Free oil maybe not for the bike because its synth

[bmagnant]

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/rebates/rebate_form.asp?rebateid=18

free case up to $28 after rebate

[Kerry]

Hey folks, that's 2 oil changes!  6,000+ miles of free oil!

Even IF it's not the 100% best oil for the bike, it's worth trying at that price.  You could even dump it out after a few miles if you decide you don't like it, and not be out anything but some time.  (And then send the other 3 quarts to me!  :mrgreen: )

According to the Valvoline web site, their SynPower (free offer) oil is available in the following grades (click on the "Product Specs" link):

5w30  (API SL, SJ, CF)
5w40  (API SJ, CF)
10w30 (API SL, SJ, CF)
20w50 (API SL, SJ, CF)[/list:u]According to the Mobil1 web site, the Mobil1 15w50 full-synthetic oil that I've been using for 20,000+ miles also meets the API SL and SJ and CF specs, so I'm not too concerned about the Energy Conserving Standards "yada yada" mentioned in the Valvoline specs.

Question: Didn't someone post a scanned image of the "recommended oil grades" chart from the GS500 owner's manual a while back?  I (gasp!) can't find it!

If anyone can post a link to that image, or re-scan and post today, that would be great.  Otherwise, I'll TRY to find my manual tonight and scan it myself.

[mwdbruno]

So, and I know we are waiting for the scanned list of recommended oils, would a 20w50 oil be a bad viscosity?  I am due an oil change and am all about this free oil offer if it will work.  If not I'm getting it anyway and will use the oil in the car...

[Kerry]

For feedback on the 20w50 grade, see the old thread
Downside to using too HEAVY of an oil?

sprint_9's post at the bottom of the first page gives a hint from the owner's manual chart that I mentioned.  Apparently it indicates that 20w50 is OK down to 14 degrees!

I'm actually wondering about the 5w40 myself....

[bmagnant]

i did an offer thy had a couple months ago and the rebate only took like 2 weeks...they are really good.  6 quarts at walmart is $27 and change FYI

[spotswood_suzuki]

In the FAQ section:

Can I use SynPower motor oil in my motorcycle that has a wet clutch?
No. SynPower is a highly friction modified oil and is not designed for wet clutches.

Still think its okay?

Wayne

[Kerry]

Hmmmm.  I'll have to think about that.

Thanks for digging deeper - I appreciate the feedback!