I realize this is a newb question but when I got my bike last year it had a fresh oil change before I got it. I want to change my own oil before I start riding this year....what do I use? Can I use the same synthetic 5W30 I put in my car or do I need something especially for a bike? Is 10W30 better? I have an f4 in Canada btw.

Shell Rotella T 5W-40 Synthetic is what you want.
Here's a couple of famous articles: LINK1 (http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Consumables.html) LINK2 (http://vfrworld.com/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm). Helpful oil forum: LINK (http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=9&page=1).

Just to be clear, you never want to run automotive oil in your bike, Well, most automotive oils. Any motor oil that is designated as energy conserving, (which most are) have special friction modifiers in them to make the engines spin free'r so to speak. this is ok for cars where the engine is seperate from the transmission. The problem is with motorcycles, the engine oil is also the transmission oil. If you use oil designated as energy conserving, you can burn out your clutch. There are some automotive oils that are still ok to run in a bike. But if you are uncertain, its best to buy a motorcycle specific oil.

As for viscosity. It doesnt really matter that much once your bike is warmed up. If you ride your bike in cold conditions, I would stick with the 5w30 as the pour point is lower. If you run a heavier oil and its cold out, just be sure to give your bike a little extra warm up time.

but to make it easier than that. Incognito already gave a great suggestion for a cheap and really good oil. I just wanted to point out what to look out for.

i have a oil leaking problem. whats the best way to find it? remove fairings and look at it while its on?