Topic: OIL : Is there a correct one to pick

[elly]

Before anyone says anything about the posts about all the oils you can get
I think I have read them all and now understand even less than when I first started my rather simple quest
To find the correct oil

All I want to know is what oil I should put in my bike
A 1975 CB750 with old MK0 carbs the bike was rebuilt about 15 years ago and has only done a small mileage (500 miles)
Since then. I will be using it more than that but not everyday or in the winter (its a bugger to keep clean http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/robelly/BikeRight.jpg).
It will not be used for long periods over the winter
I'm in the UK so we don’t often the extremes of weather

I think that is all the info
Please don’t say they are all the same just use the one I prefer, as I don't know which I prefer

[736cc]

Honda GN4 motorcycle specific oil 10w40 sold at dealership in gallon container $15 US dollars

[andy750]

Elly,
As you have read there are many posts on this and everyone has their own preference. When I was in the UK I used castrol 10W-40 (from Halfords) - regular non-synthetic mineral car oil - in my CB750k4 (1974). Ive used this for 40,000 miles and the inside of the engine (had it open more than I would like) looked fine. You can get it at Halfords or any car shop. Change very 1500 -2000 miles and you`ll be fine. I still use it and Im now in Boston, MA.

Plenty of people here also use more expensive motorcycle oil and thats fine as well - for the UK unless it gets really hot (like over 28C for a long time Id run 10w-40). If its hot then 20w-50 is good to use.

cheers
Andy

[mcpuffett]

Hi Rob, i use 10w40, at the moment i'm using one from halfords ownmake in a orange container £14.00 for 5 litres or the castrol gtx is good as well  ,   mick.

[Chris Liston]

I use Honda GN-4 10w40 too.  Works well.  Before that I was just using auto 10w40.  I noticed a difference right way with the Honda oil.  Bike got quieter and ran smoother.  Been using it every since.

[eldar]

Rotella T has a strong following too. You can get a 15-40 standard or. a 5-40 synthetic. I have used both and they work excellent
Plus they have extra detergent to keep things clean as a whistle since this oil is made for diesel engines. It is a quality oil.
Whatever oil you go with, make sure it is NOT energy conserving which you will find marked on the back of the bottle in the USA.
10-40 is standard and if you decide to do go that route, then do castrol or mobil. They are about the best you will find for the price.

[DF]

I just got my CB550 in January and finally have the ability to ride, weather wise that is.  Anyways, my wife went to the city today so I told her to pick up some Honda GN4 oil & filter for my bike.  She came back with Suzuki 10w40.  The Honda dealer told her it was the same oil but cheaper.  This should be safe to use hey?  I'm not sure of the knowledge of this place - I also had them order exhaust gaskets for said bike, and they ordered me in 2 each.  So obviously they aren't familiar with a older CB. 

Anyways - I thought I would ask the "knowledgable ones' before I put this stuff in!  Thanks!

[TwoTired]

If it says on the can that it is for motorcycles with a wet clutch, it should work fine.

Cheers,

[DF]

It says:

"Suzuki Engine Oil 10w-40 is engineered to exceed API SL, SJ, SH, SG, SF and meets friction requirements of JASO MA for 4 stroke gasoline engines in automobiles, motorcycles, ATV's and outboard motors.  It's powerful additive package is formulated to fight engine deposits and wear.  Suzuki engine oil provides the high temperature viscosity protection that your gasoline engine needs for tough Canadian conditions."

It doesn't say energy saving and doesn't say anything about wet clutch. 

[Steve F]

The last two years I've been running Valvoline 10w40 motorcycle oil formulated for bikes with wet clutch.  Very satisfied, asd no sludge build up in the valve cover which I found on my CB650 a number of years ago.

On the subject of oil, does anyone have a preference for oil in air cooled 4 stroke engines like Briggs & Stratton or Kohler?  I have a problem getting the information that spells out the API service requirements for these engines.  Briggs brand oil doesn't have the API service printed on their containers, since I WAS using this as a guide in the past. It used to be API service SF or CF.  Now, there's no mention of suitability to these types of engines or service.  Quaker State is the closest thing that I've been able to find locally, and it's a single weight W40 which is hard starting in colder weather.   

[DF]

Okay - I found this:

"All quality motorcycle specific oils should also carry the JASO Motorcycle  Specifications, which are either the JASO-MA specification (no friction modifiers) or the JASO-MB specification (with friction modifiers).  The JASO-MA rating specifies that no friction modifiers are used."

and

"Oil must lubricate, cool, provide protection against rust & corrosion, be thermally and oxidatively stable, provide detergency & dispersancy, boundary lubrication and extreme-pressure protection, all the while protecting the clutch and minimizing clutch slippage. Possible? Absolutely. This is why it is important to choose oil that was blended specifically for 4-cycle motorcycle engines or 2-cycle motorcycle transmissions with integrated wet clutches. These aforementioned facts become important when you are considering which motor oil to use in your wet clutch equipped 4-stroke motorcycle. You must now protect the cranks, rods and pistons with the same oil that’s protecting your clutch & gears. Not only will the number of miles put on the oil likely increase, but it is also being exposed to the harsh environment of the combustion chamber. So keep in mind here that you want to look for a 4-cycle oil that is labeled Motorcycle Specific and is rated JASO-MA (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization.)"

...so, the Suzuki stuff says JASO-MA which has no-friction modifiers and is therefore safe for motorcycles with a wet clutch.

Thanks everyone!

[bobsmith]

Dayeumm, and ive been using Havoline 10/40 for 31 years and 50,000 miles with no problems...guess ill go buy the $6.00 a quart "good stuff" now.

[bryanj]

If you are in UK as you say try and get Silkolene Transfleet 15 w 40 meets or exceeds ALL honda specs for the bikes. REMEMBER oil should be changed every 6 months or 1500 miles WHICHEVER COMES FIRST

Transfllet is sold for diesel engines and you may have to buy it in 25Ltr (5 Gall) drum quantity but its a very cost effective, quality product