I just got a 954 and the previous owner always used Honda HP4 oil. I want to take it in for an oil change and the Honda shop says they use HP4. Which do you guys think is a better oil to run in a 954?

Thanks!

 

Uh oh, be careful about starting oil holy war! When comparing oils, it comes down to comparing numbers in specifications:

- film strength - how tough a thin layer of oil resists tearing and squeezing forces
- flash point - temperature where oil vapourises & burns
- noack - how much ash oil leaves behind when it burns

Based on these properties, I prefer full-synthetic for best numbers of above. I use Mobil-1 4T on street bikes and Motorex Synt 4T for race-bikes in +10 weight. So bike that uses 10w-40 on street gets 10w-50 on track.

Good article:
Sport Rider - Oils Well That Ends Well