Using Castrol Synthec, recommendations? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

RockerGuy · 04-13-2006, 07:22 PM

Hi guys,
I am planning to replace the oil in my engine. The manual does not specify that I should use motorcycle oil. I am planning to use castrol synthec. It is used in cars too. Does anyone have any opinions or recommendations?

Thanks

jpwM50 · 04-13-2006, 07:46 PM

DON'T USE CAR OIL. There are plenty of threads here about what oil to use.

RockerGuy · 04-13-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpwM50

DON'T USE CAR OIL. There are plenty of threads here about what oil to use.

Thanks I am looking at them now. I didnt use the search, silly me. Different ppl has so many opinions tho. I have a Gsx r 600 anyone has an opinion on those?

cheers

Iceman99 · 04-13-2006, 08:43 PM

checkout this web site...he recommends you use a heavy duty truck oil
http://www.yft.org/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm

**Clint** · 04-13-2006, 11:46 PM

You don't say anything about your bike's mileage or your location/climate.

If you're past 1500 miles, I'd use a good synthetic of 10W-40 or heavier that's not labelled as "energy conserving".

There's nothing wrong with using "car" oil as long as those conditions are met.

BlueM109R · 04-14-2006, 12:07 AM

So when's the best time to switch to synthetic oil? How long should I wait with a new bike?

**Clint** · 04-14-2006, 08:00 AM

You'll have to decide that for yourself. Opinions vary from a few hundred miles to 5000. Personally, I believe the vast majority of break-in wear occurs in the first few hundred miles and the first few times you do full-throttle runs. The rest will happen with synth over time.

To put it another way, I've heard of almost no one saying they switched too soon and their bike smokes. It just doesn't happen.

hutz · 04-14-2006, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

You'll have to decide that for yourself. Opinions vary from a few hundred miles to 5000. Personally, I believe the vast majority of break-in wear occurs in the first few hundred miles and the first few times you do full-throttle runs. The rest will happen with synth over time.

To put it another way, I've heard of almost no one saying they switched too soon and their bike smokes. It just doesn't happen.

Have you heard of clutch slippage with synthetic? I considered it but a mechanic told me it coats the clutch plates and can cause it to slip.

Shea · 04-14-2006, 04:51 PM

I have heard of clutch slip in certain bikes with synthetic, but have no real world experience with it. It's just hear-say to me.

I have been told that a Deisel oil will work best in the bike if motorcycle oil isn't available. My bike uses 20/50 oil.

RockerGuy · 04-15-2006, 12:13 AM

My bike is fully broken in. It is a 2000 gsx r.

**Clint** · 04-15-2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hutz

Have you heard of clutch slippage with synthetic? I considered it but a mechanic told me it coats the clutch plates and can cause it to slip.

Your mechanic told you that either so you'd pay through the nose for his house brand of dino oil or because he's more salesman than motorcyclist or mechanic. The topic's been discussed a thousand times. The short story is that very few bikes will have problems with clutches that didn't already have problems, and synth has obvious (once you've experienced it) shifting and engine performance benefits. Search a bit if you want to know more.

tlwisner · 04-20-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

You don't say anything about your bike's mileage or your location/climate.

If you're past 1500 miles, I'd use a good synthetic of 10W-40 or heavier that's not labelled as "energy conserving".

There's nothing wrong with using "car" oil as long as those conditions are met.

Motorcycle Consumer news had a big test of automotive oils versus motorcycle specific oils and reached the same conclusion as Rowdy.

Thew stuff that causes clutch slippage isn't the oil, it's the Energy Conserving "EC" additives.

04-13-2006, 07:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
RockerGuy Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: Gixxer 600 Location: Toronto Posts: 63	Using Castrol Synthec, recommendations? Hi guys, I am planning to replace the oil in my engine. The manual does not specify that I should use motorcycle oil. I am planning to use castrol synthec. It is used in cars too. Does anyone have any opinions or recommendations? Thanks

04-13-2006, 07:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
jpwM50 Clutch Cadet Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: Blue M50 Location: Waterloo, Canada Posts: 944	DON'T USE CAR OIL. There are plenty of threads here about what oil to use. __________________

04-13-2006, 08:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Iceman99 Wants Better Weather Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: '05' M50 Black Location: Valencia , Ca. Posts: 660	checkout this web site...he recommends you use a heavy duty truck oil http://www.yft.org/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm __________________ Jardine 2:2 Taper Exhaust,C50 Air Box with K&N filter, Cobra EFI Fi2000, 32" Drag Bar, Custom Plate Mount,Custom made rear LED Blinkers, Foward control Kit, Kuryakyn pegs, grips and throttle boss, 3 inch lowering kit, Custom Pillion seat, De-badged and De-PAIRED, Pinstriped rims, Chromed drive shaft See my bike and accessories at www.CruiserCustomizing.com/iceman99

04-14-2006, 12:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
BlueM109R Newbie Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M109R Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 17	So when's the best time to switch to synthetic oil? How long should I wait with a new bike? __________________ '06 Violet Blue M109R Mods -Custom License plate -Silverstar H4ST headlight -Clear Alternatives Lens Covers Wish List -Hypercharger -Powercamander III USB

04-15-2006, 12:13 AM	#10 (permalink)
RockerGuy Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: Gixxer 600 Location: Toronto Posts: 63	My bike is fully broken in. It is a 2000 gsx r. __________________ Suzuki GSX-R 600 (2000 model) 23,000km and counting Alstare paint Tail kit and modded front signals, sliders K&N air filter

04-14-2006, 04:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
Shea Third gear and cruising Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: Buell XB12Ss Lightning Location: York, Pa Posts: 521	I have heard of clutch slip in certain bikes with synthetic, but have no real world experience with it. It's just hear-say to me. I have been told that a Deisel oil will work best in the bike if motorcycle oil isn't available. My bike uses 20/50 oil.

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