Buell XB 2008 Series, Service Manual

Page: 27 / 688

1.2 FUEL AND OIL
FUEL
Refer to Table 1-1 . Always use a good quality unleaded gas-
oline. Octane ratings are usually found on the pump.
Avoid spills. Slowly remove filler cap. Do not fill above
bottom of filler neck insert, leaving air space for fuel
expansion. Secure filler cap after refueling. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00028a)
Use care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can
force gasoline to escape through filler tube. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00029a)
Modern service station pumps dispense a high flow of gasoline
into a motorcycle fuel tank making air entrapment and pressur-
ization a possibility.
Table 1-1. Octane Ratings
RATING SPECIFICATION
91 (95 RON) Pump Octane (R+M)/2
GASOLINE BLENDS: BUELL MODELS
Your motorcycle was designed to get the best performance
and efficiency using unleaded gasoline. Most gasoline is
blended with alcohol and/or ether to create oxygenated blends.
The type and amount of alcohol or ether added to the fuel is
important.
Do not use gasoline that contains methanol. Doing so can
result in fuel system component failure, engine damage
and/or equipment malfunction. (00148a)
• Gasoline containing METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER
(MTBE): Gasoline/MTBE blends are a mixture of gasoline
and as much as 15% MTBE. Gasoline/MTBE blends can
be used in your motorcycle.
• ETHANOL is a mixture of 10% ethanol (Grain alcohol) and
90% unleaded gasoline. Gasoline/ethanol blends can be
used in your motorcycle if the ethanol content does not
exceed 10%.
• REFORMULATED OR OXYGENATED GASOLINES
(RFG): Reformulated gasoline is a term used to describe
gasoline blends that are specifically designed to burn
cleaner than other types of gasoline, leaving fewer tailpipe
emissions. They are also formulated to evaporate less
when you are filling your tank. Reformulated gasolines
use additives to oxygenate the gas. Your motorcycle will
run normally using this type of gas and Harley-Davidson
recommends you use it when possible, as an aid to cleaner
air in our environment.
Some gasoline blends might adversely affect the starting,
driveability or fuel efficiency of the motorcycle. If any of these
problems are experienced, try a different brand of gasoline or
gasoline with a higher octane blend.
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because
some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of
inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a)
Engine oil is a major factor in the performance and service life
of the engine. Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest
temperature expected before the next scheduled oil change.
Refer to
Table 1-2 . Your authorized dealer has the proper oil
to suit your requirements.
If it is necessary to add oil and Harley-Davidson oil is not
available, use an oil certified for diesel engines. Acceptable
diesel engine oil designations include: CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 and
CI-4.
The preferred viscosities for the diesel engine oils in des-
cending order are: 20W50, 15W40 and 10W40.
At the first opportunity, see an authorized dealer to change
back to 100 percent Harley-Davidson oil.
Table 1-2. Recommended Engine Oils
COLD WEATHER
STARTS BELOW 50° F
(10° C)
LOWEST AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE
H-D RATING VISCOSITY H-D TYPE
Excellent Below 40° F (4° C) HD 360 SAE 10W40 H-D Multi-grade
Good Above 40° F (4° C) HD 360 SAE 20W50 H-D Multi-grade
Poor Above 60° F (16° C) HD 360 SAE 50 H-D Regular Heavy
Poor Above 80° F (27° C) HD 360 SAE 60 H-D Extra Heavy
2008 XB Service: Maintenance 1-5