Topic: engine oil for 400 4

[craig]

engine oil for 400 4 , been told 20/50 but can anyone recommend a brand they have/are using

[Markcb750]

Any that has the JASO-MA Rating which indicates it is suitable for wet clutches.

also avoid oils with friction modifiers.

[PeWe]

There are several oil recommendation threads. I do not know if CB400 must have good amount of ZDDP (zinc + phosphorus) as the old CB750's. My bike want it
There is better access to the old style oils with good amount of zinc in USA.
I use Red Line Motorcycle oil 20W-50 in my CB750 SOHC with high dose of zinc. I had dragging clutch when cold, not finding neutral when warm with Castrol 4T mineral oil. Better with Red Line synthetic.
I had to order 10 bottles from England when its tricky to find where I live (Sweden). US eBay seller did not ship, pity when it was much cheaper despite shipping + VAT + Customs

UK: http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-785-20w-50-engine-oils.aspx
Their Valvoline DuraBlend 4T 20w-50 Motorcycle Engine Oil might be a lower cost alternative.... I have not tested it but the description sounds right:
Wear protection
Increased anti-wear agents (zinc and phosphorous) help minimize wear from metal-to-metal contact.

[flybox1]

I used Valvoline VR1 in 10w40 + Rislone for the few years I had my 350F.   Never an issue with the 10w40.
Im now using BelRay 20w50 Mineral 4T MC oil w/ZDDP in my CB750.
ZDDP is not a bad additive for any of our bikes.

Neither of these have high detergents or friction modifiers.