offered in the U. S. require premium.  The owners manuals tend to be confusing as they often use the octane numbers used in other countries.  Octane numbers are often different (RON vs RON/MON)

Basically using premium in a bike that runs fine on regular is just like flushing your money down the toilet.  I some cases the bike will run worse on premium.   

[CROSSBOLT]

The higher the octane, the slower the burn, the pressure is reduced along with the torque when substituting in a lower octane requirement. Any "performance increase" using higher octane fuel is imaginary. The aircraft engine makers of the twenties made much of the reciprocating gasoline engine progress we know of today like "hemi"spherical combustion chambers, super and turbo-chargers, and drove the petro companies to produce fuel that would work without destroying anything. The thing taught to the pilots was they could use fuel of higher octane rating, never lower than specified but be aware of a power REDUCTION with higher octane substitute. The same is true today like Klaviator said.

[Viper254]

I used to have a Honda C90 that would go like help if you put BP Ultimate 97 in, but for some reason it was indifferent to any other fuel.

[ccemn1]

Thanks guys.
OK, does anyone know if there is an iridium spark plug available for my 2018 X-Town 300-i?
The current plug is an NGK, DPR6EA-9, and I can't seem to find a cross reference to any iridium?

[john grinsel]

Why waste money on expensive plug?  Based on purchase/use/ownership of 10 new Maxiscooters since 1990 and over 400,000 miles with them----OEM plugs are fine, last 30-50,000 miles.....and most here do not ride that much!

However, good idea when new, pull plug out, use never-seize on threads, check gap----forget and ride.

[Viper254]

I agree. I've never had a tangible benefit from an iridium plug!

[ccemn1]

I use iridium plugs because it's nice to know, I will never have to change, or gap a plug for the rest of my life.
We could go back to points & condensers also, for those who prefer the primitive, non-maintenance free.