Posted by Diego on June 17, 2002 at 20:07:48:
In Reply to: Re: Oil.....again posted by kahos on June 17, 2002 at 12:59:42:
Hi. Here's a quick tutorial.
API=American Petroleum Institute
SAE=Society of Automotive Engineers
Oil for use in motorcycle engines always begins with an "S".
SA=Straight weight, petroleum based, with no additives.
SB=Same as above but with anti-foaming and detergent additives.
SC=Meets 1964-67 OEM requirements
SD= " 1968-71 " "
SE= " 1972-79 " "
SF= " 1980-89 " "
SG " 1990-93 " "
SH " 1994-96 " "
SJ " 1996-present "
You are correct that the "C" stands for diesel
An oil container may say "API Service SH/CD" which means it is meant for either gasoline or diesel engines from 1994-96.
Of course there are then straight weights vs. multi-weights. Also, Petroleum vs. Synthetic.
For the trivia buffs, the "W" in a multi-weight oil(10W-30) stands for "Winter".
My preference is to use a synthetic multi-weight oil because it doesn't break down as quickly in the heat. The Savage, being an air-cooled beast, runs a bit warm.
Have a good ride.