I have never used a synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil. I'm not sure if there are any advantages. The shop manual said that SF SG detergent oils that are not castor based should be used. I usually use non systhetic motorcycle oil from the Honda dealer. I guess my questions are:

1. Are Amsoil or Royal purple acceptable for an f3?
2. Would and engine that revs higher like a 600 for example require systhetic?
3. Are the synthetics or synthetic blends neccessary considering that I change my oil every 3000 miles or less. Not the 8k suggested by the manual.
I checked some other threads before I posted this; but I don't think this particular issue was addressed. If it has been, I appologize for not making a more exhaustive search.
Thanks

 

1. as long as you are using motorcycle oil for wet clutches (JASO-MA), either brand is fine.
2. require, no.
3. necessary, no. completely up to you.

the manual says SF or SG. that was the standard when that bike was new. those standards have been gone for years. they are up to SN now. SN covers all previous standards.

 

As long as it doesn't have the "Energy conserving" (JASO-MA) label on it your good.

 

Thoughts:
IDoDirt F3 oil change guide & small oil talk
Recommended Oils & Filters

Hope this helps. Ps..I found the Rotella T6 Synthetic 5w-40 for 22/gallon at Walmart.
Swapping to it from Royal Purple as soon as I get my bike back together

 

Motul 7100 is what I've found that I like the best.

 

Thanks guys. Really good information. I did not know about the SN standard. Nor had I heard of the JASO-Ma standard. That information really helps. I'll check out Motul, I had not even thought of that brand.
Ekelman

 

shell rotella t6 is great
and you'll find tons of people using it on old as well as new bikes.

theres a really good write up of its advantages on here somewhere. quick search could find it.

 

I read the links from Idodirt. Wow, that was alot of information. Very interesting. I will probably go with the Rotella oil and the Mobil filter. Great write up. You guys are the best.
Ekelman

 

Did lots of oil testing on compressor pumps a few years ago. The testing showed Mobil 1 and Amsoil where head and shoulders above any other oils.

I only run those 2 oils, and honestly oil is so cheap for a motorcycle, the peace of mind is worth the price.