2011 Apex SE-Recommended use of Premium Gas

[tcona-AGT]

I noticed the sticker on the demo-ride.When I asked the rep about it,he said it was recommended for the "new engine".

 

[kinger]

I'm sure they added some timing and different tuning with the EXUP as well.

I would run premium but like I said its safe to run 87 when its your only option.

 

[bottlerocket]

Everybody screams more power and then half dont want to deal with the octane to produce it. I wish Yamaha could make everybody happy all the time. LOL ~ ps Yamaha these guys want 200hp on 86 octane and 30 mpg!

 

[whitedust1]

Everybody screams more power and then half dont want to deal with the octane to produce it. I wish Yamaha could make everybody happy all the time. LOL ~ ps Yamaha these guys want 200hp on 86 octane and 30 mpg!

Sounds like you are saying 2011 Apex is for small vertical speed market only. All others should buy Vector based on gas octane specs. Like no trail rider should purchase an Apex just too much hp. 87 octane was fine for 06-10 Apex & 2011 Apex probably only a bit faster. Shame to lose 87 octane for 2011 Apex but just me.

 

[bottlerocket]

Well my point is most guys are screaming more power and to do that there has be a give and take.

 

[whitedust1]

Well my point is most guys are screaming more power and to do that there has be a give and take.

Let them scream for more power everything has power limits or mods to do whatever hp you want. Yamaha needs to find a way to make Apex more affordable go more horizontal market on Apex or just write it off as a vertical market muscle sled & sell low numbers at big bucks. EPS could be a good thing maybe put in Vector & Nytro next year. Women that lack upper body strength should luv EPS. High octane gas not easy to find in WI Northwoods & UP as gas just sits there in tanks. Lots of reports of 2s doos & poos burning down due to bad gas up here. Having to use high octane gas to meet engine specs would not be a good thing here.

 

[bottlerocket]

High performance 2 strokes all use 91+ octane to make 150+ hp. The price to pay if you want to play. Personally the 150hp motor at 87 octane ran great.

 

[whitedust1]

High performance 2 strokes all use 91+ octane to make 150+ hp. The price to pay if you want to play. Personally the 150hp motor at 87 octane ran great.

Yep so does mine that is why I don't like losing 87 octane 150 spec in 2011. Only 1 pump in Phelps greater than 87 octane & if I had to use that 1 pump a fill up could take 1/2 hour or more everytime both cars & sleds a real PIA. Not good for me or other sledders. Next gas 20-25 trail miles away.

 

[sx7001]

Ok, this is getting crazy. The new motor will run all day @ WOT on 87 just like the old one and produce 160+ HP. Yamaha recommends 91 to get the most power out of it. Thats the beauty of the knock sensor, it gives you a safety margin. My corvette has 2 knock sensors and different fuel/timing tables built into the computer. When the sensors detect knock the computer switches automatically. Fuel will not be a issue anymore.
Larry

 

[Riceburner]

Ok, this is getting crazy. The new motor will run all day @ WOT on 87 just like the old one and produce 160+ HP. Yamaha recommends 91 to get the most power out of it. Thats the beauty of the knock sensor, it gives you a safety margin. My corvette has 2 knock sensors and different fuel/timing tables built into the computer. When the sensors detect knock the computer switches automatically. Fuel will not be a issue anymore.
Larry

Exactly. Best of both worlds.

Well said.

 

[whitedust1]

Ok, this is getting crazy. The new motor will run all day @ WOT on 87 just like the old one and produce 160+ HP. Yamaha recommends 91 to get the most power out of it. Thats the beauty of the knock sensor, it gives you a safety margin. My corvette has 2 knock sensors and different fuel/timing tables built into the computer. When the sensors detect knock the computer switches automatically. Fuel will not be a issue anymore.
Larry

That indeed is good news!

 

[rxrider]

Running an engine too rich on the edge of detonation will actually add to the problem not avoid it. On the turbos we can get into a rich knock condition that will blow up the engine octane is too low for the boost level.

Using higher octane will only make more power in engines designed for it, when compression and ignition timing calls for it. Running higher octane will actually loose power over regular in an engine designed to run on regular.

I would allways run the octane Yamaha suggest.

Congrats on your new 2011.
I had one on order but had to bail as the price got way too high even on spring order.

 

[sx7001]

This is from Chris Reid @ Yamaha.

Chris says:

Hey Larry, the bottom line answer is YES, the new Apex will run fine on 87 octane. There is a DCS (detonation control system) that will adjust the ignition to compensate for low octane fuel. Worse case you may experience a slight drop in horsepower. Whenever possible it is best to run premium fuel but you won’t damage the engine using regular. It really is a ‘worse case scenario’ deal where if you use low octane or stale gas under high load, high temp running conditions, some detonation may occur and the system will be engaged. It won’t happen all the time with 87, in fact it may not happen at all but factory always errs to the lowest common denominator hence the dire warnings…. cheers cr