you can use 87 octane. Thats what it was designed for, but I usually run mid grade 89 octane in mine. We have a station about 7 miles from me that has ethanol free gas too if your willing to pay for it, but the fuel injection system can handle ethanol just fine. Most the folks I know who have ethanol problems have carburated bikes. Just make sure you fill your tank to the top and put some fuel stabalizer in it if your going to let it sit for an extended period.