I only ran a tank of 89 with it on level 8 so I am not saying it's gospel but didn't have any obvious signs of pinging on my end. It is very hot here too. I am currently running in level 6 with the PC set down all the way in sport and I love how smooth it is and easy to engage the throttle. No MDS down/up power level and no lag. I have the 32 gallon tank so a bit pricey to fill up with 93 all the time. I'm actually running 87 now and now issues with level 6. I tried level 4 with the PC turned up and it gets rid of the lag but I don't know if it will help MPG, will try a full tank of that next.
Level 6 was good to go w/ 87 in mine as well, even on the really hot days. I only bumped up to 89 for the noticeably better MPG. Now that I know I can run on 8 w/ 89... it's a no-brainer for me to stick w/ that as long as the knock sensors continue to approve. The Pedal Commander (Sport -4) takes level 8 on the Pulsar from being more of a fun novelty every now & then (that's too jumpy off the start for around town) to being.... "Hot Damn" just right all the time. I loved this combo before but now that I don't have to deal w/ 93 wallet **** at the pump for max benefit... I love it even more.