I started useing the regular low octane gas when I last changed my oil, about 3500 miles ago. I do not ping, the bike has been running good. As a matter of fact, this bike runs better than it ever has before. The only mods I've done has been to rejet, and replace the stock pipes. The bike has never been to any other shop since I brought her home 2 years ago. Seems like as the miles increase the better she runs. Running regular gas I've crossed Death Valley at 85 miles per hour, and just last week, comeing down Hwy 395, out of Bishop we ran between 95 and 100, keeping in front of the SUV's all the way to the California City cutoff. I have not noticed any difference in running the regular gas.