Topic: Oil in bulk or by the case?

[Scott S]

 I have two vintage bikes that will soon be back on the road, plus my girlfriends FJ600. All three use the same weight oil. Rather than pat $7/qt at the local shops, is there a way to get oil by the case or at least in larger jugs?

[SOHC Digger]

What type of oil?  I know that you can buy gallon jugs of 10W40 etc., at Advance Auto.

[Retro Rocket]

I get my local car mechanic, who is a long term friend,  to get it for me in 20 liter {4-5 gallon}drums.

Mick

[754]

By bulk up here that usually means drums..is that what you mean?

 Up here I find that  case lot at COSTCO is usually cheaper than Autoparts stores..

[333]

  But what KIND of oil??

[Scott S]

 MOTORCYCLE oil! I'm not too particular about the brand.
 By bulk, I mean a case of quart/liter bottles or gallon jugs. Not drums or pallets of oil.

[Alan F.]

The oil I use... is available in a 5 liter jug which covers a full oil and filter change with enough left over for later on after a few thousand miles to top it off ...   On sale about $13 usd

[Gordon]

What kind of oil are you using that costs $7 per quart? 

My guess is you're paying mostly for the sticker on the bottle and could save a ton by just buying something that doesn't say "Motorcycle" on the label but is still fine for wet clutches.

[Scott S]

 And what kind of oil is that?

 I've used automotive 20W50 (Pennzoil) in my Yamaha XS650's before. It's fine as long as you change it every 1000 miles, but that's doable because it's cheap.
 Around here, nearly every private shop or dealership charges $5-7 for a quart of motorcycle oil.

 This REALLY isn't a "what brand of oil is better" thread, just wondering if anyone knows where to get oil for wet clutches in bulk.

[Gordon]

And what kind of oil is that?

I'm not going there.  Feel free to do a search for other oil threads if you want suggestions, but pretty much every kind of oil that has ever been made has been suggested and used by somebody, so it's really up to you to make that decision for yourself. 

[Duke McDukiedook]

Automotive oil is usually bad for bikes.

[WFO]

This thread has potential.   

[Retro Rocket]

MOTORCYCLE oil! I'm not too particular about the brand.
 By bulk, I mean a case of quart/liter bottles or gallon jugs. Not drums or pallets of oil.

You would be surprised how long a 20 liter drum lasts if you change your oil regularly, there's only around 5 oil changes in one..and its a much cheaper way of buying oil.

Mick

[zzpete]

And what kind of oil is that?

 I've used automotive 20W50 (Pennzoil) in my Yamaha XS650's before. It's fine as long as you change it every 1000 miles, but that's doable because it's cheap.
 Around here, nearly every private shop or dealership charges $5-7 for a quart of motorcycle oil.

 This REALLY isn't a "what brand of oil is better" thread, just wondering if anyone knows where to get oil for wet clutches in bulk.

Motorcycle Oil vs. Automotive Oils
I use motorcycle oil. In the "old" days I used automotive oils before I knew of a designated oil for motorcycles. I put 70,000 on my old CB750 with automotive oil. But if you read the following link, it makes you wonder.
http://nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

[WFO]

And what kind of oil is that?

 I've used automotive 20W50 (Pennzoil) in my Yamaha XS650's before. It's fine as long as you change it every 1000 miles, but that's doable because it's cheap.
 Around here, nearly every private shop or dealership charges $5-7 for a quart of motorcycle oil.

 This REALLY isn't a "what brand of oil is better" thread, just wondering if anyone knows where to get oil for wet clutches in bulk.

Motorcycle Oil vs. Automotive Oils
I use motorcycle oil. In the "old" days I used automotive oils before I knew of a designated oil for motorcycles. I put 70,000 on my old CB750 with automotive oil. But if you read the following link, it makes you wonder.
http://nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

Makes you wonder how to save some money and avoid marketing ploys.. great artical btw.

[zzpete]

  I just like stirring the pot!
http://nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

[lone*X]

This could get out of hand.  Automotive oil or not, Honda worked with Castrol in the early 70's and started recommending Castrol GTX motor oil for their bikes of the times.  Dealers pushed it heavily, at least in this part of the world where it gets very hot.  My preference has been for 20x50.  My 550 never has had anything else and the inside of the motor and oil pan have always remained clean.  I do change oil regularily.  Nothing wrong with quality automotive oil.

[zzpete]

  Yeah, I used to use Castrol GTX on all my vehicles. I still have like 3 gallons of spectro and 1 gallon of honda semi synthetic left. When I start a bike thats been sitting for a few years I use cheap automotive oil for about the first 50 miles and then I put in the spectro. When my supply runs out though I might go back to Castrol!

[wardenerd]

I am starting a bike barn find and plan to oil it in like this.  New filter and 10W40 Pennzoil for first 100 miles. drain oil and replace with same.  100 miles change oil and filter to rotella synthetic and ride.