Motorcycle Repair: 2004/ suzuki/ GS500F, fuel storage tanks, sudden jerk


Question
I normally put 91 octane gas in my bike, but I accedentally put 87 octane in it a few days ago.
Now when I am at a stop light or traveling at slow speeds in first or second gear,it starts to sputer or completely stalls. Once I get moving from a complete stop it will start off slow and then have a sudden jerk in power. can this be because of the fuel or can it be somethig else?
Thank you very much.
Edwin  

Answer
Hi Edwin,

You may have some contaminated fuel. Avoid refueling when a gas tanker is filling storage tanks.

If the MC was stored awhile, the pilot circuits may have a bit of varnishing (gummed fuel) obstructing fuel flow.

The only difference you'll notice with using octane rating fuels of 91 vs. 87 is the expense. Unless you're using race fuels from a sealed container, octane ratings will not be accurate. The fuel recipe will change due to exposure to air, sediments, and condensation accumulated in fuel storage tanks.

Remove the spark plugs and inspect them. Visit www.ngk.com and find the spark plug 4-1-1 link to learn about reading the plugs. Clean or replace the plugs if necessary.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively