[Dave L]

Hello to all. I sold my ZX9R and I am now looking at an RC51 I want to buy. One question. The present owner started running full synthetic at 400 miles. I have always waited until my bikes got to 4000 before switching to synthetic. I
think Triumph(or some models) run synthetic from the get go. Any advice Thanks so much and I am soooo excited about the bike!

 

[V-Twin Power]

I always wait until I have a few thousand miles before switching to synthetic. I only run Redline in my RC.

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_motoroil.asp?productID=45&synthFlash=1&subcatID=14

 

[bladerunner]

I use Wesson cooking oil.


Just kidding. Listen, I realize all of us love our bikes almost as much as our children (for those who have children). That being said, we all want our engines to be bathed in a magical lubricant that will give us 1000hp and sunshine and birds singing will come out of the pipes at full tilt; and the engine could NEVER, EVER possibly think of wearing out while using this magic oil.

Here is what you need to do. Go to your nearest Wal-Mart. Buy ANY NAME BRAND oil in a 10w-40 weight (4 quarts), and a quality oil filter (yes I buy mine at Wal-Mart; a fram) and use it. Change the oil and filter every 2k-3k miles. I do this and my cost is less than $10. For that amount I can change my oil about 5 times a year; less than one oil change at a dealer. Your engine will love you for it.

Today's oils (conventional) are so good you will sell your bike to someone else for the next big thing in bikes long before the motor ever shows any sign of wear.

Synthetic oils are great, yes, but the only thing they really lubricate is your wallet, liberating more $$$ than needs to be!

 

[entropy]

you've based this on what facts?

 

[old timer]

Facts...? We dont need no stinking facts...


Hows this for a thought...use a little common sense...you WILL NOT go wrong using ANY top grade motorcycle oil thats out in the market now...:banghead

Synth vs Conventional oil...6 of one , half a dozen of the other...

 

[speedkills]

yeah, another oil thread:rockon

 

[Dave L]

Not really an oil thread. A break-in thread.

My question is, I know that it's best to use dino for the first 4-5000 miles of an engines life because parts seat in better but does anybody have experience with early use of synthetics and if there were any problems. I really want this particular bike and it's the only thing bothering me about it. Oh yea, it's a 2003 with around 6000 miles on it.

 

[nemo963]

According to both Warren Johnson and Reher & Morrison you can go to synthetic at any time break in or not, they use Synth to do the initial dyno runs on 50,000 dollar 12,000 rpm 500c.i. pro-stock motors and wouldn't do it any other way. With that being said I'm still dont like to throw synthetic in until after the first or second oil change (go to synthetic after 25 passes on the race motor). The synthetic is the way to go, multiple drag race engine builders that have no stake in oil companies say to run synthetic and drop a weight or two (10-30 instead of 20-50) and your motor will last longer, on my bike I run Amsoil 10-40 (per the manual for my climate) after the second oil change, and then every 3 months/3k miles thereafter.

 

[EvilTwin-05]

You will not have any problem with a synthetic for the starting oil. Most modern assembly lubes are synthetic also. However when you consider that you are draining that pricey stuff in 600 miles you might say F&*k that and wait til breakin is complete. Just watch the friction modifiers on the wet clutch and you will be ok. But IMO I don't want to run oil in my bike for 7K miles. Clutches funk oil and I would want to inspect it on a closer interval. :twocents

 

[oljackboy]

There are a lot of compelling arguments for synthetics, mostly dealing with shear strength and wet clutches- but all you have to do is put a half-full dixie cup of a premium dino next to a half-full dixie cup of premium synthetic in the freezer overnight. Pour them and consider. I use the best oil I can buy and ONLY use Honda oil filters in my RC51. Compared to the rest of the costs involved it is a no-brainer to me. Of course, I also use premium synthetic in my Honda lawnmower and generator, too.

 

[Dave L]

Thanks so much for the help. I live in Portland, Or and I ride year round so I've used synthetic in my bikes mainly because it flows better in the cold.
I have been without a bike for three weeks and I am jonesing bad. The weird part is just being able to go out to the garage and look at my bike was a comfort.

 

[wrist rocket]

Just use KY

 

[Dave L]

I tried KY but my clutch slipped.

 

[Rocryder]

Your suposed to change the oil... I only have 5600 miles when should i do this... Oh and whats this business about filters..... :woot:

 

[TXRC51fatboy]

its only recomended you dont have to change the oil. the filter will keep it clean for ever

 

[smiles]

What is it with these questions...

And is the guy who asked about hot temps heckling someone for asking about synthetic oil? Pot....kettle...anyone?

LOL:woot: