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GS550 - Engine Oil Type ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter catdna
  • Start date Start date
C

catdna

Guest
Hi All

I've just bought a GS550 chop (all I know is it's got a 550 engine in it from 1980 - see my post in 'GS Owners' for a piccy )

Now, the oil filler cap states 10W/40 (which IIRC most bikes of the 80's used).

I got a Haynes workshop manual from ebay and it's stating 20W/50 for the engine oil type (someone even underlined it twice) - so now I'm confused - which should I use for the engine ? any recommendations ?

Thanks

Chris
 
catdna,
I think I remember a discussion about this earlier and the verdict was the haynes is a typo, stick with the 10w-40 that is printed on the cap.

Cory
 
Thanks for the reply - I've got a 5 litre can of oil (10w/40) ready to go into the chop (already had it lying around) - didn't want to go out and buy another load... :-D

I thought I'd better ask as there is nothing 'standard' about the bike I've bought - I figured the oil filler cap could have come from a different bike, hence me asking :-D

Cheers
Chris
 
Aha - found someone on the forum with the same question as me :-)

10w/40 as standard 20w/50 for hot weather (ha ! doubtful in the uk - it's snowing today !)

Cheers All
Chris
 
You need to use oil without friction modifiers and other chemical additives.
 
you need to use, or should use motorcycle specific 10W-40 oil. Your clutch sits in the same oil that lubes your engine and gears, and motorcycle oil is modified to aid your clutch.
I HAVE run regular oil, but not for long. it really isn't all that great for your bike.
 
BentRod said:
you need to use, or should use motorcycle specific 10W-40 oil. Your clutch sits in the same oil that lubes your engine and gears, and motorcycle oil is modified to aid your clutch.
I HAVE run regular oil, but not for long. it really isn't all that great for your bike.
Click to expand...

Regular oil is fine for clutches. The problem comes in when you use oil labeled as "energy saving" - which typically only comes in thin viscosity weights such as 5W-30.

The knock against regular auto oil is the low level of zinc and similar additives which protect camshafts (but damages catalysts). Regular oil also tends to break down fast in the transmission of a motorcycle.

A good compromise oil to use is diesel engine oil - only slightly more expensive than auto oil and more durable for motorcycle use. Motorcycle oil is fine of course but costs a LOT of money for what you get.
 
Last edited:
please what motorcycle specific ooil only cost 3 bucks a litre
where are you getting it?
 
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