Motorcycle Oil vers Automotive, Lab tests
 

I find the 800 miles thing interesting. That is about how long before I would notice the transmission was getting harder to shift.

Thanks for posting the link to that informative, thought-provoking article! :tup: I have never believed in the high-priced, motorcycle snake oils. :tdown: I use Mobil DelVac 15W/40 in all my motorcycles. Here are another two interesting articles on motor oil, and recommended motor oils for motorcycles. :)

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Oils1.html
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Consumables.html

Funny, I was in Wallyworld and had my hands on the Walmart brand synth, when an older gentleman picked up his Mobil-1 at 8 bucks more. He grinned, and I realized, is it worth 8 bucks savings for more wear and tear in my vehicles? I bought the Mobile-1.

Congratulations, Oviking. :) I have added this informative thread to the "Zong Sticky" under the Maintenance subheading. :tup:

Previously, I exclusively used Easter Timber Rattlesnake Oil, harvested only from serpents employed during religious snake-handling ceremonies in Appalachia. When harvested from the free range, crotalus horridus produces unsurpassed base oil stocks. These excellent base stocks are further, miraculously enhanced during the religious ceremonies. :)

http://www.benreed.net/wp-content/up...e-handling.jpg

Don't use just any snake oil! :wtf: Use Eastern Timber Rattlesnake Oil! :tup:

Unfortunately, the cost of collecting, handling, and harvesting these serpents has became prohibitive, so I switched to 15W/40 motor oil. :lol:

My Father-in-law believed in Marvel Mystery Oil. He even coated his cedar shake roof with it. I told him he needed to not allow people to smoke in his house! The Fire dept. made him pressure wash it off. His 'Snake Oil'.:lol:

Thanks Spud!

That article is always a good read.

I think about this a lot. I think that for me, in most of my bikes, synthetic car oil is the way to go.

If you think motorcycle oils are expensive take a look at airplane oil. Dinosaur oil is $8+/quart and synthetic is $15/quart. My plane takes 8 quarts, many larger planes take 12. It adds up fast.

It is not legal to use anything but FAA certified oil in an airplane.

ON THE OTHER HAND there are other advantages to motorcycle oil than just viscosity stability. Things like seal lubrication an corrosion prevention. ALSO a bike has to cope with the added stress of the transmission and the clutch tearing the oil up.

SO, the actual difference betewwen car and motorcycle oil is trivial. Take my Gold Wing for example. The manual calls for 4 quarts of full synthetic. If I us Mobil 1 as opposed to Honda oil I save $8 for every 8,000 mile service interval, or $1/1000 miles.

I just stick with the Honda approved oil, it makes me feel better.

My KLX uses 1.5 quarts and gets changed every 1,000 miles, so $3/1000. No biggie.

Believe me my Ducati will also get full synthetic motor oil. It's an emotional thing, and I am a scientist, but for very little money in the grand scheme of things I just feel better.

So i wasted money on the "high performance 4t motorcycle oil" from the local bike shop at $11.50 a quart...LOL least i only got one quart for the shineray... Does seem to spin up good, and feels like it pulls better, but...thats probably just my head trying to justify the cost...LOL

That's a lot for a quart of oil but no biggie. If that's your biggest mistake you'll have a great day ;-)

Another thing to bear in mind is if you are changing the oil every 1,000 miles it does not matter what you use, dino or synthetic, car or motorcycle specific, just use (close to) the right weight and you're good to go.

I agree completely. That's why I use Mobil Delvac 15W/40 motor oil in all my motorcycles. :)

About twice a year Mobil offers a $5 rebate per gallon on the Delvac 15W/40 motor oil, and I stock up on motor oil for the year. I buy the Delvac for $13/gallon, and my final cost after the rebate is $8/gallon. :tup:

I was at the store today and picked up a jug of 15-40 Rotella cheap on sale. Ill use it in the HSUN or Little Sweetie. Maybe the YZ also since it gets its oil changed every 5-10 hours depending on its use.

Like a good friend taught me, "Buy 'em cheap, and stack 'em deep!"