Yes, it's always best to use Top Tier whenever possible. Grocery store brands used occasionally will not cause it to immediately break down. The difference is in the added "detergents"
Many times, the SAME TRUCK will deliver the SAME GAS to different branded gas stations. The only difference would be in the chemical pack that the DRIVER ADDS to the delivery. The differences come in the brand’s additives that are injected as the product is loaded.
As far as Premium, it's really (generally) only "REQUIRED" for high performance / high compression engines. Premium gasoline is LESS LIKEY to detonate. Generally, turbo equipped vehicles will require premium, because they compress the fuel making detonation more likely. You should ALWAYS burn premium in vehicles that require it.
But there is another group which may add to the confusion. Those would be "Premium RECOMMENDED" vehicles. Almost every vehicle these days is equipped with a "knock sensor". If your engine begins to detonate the fuel, the ECU will immediately adjust timing and other factors to compensate. No harm, no foul. This will happen MORE OFTEN using regular 87 octane gasoline. So, while your "premium recommended" vehicle will run just fine on "regular", it may run better, more efficiently on 89 or 91 octane fuel because it is DESIGNED to use higher octane.
Then there are vehicles that it just doesn't matter. These vehicles are DESIGNED to use 87 octane. Most motorcycle engines DO NOT HAVE knock sensors and are designed to use 87. If your 87 engine is knocking, a higher octane fuel may reduce it, but it actually points to a problem. If your engine is not knocking, higher octane fuel will do absolutely no good, and you will not even get better gas mileage. But it might make you FEEL better.
For most 2 wheeled enthusiasts, Top Tier 87 will give you the best performance and excellent protection. If you hear knocking, get it serviced immediately.
PS: If, like me, you insist on getting premium, consider a mid-grade. It's usually 20 cents a gallon cheaper and some (usually older) stations do not even have 3 separate underground tanks meaning you can get 91 octane for the price of 89. 89 means it's "at least" 89.
JMHO
www.toptiergas.com
