Oil help!!!

[Cmiller]

I'm going to put a new oil filter in my 1981 gs450t. But I'm wondering what is the best type of oil to put in this bike. I've heard a lot of people say some synthetic, others say non synthetic, some say diesel motor oil. Any particular brands to stay away from, like penzoil because it has some type of cleaning additives? I heard any additives were bad for a wet clutch? I feel like I should go with a basic non synthetic because it's an older engine, the bike says 10w40 but it's summer so I think I should account for the heat, if so, what should I go up to? Please tell me what you use in your Gs and all your suggestions.

 

[tom203]

Lots of us use Shell Rotella 15w-40 diesel; adequate for your climate year round. About $14 a gallon

 

[Steve]

If you want to go synthetic, reach next to the Rotella 15w-40 (white jug) and grab the blue jug of 5w-40. About $21 per gallon.

Yes, these are "diesel" oils, but that is what has the additives that work in our engines.

"Motorcycle specific" oils also have these additives, but cost a LOT more.

What you want to stay away from is anything that has "ENERGY CONSERVING" in the lower half of the API 'donut' on the back label. That is rather easy to do, as I have not seen anything thicker than 30-weight with that sticker. Our bikes call for 10w-40 or 20w-50, which is too thick to be "energy conserving".

Believe it or not, there is a reason the bike says "10w-40", it's because that's what works. If you have an owner's manual, it allows 20w-50 in warmer weather, but 10w-40 still works just fine. The synthetic works that much better, but it's your call.

.

 

[dorkburger]

When I first joined here and asked, Steve pointed out the folly of my paying ridiculous money for cycle specific synthetic.
I now use Rotella synthetic. No problems at all.

 

[tkent02]

What do you know, same answer on both threads.

 

[Guest]

yep. wonder how many times that answer would be repeated with the word "oil" in the search bar? oh, god, I am becoming a grumpy old gs owner....

What do you know, same answer on both threads.

 

[tkent02]

yep. wonder how many times that answer would be repeated with the word "oil" in the search bar?

On any other motorcycle forum too.

 

[Boriqua]

Figured I would just bring up a necro thread rather than start a new one.

I believe the recommended change interval is somewhere around 2500-3000 miles. I am currently using Mobil 1 Racing 4t but will try the rotella syn next time. With the Synthetic oil would I be ok changing the filter at 3000 and changing the oil at say 7000. I dont need to skimp if it will hurt the bike I finally got running well but I dont want to waste money either.

 

[Nessism]

No need to change the filter, there won't be enough debris in the oil to plug it up unless your engine is grinding itself to bits. Regarding the change interval, I'd pull back to 5000 miles to hedge the bet. If you really want to be smart about things gather up a sample of the old used oil and send it off for an analysis. That will tell you how much acid buffer remains and how much viscosity shearing has occurred.

 

[Boriqua]

Thanks Ed!