It's up to you. I like synthetic, but that debate has been going on for probably 40 years. Change it at the recommended intervals and you'll be fine.

 

I just changed my oil 4 days ago and after a lot of searching and reading I decided to give the Rotella T Synthetic a try. I cant say how it is long term yet but I have had the bike out each day since I changed the oil and its running great. Give the Rotella a shot!!

 

i just bought rotella t6 5w 40 synthetic and am trying it. ive read alot of good things about it
- Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic
this is the stuff.

 

I changed the oil yesterday. I used Rotella T 15w-40 conventional motor oil. It was $12 for a gallon. My book says use 10w-40 for the F3. A little thicker but I have been reading and the oils tend to lose their viscosity fast in motorcycles. One big thing that contributes to this is the shearing action of the transmission gears. Oil is not a very exciting topic (to me), but man there are alot of sites with info..Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread....

 

LOL but you didn't read far enough to learn thats why there is motorcycle spacific oil, to resist said shearing and remain stable? GN4 is $5/quart locally, I don't see any need to use cheaper oil when your only putting in 3.5 qts. But as lots have said you shouldn't have any problems at least in the short term.

 

I am well aware of the Honda oils, I think I been buying it since the early 80s. This thread was about finding an alternative. The Honda oils are believed to be Mobil products that just have a Honda label on them. Far as the shearing the tests I read all the oils had less than the rated viscosity than were stated on the label, after 2000 miles. I am not a chemical engineer, just enjoy learning something new and if it saves me a couple bucks, great....

 

even though you purchased already. I just use the regular rotella T(white)