synthetic motor oils

Does anyone have any input on when (if ever) synthetic motor oil should be used? I have logged 4k miles, and it's time for the next change. I was wondering if I could use a synthetic, since the motors already broken in. I'm still not entirely trusting of the complex Vtec heads, and would like to protect them from wear.

 

I would think that head wear is not a big issue, because 1/2 the valves are only used part time.
I will say that at 6000 miles, I switched to Mobil 1 Vtwin oil.

 

RR800- how many miles have you logged since the switch to Mobil 1 and how has the bike been running since then?
Thanks.... Rick

 

The only reason I ask, is the Honda service dept. has advised to stay off the synthetic, because of the clutch. I guess there is (or could be) clutch slippage using the syntetic. Anyone had any experience with the above?

 

I have always used synth oils in my bikes. I have an 03 and swithched to Amsoil 10/40 at about 2,500mi.
Never had any clutch slippage. Shifted better and I have personal knowledge of the superior wear protection afforded by syns. Not sure why Honda's stance but I recommend it.

tbtapper

 

We use synthetic in the dirt bikes we race and have had zero issues with the clutch... as long as you use mobile One Red Cap that is. Some of the synthetic oils do have additives that are harmful to wet clutches. I'm not sure about the clutch on the VFR as I havn't purchased mine yet.

 

At 4000mls the oil should be changed to the Honda recommended Semi Synthetic.
Many of us here in the UK use fully Synthetic (including myself)..........your choice!

What "you must" do is check that the words JASO MA appear on the can of oil as this indicates that the oil has the "lowest" slip index.
Failure to do this "may well" cause your clutch to slip, but that has nothing to do with the oil being Synthetic or otherwise.
If JASO MB is on the can the chances are that the clutch will not be happy.

Brian

 

If anyone here is interested. I just bought several cases of Mobil 1 at Pepboys for $13 a case. You have to buy the Pepboys calender for a dollar so you can use the coupon. Buy 3qts get 3 free.

I've been using Mobil 1 red cap for over 6k miles on my 03 with no issues.

 

Hey Ya'll,
New to the forum here. I don't have the VFR yet by Saturday is coming. In regard to synthetic the reason the tech said stay away from synthetic is the XW-30W oils contain graphite, However, XW-40W and above does not. Basically the oils that have the "Conservation" additives. I will be using 5W-40 Rotella "T" 100% synthetic in mine. Depending on the performance of the clutch I may install performance springs to off set the lubricants quality. My 2 cents.

jim

 

I just did my 2nd oil change (@ 3500 mi)
and under recomendation of the local motorcycle performance shop and the local honda shop, switched to amsoil full synthetic.
they both recomended waiting till the 2nd oil change due to the clutch break in

as well, said you can't use regular car synthetic, it dosn't have the friction modifier for the wet clutch.

Russ

 

Ive been using Mobil 1 red cap(since has change to gold I think)15w-50.And have had no problems with it.Even up here in the Toronto area.
Trust me you will see a vast improvement in shifting and overall proformance of your bike.It will run alittle warmer but only 1 to 2 c.With no clutch slippage.

Go ahead and use it.You will be gald you did.:smile:

 

I just had the 1000klm first service done on my new '05 and the dealer put in Castrol GPS full synthetic.
They are doing all the warranty services until the warranty expires so if anything stuffs up then it's all back on them.

 

You have no worries as long as they are using a 10w-40 or more.

 

It's 10w-50 i believe.

 

Second oil change? Oh my I'd done like 6.. I'm a oil make sure is clean and good person. during those first miles like in the first 50 I'd changed it out then again at 300 then the service then at 1000, 2000 3000. yea I know for some it seems extreme, but it's my motor and I have prove what goes on inside, but yea new oils do last longer than they use to, but it's still cheap insurance as far as I'm concerned. There ya go, thats what I use, Amsoil great stuff, still change it every 2k.