Oil choices?

[GrayWolf]

I have used the Havoline semi synthetic oil ($40 approx) from the good old Red Shed on my bikes for a fair time. I travel 20,000+ k's a year. Only proviso I self inflict is Oil/new filter every 5,000km's

[Quasievil]

If $$ is no object them Amsoil is No1, then Mobil 1 motorcycle range, then Maxima oils.I use Mobil 1 4t as I can now get it at repco.

What do you base this on, im interested, amsoil spend most of their time dissing Mobil
fact is they arent in the same league, unless you ask them of course.

[awa355]

I have used the Havoline semi synthetic oil ($40 approx) from the good old Red Shed on my bikes for a fair time. I travel 20,000+ k's a year. Only proviso I self inflict is Oil/new filter every 5,000km's

Do you change the semi syn oil every 5,000k with the filter ?

Has it affected the clutch operation at all? I know not to use oil with 'friction modifiers' added but some of the labels can be confusing to read.

I have always changed the filter every oil change. But under the impression that with semi or fully synthetic, oil changes could be extended past the 5thou mark.

[YellowDog]

Do you change the semi syn oil every 5,000k with the filter ?

Has it affected the clutch operation at all? I know not to use oil with 'friction modifiers' added but some of the labels can be confusing to read.

I have always changed the filter every oil change. But under the impression that with semi or fully synthetic, oil changes could be extended past the 5thou mark.

It depends upon the sort of riding you are doing. I used to change oil every 5k, but now I use the $80 a pop Mobil One fully synthetic stuff, I change aqround every 10k orr whenever as reduced price deal comes up

[AllanB]

I disagree with extending oil changes when using semi or full synthetic oil. Because whats the point of putting in a better oil if you are only going to leave it in your engine longer so contaminants can circulate longer?

You'd be better off with a mineral oil changed earlier than recommended than leaving a better oil in longer IMO. I am pretty sure some years back Mobil got in the shit claiming you could leave Mobil 1 in your car for zillions of miles. Of course Americans tried this ....... and went to court.

If you stick to a motorcycle synthetic you'll have no clutch issues on a later model bike.

Go on - just buy a 4l pack, new filter and treat your engine.

[Quasievil]

I disagree with extending oil changes when using semi or full synthetic oil. Because whats the point of putting in a better oil if you are only going to leave it in your engine longer so contaminants can circulate longer?

You'd be better off with a mineral oil changed earlier than recommended than leaving a better oil in longer IMO. I am pretty sure some years back Mobil got in the shit claiming you could leave Mobil 1 in your car for zillions of miles. Of course Americans tried this ....... and went to court.

If you stick to a motorcycle synthetic you'll have no clutch issues on a later model bike.

Go on - just buy a 4l pack, new filter and treat your engine.

you will never be better off with a Mineral oil in anything, purely impossible if only by the make up of the base stock used to make it.
mineral oil = rubbing your engine parts together with gravel as a barrier (figuratively speaking)
Synthetic = rubbing the engine parts together with exactly the same sized marbles

Clearly one will have less friction, heat,wear, etc etc etc

thats the most simplistic way I can describe it.

"MOST" so called synthetics are actually hydro cracked and highly refined Group III base stocks, i.e Gravel (not literally gravel but if you understand the picture Im trying to portray)
"FEW" are actually GIIII Base stocks or PAO (polyalphaolyfins derived from Gas)

"ONE" only makes their own basestocks exclusive to their product and not available to anyone else, and only "ONE" couples this proprietry base stock with their specifically developed additive package, that product is MOBIL 1 racing 4T 10W-40

Mobil 1 use the words "worlds Leading Synthetic Oil" for a reason

[bsasuper]

Quasi, I was referring to amsoil as the most expensive.Like I said I now use Mobil 1 4t 10-40, a most excellent oil.