Motorcycle Repair: yahmahaxj700, motorcycle engines, octane fuels

Question
Yes sir I have an xj700 maxim with 29,000 miles on it runs great, looks great. I was wondering what octane gas should i use? it seems to run better with 89 than with 91. Thank you very much in advance for your answer.

Answer
Ric, Listen to your bike! Even though your owner's manual may state that the minimum fuel requirement might be 87 octane, the gas we have now really isn't to that minimum level anymore. So, most likely, the improved "feel" of the bike is in fact a true indication of its response to a higher octane fuel. I always use the highest octane fuels available for motorcycle engines, especially the air-cooled ones that I ride.

Bill Silver