Motorcycle oil?

**Scream And Fly** · 08-27-2015, 05:07 PM

Hey everyone,

For those of you with motorcycles - any kind - which brand and type of motor oil are you using? I see that it tends to go both ways; some people are using standard 'car' oil, while other people use motorcycle-specific oils, but is there really a difference?

I would a appreciate any input. Thanks!
Greg

**Tom JM** · 08-27-2015, 05:54 PM

5 years ago we started running Motul 5100 Synthetic in our Yamaha R6 race bike… Fantastic!
4 years of hard racing and regular oil/filter changes (every race weekend) protected that motor very well.
Had it rebuilt last winter and the builder commented that the motor was in remarkable condition and could have gone another season.

We now use Motul in all our bikes… Aprilia, Honda, Suzuki and yes, even the wife's Harley.

Frequent oil & filter changes with Motul is the cheapest insurance I can buy.

**XstreamVking** · 08-27-2015, 06:26 PM

Ran yamaha's oil in my YZ 250 since new..... Bike is an 06. Still runs good.

**oldschoolltv** · 08-27-2015, 06:38 PM

Greg use Any good motorcycle oil it is designed with higher shear strength then car oil since you are using it in the transmission and clutch it needs this, but I got my oil for free and still ran standard Honda gn4 oil since I changed it every 4000 miles, no need for synthetic, we actually had more clutch problems with the full synthetic stuff especially in older bikes, just my 2 cents, Matt

**CVX20SPRINT** · 08-27-2015, 09:01 PM

Regular car oil has friction modifiers in it and will destroy your wet clutch in short order.If it has the energy star on the back don't use it.Diesel oil works really well and is pretty cheap.A lot of guys use either Use Shell Rotella(dino or synth) or Delo.Been using Rotella in my Goldwings for probably 20 years.

**jphii** · 08-28-2015, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by CVX20SPRINT

Regular car oil has friction modifiers in it and will destroy your wet clutch in short order.If it has the energy star on the back don't use it.Diesel oil works really well and is pretty cheap.A lot of guys use either Use Shell Rotella(dino or synth) or Delo.Been using Rotella in my Goldwings for probably 20 years.

I use Rotella. My '08 FLHTC has 105,000 on it and doesn't use a drop of oil.

**Robby321** · 08-28-2015, 08:18 PM

Depends on the bike. HD'S Dry sump motor, ran and still do decades later my old (pristine) junk Castrol 20-50. ZERO probs. But on the Primary case, chain and clutch..HD Primary oil. Trans? 80-90. But if a jap motor?

Wet sump, oil goes everywhere. Motor, clutch, trans. But its designed well and simple use what the maker says. No need SYN, blend fine.

On Rotello? Ran it in my 350 IO boat. Has more ZDDP. 15-40 (think..sold it) and zero probs.

But..(damn oil threads!)..I only remember ONE oil failure in my life. Dad when I was a kid with him going to the lake. Oil light came on and almost close..said "we can make it!" Nope. Motor locked up block short (dad was itching to get in the boat!) WHY? Oil PUMP FAILURE!

I've torn down motors decades old and to me? Long before was a build up sludge. But thats history now as with the new oils do a damn good job too eliminate that. Just don't sweat it. Use any oil and the motor now will outlast YOU!

Just reg (depends on use) oil and filter changes..