The octane rating of fuel typically refers to the ability of a fuel to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion. Knocking can occur when the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber ignites prematurely or unevenly, resulting in reduced engine performance and potential damage.
Most motorcycles, especially those with smaller engines, do not require high-octane fuel. They are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 in the United States, or the equivalent in other countries. Using a higher octane fuel than what is recommended by the manufacturer generally does not provide any significant benefits and can be a waste of money.
Some high-performance motorcycles or those with advanced engine technologies may have specific fuel requirements, and in those cases, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal performance and reliability.