[pdad13]

Any modern oil (with current API spec), mineral or synthetic, should work fine.



I love synthetics for their cold-start protection and you really don't have to change them as often. They usually contain an additive that adheres really well to engine parts that eliminates virtually all engine wear. But even the mineral-based oils are really, really good today.



By the way, don't waste money changing your oil every 2000 miles; you don't need to, especially with synthetics and semi-synthetics (which are just about as good as full synthetics). I mean, if it makes you feel better, go ahead. But all modern oils are designed to last much longer than that (even if Jiffy Lube tells you to do it every 3000 miles). With synthetics you can actually go into the tens of thousands of miles, no problem.



And no, to my knowlege, synthetics should not cause clutch slippage or excessive engine leaking or clunky shifting.

 

[pdad13]

Well, that's why I said "to my knowledge." Thanks for the info. Years ago I used to work for a manufacturer. I don't remember that ever being a problem, but perhaps Mobil 1 has experienced it. We did have a motorcycle specific synthetic, but I don't remember if it had an additive/formulation to prevent that problem.

 

[pdad13]

This is a good point about the diesel oils but I'm not sure it's as significant as it may seem. Lubricants are actually overengineered, so I don't know how much differerence it makes to the average rider that changes his/her oil every four or five thousand miles. I think a little research is in order.



We used to sell a hi-performance motorcycle-specific oil, (and if I remember correctly, there was an additive package in it to address this problem) but the inside scoop was that our semi-synthetic and synthetic auto oils did just as good of a job.



In theory, it's probably true, but this kind of stuff can be a little overplayed to create more differentiation for the different product segments.

 

[pdad13]

I saw one at my dealer this weekend. Caspian Blue. Very nice. The only thing I was puzzled by was the weird nylon-like seat cover. I didn't think it was bad, just weird. The exhaust nozzles don't look quite as cool in person when you realize they're just three short pipes that stick out of a box, but they're still neat.



I'm trying to get my friend to ditch his V-Rod and buy one.

 

[pdad13]

Yes they can be harder on it. But from what I remember about the lubricant business, the frequent oil change thing is a good part hype. They're in business to sell you more oil and filters. Notice that the vehicle manufacturers recommend oil changes far less frequently than the oil manufacturers push. The oils are actually far better than the oil people want you to know. When was the last time you had an oil related problem or a significant loss of performance that can be traced back to insufficient lubrication? Well, being that you change your oil so frequently, you probably haven't had any. How about someone you know?



I've never had a problem with a car or motorcycle because I didn't change the oil every 2000-3000 miles. I stopped doing it when I started working for the oil manufacturer and was told to stop wasting my money. Now I usually change the oil about every 4,000-5000 miles. Andm especially with synthetics, that's not even necessary. It's just an ingrained behavior.



The API (American Petroleum Institute) mandates a certain additive package to get the current year's approval (and the standards keep getting higher every year). That means all conventional oils with current API approval are virtually identical. In fact, as you mentioned above, many of them are the same oil rebranded. The synthetics and semis may differ a bit more, but they're all basically very effective. They just get there a little differently.



Of course, it can't hurt to change the oil more frequently. And if you want an extra safety margin and don't mind spending a few bucks, that's fine, too.

 

[pdad13]

Because they say Honda on them.



(or insert any bike makers name in place of Honda)

 

[pdad13]

The synthetics do differ more in formulation, but they all basically work about the same. Conventional oils are all virtually identical. The API mandates the additive package for the current year's approval, so, naturally, the resulting oils are the same.