I've got a pretty new (~325 mi) 2005 F4i. Just checked on the oil, and it is pretty much even with the lower mark (maybe just above it).

Based on the owner's manual, I should add oil to get it back up to the middle. Is HP4 the oil that's in it right now? I want to be sure to put the same oil in there if I can.

More importantly, is a lower oil level a symptom of using a little oil? I admit that I didn't pay much attention to it for the first couple of hundred miles. Is this normal for the break-in period? Should I be concerned about this? Did I do something wrong in the break-in?

For break-in, I kept it at or below 5K RPM for the first 125 miles or so, then less than 8K thru about 275 miles, then 10K max (very limited peaks) thru now.

Does that sound OK?

Yes, I'm a little bit of a nervous nellie when it comes to this engine stuff.

 

There should be answers to your questions in the Owners Manual. I believe the machine comes with the GN4 oil from the factory. The HP4 oil is synthetic. I changed from the GN4 to the HP4 (w/o moly) after 6,000 miles.

 

I'm assuming with the low mileage you bought it new from a dealership. You'll have to check with them on the oil they put in it. All bikes are dry until they are sold. So as you're filling out the paper work... they are charging up the battery and adding the fluids. The shop I bought from uses GN4. Your break in sounds about right... but the important thing is to stay away steady RPMs. Staying on a highway at 60mph for a couple hours would be bad... you should very the RPMs as much as possible.

 

I have broken in two motors per moto man's instruction. Both engines have awesome compression, and when I pulled the head, the pistons were clean, no signs of any blowby.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Break it in the way he says. Babying a motor or steady rpms will not make for a good break in. The rings will not seal very well. Listen to the moto-man.

 

DO NOT PUT SYNTHETIC OIL IN A NEW ENGINE for first 2000 miles
HP4 is kinda crappy oil but make sure you change your oil on 500miles, 1000miles, 3000miles go synthetic or not.

as long as the oil level is above the lower, you are fine

 

I agree Break in your Bike by going up and down on the rev band not to high on the rpm's though. The up and down helps to seat the rings. It is normal for a bike to burn oil throughout the break in period. Sometimes almost a quart within a 600 mile period.
Repsol 1

 

Any recommendations other than HP4? It made a HUGE difference in feel and a marginal increase in fuel efficiency when I swtiched from the GN4 dino blend to the HP4 synthetic.

 

never had a new bike so never put non-synthetic hehe

 

OK, I'll check with the dealership...but I'll bet it's GN4.

Does a little low oil level often result in break-in due to blow-by? Should I be concerned?

Thanks for all the responses.

 

HP4 = semi-synthetic oil = so no good
I guess GN4 should be used for new bikes
I would go with Belray EXL http://www.belray.com/consumer/productpages/exl.html

and never use semi-synthetic after that go FULL SYNTHETIC = Mobil1 mx4t, royal purple max-cycle, or Amsoil AMF