Have we had an oil thread???? There are several sorts on engines in the BFTP line. The pre unit- seperate engine and gearbox....often with seperate primary drive too. Semi Unit- engine and gearbox close coupled ( bolted together) The unit- engine, gearbox and clutch all use the same space. examples: Pre Unit- pre 1963 650 Triumphs, Norton Commandos, other lesser English makes. Semi Unit- BMW airheads, Guzzi's, Urals Unit- post 1963 Triumphs, most Japanese bikes. So what..... and is oil not oil? Most engine oil you see for sale is car oil, car oil is for water cooled car engines and prefers the stable temperature range that water cooled engines have. It may also have additives to make it more slippy. Unit engines may not like this slippy stuff on their clutches, and the oil might not be very impressed with the higher running temps of an air cooled engine and start to break down...leading to metal on metal contact...and wear....bad. I found that Supercheap have Castrol GPS 10w/50 thats a semi synthetic for unit motocycle motors...about $65.
Volty, when did this serious side first present itself?
It started with the Norton purchase. Then Volty discovered that lfe was full of questions like "Will it run a little better if I try this?", "Will that new filter solve the flat spot?", "Will a period era oil make me more attractive to Belstaff-wearing women?" Now he is heading further down the road of Brit bikes, we can expect many more Anorak moments.
Having seen some "oil threads" on Merkin forums I'm loading my gun right now, what was your address again Mr Voltaire it's time to nip this in the bud
Generally I just get cheap shit 'cos it's cheap and I'm tight and change it on a regular basis. Just been talking to Dad about the beemer seemed he used GTX. Was a GTX fan for a long time and unsure exactly when I went the cheapskate route but I think it was about the same time I bought an R65.
I get my oil from the tap at work - you have to run it a bit to clear the pipes,but after that it's all good.
Here's an oil tip for you. From the tightarse book of motorcycle maintenance. Change your oil frequently in the unit bike, then recycle it into the semi or pre-unit. Best to only own pre-unit and semi-unit bikes then you don't get nasty clutch scrags polluting it. My 10,000km old Mk1 happily supplies it's nice clean waste oil to the 143,000km Mk2 which at that stage of life is gratefull for anything.
You might find that simi synthetic is to good for old bikes rings and go straight out the exhaust pipe.
You might find that simi synthetic is to good for old bikes rings and go straight out the exhaust pipe I've found that to be pretty much urban legend
I've found that to be pretty much urban legend Myth #1: Synthetic motor oils damage seals. Untrue. It would be foolhardy for lubricant manufacturers to build a product that is incompatible with seals. The composition of seals presents problems that both petroleum oils and synthetics must overcome. Made from elastomers, seals are inherently difficult to standardize. Ultimately it is the additive mix in oil that counts. Additives to control seal swell, shrinkage and hardening are required, whether it be a synthetic or petroleum product that is being produced. Myth #2: Synthetics are too thin to stay in the engine. Untrue. In order for a lubricant to be classified in any SAE grade (10W-30, 10W-40, etc.) it has to meet certain guidelines with regard to viscosity ("thickness"). For example, it makes no difference whether it's 10W-40 petroleum or 10W-40 synthetic, at -25 degrees centigrade (-13F) and 100 degrees centigrade (212 degrees F) the oil has to maintain a standardized viscosity or it can't be rated a 10W-40. Myth #3: Synthetics cause cars to use more oil. Untrue. Synthetic motor oils are intended for use in mechanically sound engines, that is, engines that don't leak. In such engines, oil consumption will actually be reduced. First, because of the lower volatility of synlubes. Second, because of the better sealing characteristics between piston rings and cylinder walls. And finally, because of the superior oxidation stability (i.e. resistance of synthetics against reacting with oxygen at high temperatures.)
is this because now you own a snoreton you need a large supply of oil?
Nortons don't need oil changes, just top ups... Do Yamahas use sewing machine oil?
No, they are in tune with nature...which is why they sound so good....and look so sharp..........
I thought the logo looked forked.....
you speak with forked tongue....depends on which one...they are different for Yamaha motors and Yamaha Music.....
