Posted by Mike Hartman on June 14, 2000 at 16:43:20:
Hoo-Boy!! If there ever was a subject that stimulates opinionated spewing it seems to be Motorcycle oil preferences.
Synthetic or Nonsynthetic?
Automotive or Motorcycle?
Generic or Brand-specific?
Motorcycle brand-specific or Motorcycle generic?
Single grade or Multigrade?
and on, and on, and on - Thump! Thump! Thump!
Owner's manual is pretty neutral - 10/40
Motorcycle dealers & shops recommend motorcycle oil=
motorcycle dealers & shops $ell motorcycle oil.
Some motorcycle owners point out that the wet clutch puts more demands on oil and that motorcycle oils are formulated with this in mind.
Some bike owners note clutch slippage with synthetics.
Some bike owners note cooler running with synthetics.
New bike owners are more likely to use motorcycle brand-specific oil.
Rat bike owners are more likely to use what happens to be on the shelf in their garage, or what's on sale.
I spoke with a petroleum chemical engineer acquaintance recently on the subject. She claims that there is no real difference between motorcycle & automotive, or between brand specific & generic. She likes oil based on Pennsylvania crude because of its higher wax content which "fills the pores" of the metal. She does not ride a motorcycle.
There seems to be no consistant agreement except:
1. Multi grade is always better
2. Check oil level daily
3. Change oil and filter together & often.
4. Motorcycles are fun
5. Controversy and opinions are the grist for
creative thought.
P.S. I use Quaker State 10/40 4 x 4 Synblend. No problems.
Mike