[gunsmoker]

What motor oil should I use for my 1996 Honda Shadow VT 1100?

P.S. It is an older bike, and I'm not sure of the miles because the odometer was replaced or disconnected for some time by prior owner(s).

I hear that because my motorcycle has a "wet clutch" (the clutch is surrounded by the same engine oil that is in the crankcase) I have to use some special oil, or least avoid certain types of motor oil.

 

[Easy Rider 2]

The oil you use must NOT contain super-slick friction modifiers like moly.

But the selection is really easy.
Avoid ALL "car" oils.

Use only an oil that has been approved for motorcycle use and is labeled as such.
There are a LOT of them out there.

I use Mobil 1 motorcycle oil......the 10W40 one. The 20W50 is for air cooled engines.

If cost is a serious consideration, Rotella T6 is bike approved and costs less.

 

[okbyee56]

Stick to a motorcycle specific oil to be sure, or you can check the label on the back of the bottle to verify that it doesnt have any friction modifiers. The bike started on regular oil in 1973, so stick with that. Theres no need to switch it to a synthetic.

 

[Easy Rider 2]

or you can check the label on the back of the bottle to verify that it doesnt have any friction modifiers.

In the US, I believe that the oil container is NOT required to list friction modifiers that might be present.
So that method might not be good in all cases.

 

[gunsmoker]

Well, with THAT info in mind,
I think I'll just buy "motorcycle" oil that is labeled as motorcycle 4-stroke engine oil.

According to the internet, it's really not any more expensive than conventional automotive oil of the same weight from the same brand .
Both of them look like they're around
$6. or seven dollars a quart.