What is the best oil to run?

[Matt_1233]

I just bought a 1986 Honda V65 Magna(VF1100C). It is a stock engine, the only mods are VF1000F grind cams and a top-end oiler kit. It is currently running Amsoil 10w-40 Synthetic. Should I be running 20w-50 during the hot periods in summer? What is your opinion on 0w-40(In Canada we still have cold spring mornings)?

Thanks.

-Matt

[Clint]

Your manual should have a chart indicating the proper oil viscosity for each temp range. Typically, 10-40 covers any weather you'd be getting up there.

Never use a lighter weight than the manual calls for. No bikes that I'm familiar with take 5w- or 0w- oils, plus they tend to have "friction modifiers" that can cause wet clutches to slip. I run Mobil 1 15w-50 and it's never an issue with cold starts, even during the dead of winter. The days of molasses oils are gone unless you're using a straight 30w or heavier.

Search "synthetic" for more reading on oil.

[omegajim]

investigate bike oil, for the friction modifiers already mentioned.

Ordinarily, this wouldn't be an issue, but a v65 is approaching a high performance machine, and as such, would be worth going to a "bike oil".

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Matt_1233

It is currently running Amsoil 10w-40 Synthetic.

Do not change a thing.

Synthetic holds it's viscosity better than Dino oil.
Doesn't thicken as much when cold and doesn't thin as much when hot.

Old farts tale: Best to stick with the same oil all the time unless there is a really good reason to change.......and in your case, I don't see one.

[Matt_1233]

I won't change a thing then, thanks.

-Matt

[DrBob]

I am not a big fan of scamsoil, but on a 22 year old bike you should not change anything that ain't broke, so you are wise to stick with what is working.