Motorcycle engine oil or car engine oil?

[Myotis]

Hey Guys

I've just been in to Super Cheap Auto  to buy some oil for my first oil change and was looking for the recommended 10W 40. There were a couple of car engine 10W 40 car engine oils and they were $20-25 cheaper than for 4 L than the motorcycle oil they sold- FUCHS silkolene comp its a synthetic and was $57 for 4L  I asked the bloke if it mattered if it was for cars or motor cycles and he reckoned no-one would put a car oil in a motor bike even if it was the same weight.

What do you reckon? Is anyone using a 10W 40 car oil in their bike? and if so is it any good? 

[bubba zanetti]

Stick with the bike oil.

[Dan02GS]

This weekend I changed my oil, I really didnt want to spend a ton of money doing it so I settle for Castrol MC oil 10 40 it was 4.99 a qt in american dollars, the good stuff like Mobil 1 syn was about 10.00 a qt. Motorcycle oil goes through a lot of stresses that auto oil doesnt, it is worth the effort in finding and using MC oil over auto oil, even if it is the cheaper stuff. Especially since the heat from the engine is pretty intense and that oil gets pretty trashed after too many miles. Just change it more often.

[ben2go]

Stick with the bike oil.

+1

My transmission got to where it was shifting hard.When I would start the bike in gear with the clutch pulled in it would lurch forward.The oil was causing the clutch disc to stick.I took it to a mechanic I know and he checked it out.He said to change the oil.I did and put 300 miles on the bike the next day without a problem.

[DINGO]

       15/40 GULF WESTERN TOP DOG DIESLE OIL, MOBIL DELVAC ......36k no prob's ,our engines were

       designed nearly 20 years ago ! Air cooled = big tollerances = big oil 


                    DING

[frankieG]

viscosity break down = big problems....what ever oil you use make sure to change it regularly.

[brembo]

Next oil change I plan to dump in some caltex delo 400 15w40, it's a heavy duty oil used in diesels. $34 for 5 litres, cheap enough to use for 2500km then dump it for a new batch. I was running Motul 1000 till a week ago  , but have Castrol ($57/4L ) 4T something or other in there as a stop gap till next service in 600km.

I need to find a price on a 200L drum of the delo, so I can use it in the GS and in my car

[galahs]

I use car oil in my GS 


just remember to change your oil often no matter which you choose.

[Myotis]

Thankyou all for your input. It seems there are many school's of thought with the one exception that it's a good idea to change the oil regularly no matter what the oil. Is 6000km intervals to long?

Cheers

[galahs]

Depends on what sort of riding your doing and over what time frame.

Suzuki recommends every 6,000km or every 12 months. Whatever comes first.

Personally I do mine every 6 months. I have owned my GS from new for 21 months, ridden 12,000km's and have done 5 oil changes. Its a personal thing. Just remember to check your oil levels frequently.


Don't forget to collect your old oil and take it to a recycling centre 

[Old man]

I'm also using car oil, mechanic mate said that  its ok but keep the changes regular, i do it every 6000km as this equates to a couple of months riding, nudging 29000km and no probs.

Old Man

[philward]

Car oil is perfectly fine - just make sure you choose one without the low-friction additives.  Remember that unlike a car, we have a wet-clutch and thats one area you want to keep the friction! 

[Anakist]

I have car Mobil 1 fully synthetic oil with friction modifiers all over it and there are no problems with clutch slippage. I don't think the GS makes enough power to worry it.

James

[Myotis]

How much do you pay for the Mobil 1 James. Is it much cheaper than the Fuchs @$57 for four litres

[Anakist]

No it was more expensive. I had it left over from when I did the oil in my car so I just used it. I think at the moment it has 0w40 in it, and that was about $80 for the 4l with trade discount. The 10w40 is about that much retail and that is what I get now that I have changed jobs.

James

[bubba zanetti]

last time I changed the oil I paid $60 for 4L of Motorex semi-synth oil. I've found that the bike seems to like it the best. I had Motul in it previously and the bike runs better with the motorex in it. 

[Old man]

Magnatech was $32.00 for 5ltrs, I also use it in the car too (takes 4.5 litres) and ii use the extra in the bike when i change the filter.

[harlight]

I have heard that friction modified/energy conserving oil may cause clutch slippage.  May want to avoid oils classified as such.

[Anakist]

I have heard that friction modified/energy conserving oil may cause clutch slippage.  May want to avoid oils classified as such.

I read a site about oils (linked from this site. Not on my computer so can't give you link.) and it was great. Dispelled heaps of myths including the friction modified oils are bad bit. According to him, the only reliable reports of clutch slippage he has got was from FJ1300 riders or something like that (EDIT: Honda Shadows). Huge, heavy bikes with torquey engines.

EDIT: http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html

James