Modern Vespa

I've had trouble finding octane any higher than 91 around here, but I recently found a gas station in town that sells gas and racing fuel. I stopped in to fill up today, 95% octane, ethanol-free. But yikes, it's $4.45 a gallon. All their fuels are ethanol free, but is it worth it to me to buy the higher octane for my Vespa?

Piaggio recommends 91 octane, so no need for the 95. BTW, the octane # isn't %.

+1 More isn't better. I'd only go with higher then recommended octane if I found I was having a pre-ignition (pinging) problem.

-Craig

There is a station near me that sells Shell Power Plus. 91 octane alcohol free at market prices. Maybe you can find some near you.

If you have a marina near you that pumps gas directly into boats check them out. They frequently have alcohol free gas.

Well, great, I just poured some very expensive but needless fuel in my tank! They did have 91 in an ethanol free formula there, so I'll go for that the next time. I guess I had 95 stuck in my head.

I realized it wasn't % when I saw they had 101 and 105 as well!

No marinas close by. I have a shell station though about 2 miles away, I'll give it a check next time. Thanks!

Hi there!

I know the station you are referring to. I started filling up there recently after the Porsche dealer said my white smoke on start up was almost exclusively from the ethanol in the local shell gas. They said it's a common issue with Porsches.

I also fill up my vespa there. I know it's $4+ per gallon, but it really doesnt add up to that much extra in the vespa. I feel bad, I have been a loyal Shell customer ever since I interned for them in college, and I have always used their citi card for 5% back. It's added up to over $700 in rebates in the 5 years I've had it.

Just FYI, AMEX has a card out (I think it's one of the Amex blue cards) that offers 5% back on gas. I think I may switch to that card exclusively for use at that station. 5% back while filling up both a car and vespa at $4+ a gallon can add up!

Hey neighbor!

I'll check my gas mileage with this formula and see if there's any improvement. I have a trip to Fort Smith on Saturday, and I've already scoped out a station I can fill up in Alma.