Posted by hogryder on July 15, 1999 at 17:43:38:
In Reply to: Oil level ? posted by Vezku on July 15, 1999 at 13:36:13:
I would not suggest any 5/50 oil unless you are riding in very cold weather. This is 5 weight oil with polymers added so that it loses viscosity at the same rate as a 50 weight oil when heated. The oil is what provides lubrication, the polymers just help maintain viscosity.
Suzuki recommends 10/40 oil but I would use a good 20/40 or 20/50 motorcycle oil if you're riding in hot weather and don't ride when the temperature gets below 40 degrees F. These have more base oil, fewer polymers, and provide better lubrication. Motorcycle oils have more detergent additives and more anti-foaming agents than automobile oil and are designed for motorcycle engines. I only use automobile oil when I can't get motorcycle oil and change it as soon as possible. I do not recommend Harley Davidson oil for other brands of bikes, it's designed for a different system. Unlike other bikes, H-D's have seperate upper engine oil, transmission oil, and crankcase oil so their products are very different than other motorcycle lubricants.
I can't see any difference in Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, etc oils. They are all produced by some oil company and are designed for use in engines of similar design and construction. Use any brand you like.
Lots of people like synthetic oils. These have much better heat resistance than natural oils but are very expensive. Synthetic blends are a good compromise. One myth is that you never have to change synthetic oils. LIE!!! All oils break down. All oils get dirty. Your oil gets contaminated with very tiny dirt particles that go right through your oil filter. If you don't get rid of this dirty oil and the particles it contains, your engine won't last long.
As far as volume, I forget what the capacity of the Savage is. I think it's 2.5 quarts but that's just what my not so great memory says. Check your owner's manual or call your dealer. If neither is available, just fill it until the oil level is centered in the sight glass when the bike is straight upright and the engine has been off for a few minutes to allow all the oil to drain down into the crankcase. Remember, when you replace the oil and oil filter some oil will be retained in the filter. After it's filled, run the engine for a minute or two then check the oil level again and adjust if necessary.
Always change the filter when you change the oil. They are small and easy to carry when you are on long trips. If you don't want to send your dealer's kids through college, you can buy the same filter much cheaper at discount outlets. I buy mine from J C Whitney. (www.jcwhitney.com part #01XT2118X $1.99 US plus shipping) I buy 5 at a time so I don't have to worry about finding one.
Thus concludes my lecture on everything you need to know about oil but were afraid to ask. Happy riding.