Adventure Bike Rider Forum

redbikejohn wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2019 5:10 pm I've used cheap car oil in my xt660z once the mileage got high and I stopped worrying about it. 104k in and no clutch slip. Used car stuff in old gsxr too and no clutch slip 57k on clock.

Ironic...the very cheap car oils won't contain the friction-reducing additives, so better than more expensive full-synthetics in that application.

Well, it wouldn't be the first time someone uses the car stuff, that is specifically designed with antifriction additives - instead of the correct JASO MA oil that is specifically formulated to avoid slippage in wet clutches.
Then, when their clutch burns out on a snotty hillside trail in the middle of nowhere in the rain when it is getting dark, they forget to congratulate themselves on having saved a few quid on oil. (A typical aftermarket clutch pack is about 80 quid by the way, twice that for OEM)
Instead, they come on the forums and tell everyone how unreliable their ktm/honda/enfield/chinese whatever is...

Honestly, oil is the cheapest item in your engine. Use the right stuff, in the right amount, and change it more often than recommended. Use the old stuff to lubricate your chain and save on spray cans instead.

104k miles isnt too bad for my xt lol. Ok it's a low stress engine only used for commuting. I used this for a couple of changes when they did buy one get one free. They almost always have 45% off offers via emails.

https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car- ... 3474141448

Most admit that I only use the best quality oil in my bikes, but suppose it probably really depends how hard you are riding the bike.
Lower quality oils will thin more at high temperature and the oil pressure will drop.
A problem that will be more noticeable with an air cooled bike.

Thanks for all replies....! Ok great advice, I will only use proper dedicated motorcycle oil.

Cheers for all advice..!!

Peter

My Suzuki owners manual states to use; 10w-40 API SF or SG, or SH, or SJ

You can use higher letters than recommended without any bother, they reflect improvements in oils after the book is written. So SN would be safe to use,

BUT as said, its not for wet clutch so don't use it.

Dry clutch would be ok though and I quite happily use them in my K bikes. I am taking yet another one of them over the 100,000 miles this month and never a problem.

Regular oil changes and good oils. Remember selling oil at that price is a loss leader to get you in the door, not a cheap oil.

its very very difficult to get folks not to use a bigger brand ...there is the peace of mind factor that if its 11 quid a litre it must be good .....tbo its very hard then to move away ..
ive been using unbranded bulk oil on high miles fleet bikes ..me own bikes for two decades with no problems at all .and still do now

dont care high preformance /low performance engines they get the same .

...i get a nose bleed if its over three quid a litre

minkyhead wrote: ↑Fri Sep 06, 2019 11:39 am ...i get a nose bleed if its over three quid a litre

Off topic I know but when in France I don't buy wine which is cheaper than petrol

Shout all you want but I have run my Cagiva 350 on car oil for the last 6 years, completed various Taffy and Paddy Dakars all with no problems ( unlike a fellow competitors CRF250L clutch that self destructed before our eyes on the Special stage).

The oil I have used is 10W-40 semi synthetic , which does not have friction modifiers and so on . Synthetic does, Semi synthetic doesn't. it works for me anyway -DRZ doing well on it too after only 1 year.

I think it was Minky that put me on to this stuff on fleabay--Westway--5 litres of full synthetic 10W-50 for 24-99--the the key is that its JASO approved I think (Japanese society of motorcycle manufacturers?) so should be fine for wet clutches--delivered to your door for free 122053791561. Also while I'm typing whoever mentioned that Titanium kettle for less than a tenner--a bargain. The expanded metal base works a treat for heat transfer and boils enough for two good cups of tea in about 4 minutes or less--it has a bigger base than a jetboil and captures more heat--and at 1/4 of the price and acting as somewhere to pack all the "extras " anyway its a real bargain--and actually pours well as well--I reckon you could pop in a boil in the bag ratpack in there if required.
JUst to confirm here is the spec from the fleabay add (they do other specs/grades as well):

Suitable for wet and dry clutches.

A fully synthetic base oil and special additives to give high temperature endurance.

Designed for four-stroke engines to give improved running and greater component cleanliness.

Excellent oxidation resistance and valve train-wear protection.

Excellent seal compatibility.

Can also be used in motorcycle transmissons requiring a 10w50 oil.

Oil Product Specifications:

API: SJ, SL, SM & SN
JASO T 903:2006
JASO MA2