Re-refined Motor Oil

[MadDogGS]

Has anyone here used re-refined oil? Would they in their bikes? Thats where I was coming from. I didnt even know the stuff existed before today.

I've used it in my racecars, personal cars, and tow rigs. Why? Because it was free. But seriously, you take old, crappy, dirty oil out of the ground and you refine it into what you would consider good oil. Not a lot of difference than taking old, crappy, dirty oil out of your motor and refining it into what you would consider good oil. Only difference is that you have refined it more than once now, hence, re-refined. A lot like re-melting glass into a new product. The re-melted glass is now, GLASS.

Would I use it in my bikes? The only reason I wouldn't, is because they don't make a bike specific oil, and I only use bike specific oils. If I was the type to use cheap diesel oil in my bikes, I would jump on re-refined if the price was right.

It's probably great in a lawnmower or a Harley, but no one ever changes oil in those. :')

True motorcycling enthusiasts that own Harley's (I know, rare, but they do exist) seem to be a lot more picky about oils than a lot of GS owners on this board.

 

[winfield]

I take mine to the county garage. I thought they used it to heat their work shop, but perhaps they put it in the lawn mowers or that old Harley with the fringe hanging off of it that they ride on break. I think the one guy uses it in his hair.

Years ago I put it on my gravel drive to keep the dust down.

 

[Nessism]

I've used it in my racecars, personal cars, and tow rigs. Why? Because it was free. But seriously, you take old, crappy, dirty oil out of the ground and you refine it into what you would consider good oil. Not a lot of difference than taking old, crappy, dirty oil out of your motor and refining it into what you would consider good oil. Only difference is that you have refined it more than once now, hence, re-refined. A lot like re-melting glass into a new product. The re-melted glass is now, GLASS.

Would I use it in my bikes? The only reason I wouldn't, is because they don't make a bike specific oil, and I only use bike specific oils. If I was the type to use cheap diesel oil in my bikes, I would jump on re-refined if the price was right.



True motorcycling enthusiasts that own Harley's (I know, rare, but they do exist) seem to be a lot more picky about oils than a lot of GS owners on this board.

I agree with the re-refining part comments. As long as the finished product meets the specs desired I don't think it matters where the raw materials came from.

I've spent a fair bit of time reading at Bob is the Oil Guy and as near as I can determine there is nothing unique about motorcycle oil. Basically, its way overpriced for what you get.

And as far as Harley's are concern, they run HOT so "true enthusiasts" should understand this and take appropriate action with their oil selection. Unfortunately, most Harley guys are form over function oriented so I doubt many spend much time thinking about things such as oil, and if they do most likely they aren't making technical based decisions.

 

[DanTheMan]

Back "in the day", when I had a mosquito smoker that I drove through the streets of Denver and all the other mile high and above regions, I was able to buy recycled oil at the auto parts stores Monkey Wards, Kmart and Sears. for $.25-.30/qt. I haven't seen re-refined oil in years, unless it's the "Farm Rated" labeled oil at Fleet Farm here in MN. It may very well be, as it is under $2/qt for most of it. I have been using the 10W/40 in bike that's Farm Rated and I haven't ruined the tranny yet. My bike does burn oil when it's cold or when I'm doing WOT, out of the hardened and worn out valve guide seals though. I've yet to discover any benefits to paying $5+ for "motorcycle oil". I buy a lot of diesel rated oil for my three diesel vehicles in the yard, so I use that in my bike also.
Oh yeah, used oil, I usually collect up about ten gallons of it, then take it to the recycling center for them to do whatever it is they do with it, or when I've amassed a huge pile of branches, leaves and needles in my burn pile, it works real well in conjunction with kerosene used for parts cleaning to get the fire going well.

 

[BassCliff]

Im sorry but did you guys not look at the link.

You are correct. I did not read the link at first. And I just commented on the excerpt you offered. The figures quoted for improperly disposed oil are quite alarming.

Has anyone here used re-refined oil? Would they in their bikes?
Thats where I was coming from. I didnt even know the stuff existed before today.

You didn't ask this question in your first post. But now that you have, I would not use re-refined oil in any of my vehicles, two-wheel or otherwise, since Rotella-T 15w40 is still pretty cheap. For non-critical, less used vehicles I might consider it.

Re-refined oil is an interesting concept. I found it peculiar that all of their "endorsements" seemed to state "Yeah, we would use the stuff as long as it really meets the right standards" but never really commented on the "America's Choice" product in particular. But I suppose API certification was the point. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[MadDogGS]

And as far as Harley's are concern, they run HOT so "true enthusiasts" should understand this and take appropriate action with their oil selection. Unfortunately, most Harley guys are form over function oriented so I doubt many spend much time thinking about things such as oil, and if they do most likely they aren't making technical based decisions.

I wonder if I could start a 'chrome plated oil' business for the non-enthusiasts and others concerned with bling only. It would work just as well in a stretched 'busa.