What oil should I use?

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

After my long trip I need to put oil in my bike - GSF 1200 S Bandit 2003 model - I don't have a manual - I will be looking at that thread next.

However I need to put oil in it tomorrow so any advice would be much appreciated.

Also I have an automatic chain oiler - which doesn't work - all wires seem secure I know nothing about these!!

I will also have to do an oil and filter change but will search for a manual! I am ashamed to admit I don't know exactly where the oil filter is - haven't looked tho - lol how blonde is that!! Rest assured - I do have a general idea tho!!

[MacD]

The Bandit manual just recommends a 10W-40 oil meeting the SF or SG standard. The general consensus on Bandit websites (and the recommendation of a Suzuki mechanic to me) is to use a semi-synthetic oil in these air/oil-cooled engines.

My Bandit came with Mobil Super S in it which is a car semi-synthetic oil. It seemed to be fine. I've been using Silkolene Comp-4 10W-40 in my bikes recently, but I've also used Motul 5100 and Castrol GPS. One advantage of Castrol GPS is that it is stocked by SuperCheapAuto which often has sales (last one was 25% off).

The oil filter is fairly obviously located on the lower front of the engine behind the headers and is easily removed from the left-hand side of the bike. You'll probably need some sort of oil filter removal tool to get it undone. You can always stick a screwdriver through the filter to provide some leverage, but if it doesn't work you're left with an oil filter still attached to the bike with two holes in it!

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

I found where the filter was today!
I got Spectro Golden 4 SAE 10w40 $17.95 synthetic Petroleum Blend from a motorbike shop up here in Napier. When I get back to Wellington I shall do an oil and filter change. I will go to SuperCheap Auto.

Thanks so much for your reply.

[Pwalo]

I've used Castrol GTS, and now Q8 SBK semi synthetic in the GS (both 10w/40 of course). Either of these should suit the mighty Bandit.