is oil just oil, or cars and rc's share 'em?

[arizona_rc51]

Hello group Just was curious in a question about engine oil out there for us. Probably a dumb question, but is automotive oil sold for cars just a good or more/less then the oil I purchase from my Honda shop (Honda oil)?? I have a customer friend of mind that owns a 999r, and for where we live (AZ) insists on putting in Mobile Synthetic 15w 50. I know there's bitch loads of motor oil makers and types out there, but is a certain type out there best... especially in the AZ heat? I regularily change my oil every 2000-2200 mi w/ new filter in my '04 RC. Thanks for any input and suggestions

[Josh D]

You probably won't get a whole lot of response on this, because it has been discussed here and on every other sportbike forum about a hundred times a year.

FWIW, I run the same oil that your 999r friend does. Considering that probably 99% of sportbikes are wrecked and junked before you could have an oil related engine wear issue, I am beginning to think that the type of oil you run is a pretty moot point. The main reason I run Mobil is because I can buy it at wally world, and we have no bike shops that are close by.

[3stripes]

I believe it's floating around the internet somewhere about motorcycle oil and car oil having NO differences. Ours just cost more

I actually used for 26k in 6 months on my 99 Gixxer and had no problem at all that I could see or feel without opening my block for inspection

[macchiato]

I've never used "motorcycle" specific oil in my limited experiance. (15yrs/7 bikes)

Never had an oil related issue.

[bladerunner]

Can't help myself, can't stay away from these damned oil threads. Here's what you need to do:

Drive to your nearest PeP Boys, Wal-Mart, Target or Oreily Auto parts store and pic up four (4) quarts of ANY Well Known brand of motor oil (4-stroke) in a 10W-40 grade, and a quality filter such as a FRAM (insert collective moaning here: ), or a WIX. I use a WIX filter.

Ride/drive home, drain your oil and remove the filter. Put new WIX/FRAM filter on your bike, remove drain fill hole cover, pour in 4 quarts of your favorite oil (I use plain CASTROL GTX 10w-40 (dino/car) into your engine. Recheck everything and do a little clean up. Finally turn the key and listen to your engine running with all of its fine internal and expensive parts getting bathed in clean, fresh, protective oil that your bike will absolutely love.

And at the end you will have the grattisfaction of doing yourself for about $10, with the bonus that sinse you saved so much, you could do it every other month and keep your engine gleaming clean with absolutely no wear for al long as they keep making the cheap stuff.

I do it this way and change my oil about 5-6 time a year.

[V-Twin Power]

Redline 10w40 in my RC

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_m...45&subcatID=14

[MINI NSX]

I've always read that you're not supposed to use "car" oil that has the energy-saving star on the label. Otherwise, I think you're OK.

[V-Twin Power]

Due to having a wet clutch, you can't use oils with moly additives.

[kewjr]

10w40 hp4(without molydbenum additives)4-stroke oil or equivalant. O and honda oil filter. sometimes honda is right, and researched it with my chemical engineer father that works in a oil and chemical plant with a BIG LAB. 10w40 is best for all around use. i didn't believe it,thought the light stuff was better.

[rlm996]

I have always been taught to stay away from oils marked "energy conserving". They have an anti wear agent that is bad for wet clutches. Heavy duty diesel oil is good for your bike. It is designed not to foam and to operate in high temp/dirty environments. It is also high in zinc, or something that is good for motorcycle motors.