Warmer weather performance

Dallas -

Been noticing recently that my motorcycle just does not seem to run
as good now, as when I'd ride on those late cool nights.

Actually, I notice this every beginning of summer, but just explain it
away with volumetric efficiency/density of the cooler air.

However, I began thinking a little harder, and recalled comments that
I had heard first hand, and from a radio automotive talk show, from
a while ago. Those comments suggest that something is added to the
gas around this time of year.

Anyone else here share such seasonal symptoms? Or, am I just imag-
ining this?


Thanks,

Gary

 

(the entire Family wrote)
Dallas -
Been noticing recently that my motorcycle just does not seem to run as
good now, as when I'd ride on those late cool nights.
Actually, I notice this every beginning of summer, but just explain it
away with volumetric efficiency/density of the cooler air.
However, I began thinking a little harder, and recalled comments that I
had heard first hand, and from a radio automotive talk show, from a
while ago. Those comments suggest that something is added to the gas
around this time of year.
Anyone else here share such seasonal symptoms? Or, am I just imag- ining
this?
Thanks,
Gary


''Well Gary, the Family fellow, I for one think that's one of them there
summer myths.'', that's my take on it!!!!!
Talking about a motorsikle not performing well in 90plus heat, what
about them Harleys, that don't even have water cooled engines, like my
Honda does!!

Have ya ever rode a Harley in Hot ass weather? The Harley may run
pretty good, but, the rider's legs get mighty warm.

 

nope, it's true, depending upon the regions and pollution laws. there
are very different summer and winter formulations that, aiui, have more
do do with the volatility of the mixture. I know Denver and California
have different mixtures for summer and winter and I imagine many other
parts of the country do too. a less volatile mix for summer weather may
not ignite or burn as rapidly as one for colder weather/higher altitude
and so may not perform as well.

that right leg does tend to get a bit toasted by the rear cylinder pipe,
yes indeedy.

 

Well, I should have been clearer. Performance was not really the
correct description(as used in hot rodding), I really meant just that
sensation a rider gets from many miles on a bike, which then begins
to run not quite as well. Specifically, one sign is just a simple idle
drop. Of course, I can dial up the idle, but it's little things like this
that forms the question.

Additionally, the bike is a Valkyrie, thus void of EFI. As you suggest-
ed, I suspect an EFI bike would mask these idiosyncrasies through
their measurement process(es).

The automotive radio talk show I mentioned use to refer to an addi-
tive called MTBE. There is a ton of search hits on this term, but I'm
afraid that I know little of chemical engineering. However, the disc-
ussions were so long ago, I kinda' figured it had all gone away by
now.

Thanks,

Gary

 

i don't think it will compensate for different fuel ingredients and
ratios, per se. environmental conditions, yes. a closed loop system
will look at air temp, barometric pressure and head temp and the exhaust
O2 levels and adjust the air/fuel mix to meet its throttle map. some
systems will retard timing if they sense pinging, which could be from
lower grade fuel igniting early, but it's the pre-ignition and not the
chemical makeup of the fuel that is being compensated for by the FI.
splitting hairs, i know...

 

Thanks,


Gary