I tank up with 93 octane, so I guess it's a little more oomphy than the normal 87 octane I put in my cages.

Not that there's a problem (there isn't that I'm aware of), but in the Arkansas heat we have had lately, I've noticed a gasoline odor probably coming from the tank.

I know the tank is vented, so I'm assuming that's the source.

But I'm curious -- anybody else notice the general smell of gasoline around the bike, not in the oil or anywhere else? Just in general?

Yes, that's normal especially after having ridden the bike or parking it in the sun.  The vapors in the tank escape through the vent and you often can smell it.  I'd say that unless you're seeing liquid gasoline leaking out there is nothing to worry about.

 

Yep, that.

(Plus, higher octane gas doesn't have more "oomph" or power.  It is HARDER to ignite than lower octane gas.  Generally, one should use the lowest octane gas that is at or above the manufacturer's specification to get the best performance, mileage, price, and reliability.... but you probably already knew that )

What year did they start putting evap canisters on the Concours? I know my 2017 has one. That should take car of the gas smell unless the canister is completely flooded.

Yep, that.

(Plus, higher octane gas doesn't have more "oomph" or power.  It is HARDER to ignite than lower octane gas.  Generally, one should use the lowest octane gas that is at or above the manufacturer's specification to get the best performance, mileage, price, and reliability.... but you probably already knew that )

Actually, I didn't. Thanks for mentioning it. Probably like many others, I go along with the idea that higher octane for aviation (100 octane, low lead for private aircraft, something I know a little bit about) and, I guess, the "top fuel" methanol-driven engines that power the dragsters I seem to remember (Daddy Garlits, anyone?), spell more performance and "combustibility," but I am no chemical engineer.

Actually, I didn't. Thanks for mentioning it. Probably like many others, I go along with the idea that higher octane for aviation (100 octane, low lead for private aircraft, something I know a little bit about) and, I guess, the "top fuel" methanol-driven engines that power the dragsters I seem to remember (Daddy Garlits, anyone?), spell more performance and "combustibility," but I am no chemical engineer.

Those higher compression motors can pre-detonate lower octane fuels causing damage. That is why higher octane fuels are required in performance motors.

Those higher compression motors can pre-detonate lower octane fuels causing damage. That is why higher octane fuels are required in performance motors.

I learned something today. Thank you.

Higher octane fuel burns slower (or would that be more slowly?) than the lower octane fuel. Lower octane is actually more explosive, that's why it will cause an engine to "ping". You can run more "advance" or "lead" in the ignition timing with higher octane fuel promoting a more complete burn off the air/fuel mixture. You can also run a higher compression ratio if you are going to use high octane fuel.

stepping away from the "less filling/tastes great" discussion,

I will say that after I had stored my bike, with 87 octane, and Marine Stabil mixture over the winter, I had topped up my tank with the 94 stuff, and I will say altho I never notice any fumes from the bike prior, it did emit some stronger fumes yesterday, after A spirited, 100 mile ride... and was parked in the garage.

I'm not worried, it seems normal, and when it vents, well, the thing is doing it's job...

as for "when" did they all start having the canisters installed, I'm not sure, I know they ALL have them now, and have since '15 when they added the O2 sensors, but my '08 does not have one... but it's a Virginia bike...

my guess is around '10-'11 ?

Actually, I didn't. Thanks for mentioning it. Probably like many others, I go along with the idea that higher octane for aviation (100 octane, low lead for private aircraft, something I know a little bit about) and, I guess, the "top fuel" methanol-driven engines that power the dragsters I seem to remember (Daddy Garlits, anyone?), spell more performance and "combustibility," but I am no chemical engineer.

Unfortunately, it is something that gas companies LIKE consumers to be confused about.  Hence the word "premium" slapped on it.  There is nothing "premium" about higher octane gas, except the price.  Higher octane is not "better" gas, any more than the color red is better than blue or green or yellow in your coolant.  There is also a misconception that high octane gas has more or better additives, which is also 100% false.  The purpose of higher octane is to prevent pre-ingition in engines that need it.  If you put high octane gas in an engine not designed for it, it will perform WORSE.  The C14 needs it, in its range of maximum compression (remember, it has variable valve timing, so it is not enough to look at just the static compression ratio) and temperature operation.  In some cases, you can get away with running "mid range" or even low, if you are not pushing the bike hard, and/or at certain elevations and/or at very colder temperatures.  But it is a gamble.  And some engines (NOT ON THE CONCOURS) there are knock sensors that will mess with the timing and fuel ratio to try and *cope* with being given [wrong] gas with too low an octane.... but, as you might guess, at a cost; lost performance, more fouling (which leads to reliability issues and service problems), possible engine stress, etc.

The other thing- higher octane gas doesn't cost ANYWHERE NEAR what it used to cost to make (due to technology improvements).  The price is typically severely artificially inflated.  And it is obvious when you compare the price difference between high and low octane price gas at "normal" gas stations to places like Costco/BJ's who don't rip people off.

Speaking of the price difference.  For some reason here in Texas there is a 50 to 60 cent price difference between regular and premium and I have seen as high as 80 cent difference at one station.  In California there is usually only a 20 to 30 cent difference.  Now granted premium is only 91 octane in CA and 93 in TX, and of course the overall gas prices are higher in CA.  Mid grade is 89 octane in both CA and TX.

Speaking of the price difference.  For some reason here in Texas there is a 50 to 60 cent price difference between regular and premium and I have seen as high as 80 cent difference at one station.  In California there is usually only a 20 to 30 cent difference.  Now granted premium is only 91 octane in CA and 93 in TX, and of course the overall gas prices are higher in CA.  Mid grade is 89 octane in both CA and TX.

JUST HAD STICKER SHOCK...
picked up some gas for my mower the other day, and was looking at the prices (Sunoco)
the 87 oct I use for my mower was $2.72 a gal, 93 oct was up to $3.88 a gallon... bastiches...

If I read this post right I suspect that nearly everyone has had a whiff of gas fumes while sitting on the bike.  OK, good.  Me too.  Thankfully it goes away completely at highway speeds...

Gas companies can bite me with their inflated prices for premium fuel.

Has anyone tried Octane Boost?  Can I buy low octane fuel and boost it and is their a savings on overall fuel cost?

If I read this post right I suspect that nearly everyone has had a whiff of gas fumes while sitting on the bike.

Pretty much, yeah.  At least occasionally.  No doubt it is usually from having expansion in the gas inside the tank and it having to vent a little.

Gas companies can bite me with their inflated prices for premium fuel.

Mostly because consumers are falling for it, thinking it is really worth so much extra, when it isn't (and using it when they shouldn't).  If you have a Costco- that seems to be the best deal around; their spread is a fraction of just about everyone else.  I think BJ's is not as good as Costco, but a good 2nd place.

Has anyone tried Octane Boost?  Can I buy low octane fuel and boost it and is their a savings on overall fuel cost?

I am not sure any snake oil will work effectively and without any unintended consequences.  I am betting many people will say what I will say- "I am not going to take THAT chance on damaging MY engine".   In the old days, you could just add some lead

Has anyone tried Octane Boost?  Can I buy low octane fuel and boost it and is their a savings on overall fuel cost?

I think you'll find that these, while possibly effective, are not a bargain.  Usually they push the $/gal above the retail price for Premium Unleaded.  They are good to use in a pinch, but for daily use, just fork over the money to big oil.

I burn premium in my small engines just to avoid the ethanol. Especially right before storing them away for winter. stable helps but it's not as good as staying away from ethanol to start with
Wayne

I burn premium in my small engines just to avoid the ethanol.

In VA (and I assumed most States), *all* gas is ethanol contaminated, with the exception of a few, specialty, very rural stations (essentially non-existent and extremely expensive), totally unrelated to octane level.

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=VA

In VA (and I assumed most States), *all* gas is ethanol contaminated, with the exception of a few, specialty, very rural stations (essentially non-existent and extremely expensive), totally unrelated to octane level.

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=VA

I guess I'm fortunate that there are two stations in my area selling E0 gasoline.  The local marina has it as well as the local Farm Bureau Coop.  It is more expensive but I've found that for outdoor power equipment and other engines with carbs, it's a LOT less expensive than rebuilding or replacing carbs nearly every year.  I have found that many engines will continue to corrode even if you completely drain the fuel before storage.

I am convinced that ethanol ruined my last bike, a carbureted ZRX-11.

In VA (and I assumed most States), *all* gas is ethanol contaminated, with the exception of a few, specialty, very rural stations (essentially non-existent and extremely expensive), totally unrelated to octane level.

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=VA

I think it's more than a few, Max.  We've got a Murphy's in Dahlgren where you can buy straight regular gas.   Cost's more and tried it my truck and didn't detect any difference.  I saw quite a few stations in southwest VA carrying non-ethanol gas.