If you have to ask this Question than get this:



but for those who are curious and either dont want to go oem or who are too lazy to get it (well lets be real if your reason is laziness than you wont read all this).

I've seen some posts come up in the various subforums about what type of oil or synthetic vs mineral or what about this this brand or that brand. Normally these threads are filled with good advice to follow like what does your manual say? However, there is also a lot of bad advice as well like use 10w-40 because it gets thicker... Dont buy synthetic because its only meant for racing. All the oil is the same (now yes this is true, BUT the additives are different). Only buy what the manual says because thats the only kind that works in the engine.

I wanted to share an article about oil that I read a long time ago (ok so maybe around two years ago, but still). It helped me understand what oil really does, and how to not only protect my engine but keep it running strong and improve my MPG. Now this article is a bit long and I know most of you wont finish it, might not even start it, and will continue to ask about what kind of oil should you use.

Here is the reading material, there is a ton of information about oils and whats in them on this site and I recommend you check out the rest of the site.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

I know that this is not directly written about motorcycle oil, however, every single principal and fact is the same for motorcycle engines; they are just higher revving engines.

So for everyone Who just skipped all that, the manufacturers lie......... no they don't, but their recommendations are for a completely warm engine. Not always for commuting or what we might be using our bikes for on a daily basis.

Buy motorcycle specific oil, because the additives and detergents are different. If you do buy oil other than motorcycle oil you run the risk of reduced performance, clutch malfunction, and possibly worse. The only way to fix the clutch problems is to flush the lubrication system, you might need to replace the clutch friction plates and perform a second oil change within a few hundred miles. So just buy motorcycle oil, its safer.

Stay away from any oils that are being marketed as race oil. This isnt a marketing ploy, it really is meant for racing and racing temps, it has no detergents to keep your engine clean; i.e. you will be needing to tare your engine apart and clean it yourself. On top of all that they generally have higher levels of toxic stuff in them and wont have the JL or JM ratings like regular oil. So in short just cuz it says race on it doesn't mean its better.

Also if the company that makes the oil you bought also makes an oil filter buy both of them together!! The reason I say that is because what filters do you think they test with that oil??? The two are "optimized" for each other.

Something that I do on my car, truck and now motorcycle is when I need to change my oil I will put an oz of seafoam per qt of oil, drive around about 100 miles and than change my oil. It really helps, works great and keeps the engines nice and squeaky clean. Been doing this my entire life and being the third generation of my family that does this and our mechanics love us.

So th long and short of it is read that article and you will know what to put in your bike. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

Nice article, well reasoned and easy to follow (your's, I haven't sampled the other yet).

When I saw the title and poster, I had already decided on the smarmy answer,
I was going to give (before the page finished loading). "The slippery kind!"


Then, I see the actual intent and have to take back, at least half the bad things, I was gonna say about you! lol

Ern

 

Hehe, yea I figured that title would get people to read it and if they search for this would pop up too. I actually thought the first comment would be "so, what kinda oil do I need?"

Just hope it gets to the people who need it.

 

OK, so I've read Bob is the Oil guys site for years. This doesn't address what oils are best for our bikes.

What is the consensus? What do you guys recommend for a seasonal bike on the east coast USA?

 

I would go with any motorcycle specific oil, brands are brands are brands. as long as the additives in the oil are formulated for a sport bike (or cruiser for a cruiser) than you should be fine. I like Mobil 1, it gets the job done very well but when I'm storing the bike Ill put in something that doesn't cost $15 a qt.

as far as the east coast goes you need to think what kinda temps and conditions your going to be riding in. lots of traffic? Hard riding? Every single day?

 

Damn north east weather has been all over the place the last few years. I went with this.

 

Been thru BITOG forums a few times in the past, basically the same ratio of good and bad as found in most of these discussions.

But the funny part is the title of the thread, then no detailled answer, then you (no disrespect at all I promise) ultimately giving the generic "get sport bike oil".....opinion.



Anyways....

Obviously these threads ARE done to death. And its simply because its the kind of topic that people either care nothing about, AKA refuse to learn anything and just want to be told the answer or are deeply passionate about and thier views are never going to be changed by outside opinion.

So in that vein.....



IMO..... oil IS oil in that the recomended oil is always at least plenty good enough for 99% of the applications out there and THEE more important factor is 1) That maintanance is actually performed and B) It's done at proper intervals.

In nut shell, use bike oil in bikes and car oil in cars. Conventional or synthetic to budget, factoring in intervals and intensity.

I also believe that Honda, for example, has tested to failure and blown up more hondas than anyone on the internet probably by 1000/1 at least. They probably have a pretty good idea what it takes to keep thier engines happy.

 

So you comment on the generic answer with your own generic answer?

 

A) I didn't start or title the thread.

and 2) My comment on the "answer" is there isn't one (1).



But to single one (1) out, my personal answer is that the manufacturer has it.

 

Just thought it ironic and amusing. But I agree :P