Author Topic: Anybody using auto oil in their bike? (Read 6514 times)

sparty · « **on:** September 14, 2006, 05:10:18 AM »

Last night, I went to bike night and was talking with two guys when the "oil" subject came up. One of the gentlemen was an avid user of auto oil and the other was on the fence. The avid user has been riding motorcycles since the early 60s - before all of the "motorcycle" specific oils came to market. I understand the new technology behind the synthetic motorcycle oils for modern sportbikes, etc., but when our bikes were designed, they used dino oil but the technology wasn't near what it is today. Can our bikes run just as well on auto oils?

Sparty

cben750f0 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2006, 05:31:12 AM »

you could use auto oil, but have to make sure that it isnt friction modified, otherwise you stuff your clutch, b/c your clutch need friction.... otherwise there would be no problem of using it...

just my thoughts..

peace

cb650 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2006, 05:33:32 AM »

Thats all I use.

Terry

bryanj · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2006, 05:57:41 AM »

I still buy oil to the original spec, which usually turns out to be a "fleet" diesel oil.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2006, 06:43:14 AM »

20W-50 from the racecar in my scoot.
(Not used oil - just a leftover case

)

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:26:51 PM »

Castrol GTX 20W-50. Don't think I've ever used "motorcycle oil" and I've had my bike since 3/75.

dusterdude · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:28:20 PM »

castrol gtx 10w-40

MikeDeB · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:29:08 PM »

I use either Honda GN4 or Castrol GTX in 10w40 for the Hondas. Amsoil synthetic 10w40 in the Ducs. No issues.

nickjtc · « **Reply #8 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:42:52 PM »

I only use motorcycle specific Castrol oils in the bikes because I want to keep Canadian Tire in business.

johnny-from-bel · « **Reply #9 on:** September 14, 2006, 01:31:46 PM »

I use the cheapesed 20W50 I can find. Run it in both bikes. The K6 is now running close to 180000km on el-cheapo-oil. Appart for the valve intake seals everything on the engine is still from 1977.

Of course the is nothing against running a high tech oil. Just make sure it is wet clutch compatible.

dusterdude · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2006, 01:39:04 PM »

Quote from: johnny-from-bel on September 14, 2006, 01:31:46 PM

I use the cheapesed 20W50 I can find. Run it in both bikes. The K6 is now running close to 180000km on el-cheapo-oil. Appart for the valve intake seals everything on the engine is still from 1977.

Of course the is nothing against running a high tech oil. Just make sure it is wet clutch compatible.

damn tom,when did you start selling oil?

DrMark · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2006, 02:13:48 PM »

Castrol GTX in 10w40 here in Iowa.

Hop on a Honda · « **Reply #12 on:** September 14, 2006, 02:42:28 PM »

NO.
Its full auto oils are full of additives Per Se`
IF any other oil was available, Iwould use a good diesel engine oil.
Volvo trucks here in Australia had to formulate an oil which could stand the vigors of the Aussie heat in their 6 cyl engines so as to minimise usage and asked PENRITE to oblige them. It was sold as Volvo diesel oil Good stuff in summer
But here in Australia where it's very hot like AZ etc it's best to use a straight Mineral oil especially reminding the fact of we have a clutch which neds to be a little more friction than not.
I like a lot of Aussies owners of HONDAS use PENTITE HPR 30 a straight 20-60 Mineral oil. which from all accounts does a great job lubricating in all weathers and has a ability to not leak and have minimial usage rate.
In my CB750 K5, I change it at 4-5.000 ks then put the rest it in the Volvo 240GL, its done 750000ks + It should be Ok its a 4cyl SOHC too. LOL
www.penrite.com I just had to get this in!!
Dave Australia.

stevej · « **Reply #13 on:** September 14, 2006, 02:51:31 PM »

I use Unipart 10/40 car oil "in the red can" ,44k miles and engine still runs like clockwork.

andy750 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 15, 2006, 02:36:10 AM »

60,000 miles (6 years) on auto oil (10W-40 and 20W-50 in summer) with no problems.

cheers
Andy (usually in Boston)

liaudio · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2006, 04:08:13 AM »

Damn. And all this time I've been spending super bucks on MC specific oil!

hymodyne · « **Reply #16 on:** September 15, 2006, 09:24:44 AM »

rotellaT 5-40 synthetic.

hym

nickjtc · « **Reply #17 on:** September 15, 2006, 09:36:27 AM »

So, we are seeing success with a diversity of oils including some that are non motorcycle specific. Is this because with these motorcycles we change the oil in a timely manner, therefore not giving enough time for potential problems to occur...?

nuke · « **Reply #18 on:** September 15, 2006, 04:28:34 PM »

Well I put Castrol GTX in my last oil change and the clutch is now slipping....lots. Didn't before. I read some threads on the subject, and a common response to these inquiries was not to use Molybdenum or enviromental additives. AFTER the oil change, I read the container on the GTX and it did have the enviromental additive. Could this be the problem? If so how come so many of you are using the GTX with no problems? Are my clutch plates ruined by this or can I recover them by switching back. All these oil threads confuse me more than anything.

nuke

p.s. I live in the Toronto area and its getting a little cold-er. to what effect does this effect clutch.

cb650 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2006, 04:38:59 PM »

Quote from: nickjtc on September 15, 2006, 09:36:27 AM

So, we are seeing success with a diversity of oils including some that are non motorcycle specific. Is this because with these motorcycles we change the oil in a timely manner, therefore not giving enough time for potential problems to occur...?

We care about keeping them and not running the #$%* out of them untill we can afford a hardly.

Terry

bradl45 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 15, 2006, 04:40:08 PM »

I've always liked Honda GN4, I've used it in all my bikes, and just changed my 75 CB with it. I do use synthetic in my BMW k1200 LT, it's more expensive, but I just change every 4000 miles, transmission and rear end as well.

I'm not about to change, anyway you look at it, oil is cheap. Then we come to brake fluid, once a year has treated me good, w/ dot 4, sometimes those speed bleeders treat me nice, other times not.

Brad

nickjtc · « **Reply #21 on:** September 15, 2006, 09:43:51 PM »

Quote from: cb650 on September 15, 2006, 04:38:59 PM

We care about keeping them and not running the #$%* out of them untill we can afford a hardly.
Terry

Is this a closet dream of yours, Terry? To win a hardly, that is?

cb650 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 16, 2006, 05:52:54 AM »

If one was given to me I wouldnt own it longer than it would take to sell it cheap

.

Terry

aptech77 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 16, 2006, 08:12:59 AM »

Was on cheap Valvoline 10w-40 for engine brake in. Now on Maxima's Maxum Premium 10w-40 cycle oil.

Dave K · « **Reply #24 on:** September 16, 2006, 08:22:26 AM »

Nuke, don't know what to tell you about your clutch. I have been using Castrol GTX in my 750 K3, GL1100, and other bikes since I bought them new. No problems at all. K3 now was 47,000 miles and the GL1100 only has 32,000. I also ran this oil in my XR350R dirtbike and never had any troubles. Depending on the weather I ran either 10-40 or 20-50.

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Author Topic: Anybody using auto oil in their bike? (Read 6514 times)

johnny-from-bel

Hop on a Honda

liaudio

nuke

bradl45