Using a higher octane gasoline than recommended for a motorcycle typically does not provide any significant benefits and may not result in any noticeable improvements in performance. The octane rating of gasoline refers to its resistance to knocking or pre-ignition. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites prematurely in the combustion chamber, which can lead to engine damage.
Motorcycle engines are designed to operate optimally with a specific octane rating recommended by the manufacturer. If a motorcycle requires regular octane fuel (e.g., 87 octane), using a higher octane fuel (e.g., 91 octane) generally does not provide any advantages because the engine is not designed to take advantage of the higher octane rating. In such cases, the higher octane fuel is unlikely to improve performance or fuel efficiency.
The engine control unit (ECU) of modern motorcycles can adjust the ignition timing to prevent knocking to some extent. The ECU can detect the octane level of the fuel and adjust the ignition timing accordingly. Therefore, in most cases, using higher octane fuel won't cause immediate negative effects, but it may result in unnecessary expenses since higher octane fuels often come at a higher price.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel octane rating to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your motorcycle's engine. If you have any doubts or specific questions about the fuel requirements for your motorcycle, it's best to consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer or a qualified mechanic for guidance.