Sporty is missing occasionally?

Question

'01 883XL SE drag pipes, stage 1, and jetted carb when I bought it, 23k miles.

I just bought this bike a few weeks ago. I put some regular gas in it that made it run terrible and then found out it needs 93 octane. I am still getting an occasional hiccup, usually at steady speed (like on the interstate). Not any kind of pattern, it just happens once in a while. Is it something to worry about or just live with it for now?

Answer 1

most regular is 87

premium is 92

midgrade can be anything in between, depends on the station

mine runs fine on 87

Answer 2

Wow 93 octane, where? I would love to run that, must be getting it at a speed shop. Regular unleaded is 85, mid grade 87, and premium is 89. Shell and U Pump It are last two stations selling gasoline without ethanol.

Answer 3

id run 93 shell gas it seems to run the best for me

im not sure if you can put octane booster in a motercycle or not???

Answer 4

The pipes is what causes the hiccup, chances are it doesn't have any back pressure.  The Evo motor required a little back pressure for it to run properly.  I don't think you need high octane fuel for the Sporty, 87 octane is what mine required.

Answer 5

HDs timing changes around 3K RPM. It goes from the timing at idle to full advance right now. Interstate speed would be around 3K RPM. It probably is just changing timing. Maybe you left off a little then accelareted a little and the timing was caught either retarded or advanced, causing the hiccup. I wouldn't worry about it. Hope this helps.