Engine Oil Recomendations

I know, probably been discussed before but I didn't have any luck with the serch function. So, what do I want to run for oil in my new VFR800? 2007 with 2900 miles. Just bought it this weekend and have the receipt for the 500 mile service a a Honda dealer. Im sure they used 10w40 GN4. Are you fond of synthitics? Cost is no a major concern because the bike will not get a lot of miles. It will be subjected to a 5 mile commute a few times a week tnd some longer weekend rides. It will probably get about 1500-2000 mile a year at the most. My thinking is that I will change it twice a year. Also, its a little warm down here in the lower left corner of the country, so does anybody run 20w50? Or, should I stay with 10w40? Thanks for any and all comments and advice.
Steven

 

Steven,

Im stick'n with the GN4 for now as i have only 6200kms on mine, the oil gets changed every 5000kms according to both the dealer and the owners guide. I have done mine a couple times as I had her from 6kms (dealer had to test ride it).
Since you plan to ride it as a light commuter, you may want to stay on the dino juice, but this is my opinion and some few will say theirs is the way to go.

As long as your oil meets or exceeds jasco MA rating and is safe for wet clutches, it will be fine. Some guys on here have/ still use shell rotella for big desiel trucks and havent had any trouble.

the short commute is going to kill your oil. its not long enough, therfore not hot enough to evaporate the water out of the oil. the water gets into the oil by condensation. I personaly ( and I already do) would extend that commute to bring the bike up to temp, just so it doesnt destroy what the oils suppoesed to protect.

This is an oil thread, the war has just begun!

and now before anyone else says it, "just use Slick 50! no need to chang eyour oil ever" <---roll eyes here


Zen

 

I use Motul 5100 10w40 semi synthetic in my 07 model, it gets hot here in Oz too.
I have tried a few full synthetics, but I dont think the motor particularly likes them, neither does it like a too heavy oil such as a 20w50.
There is a school of thought that says a lighter oil is better at lubeing the ccts, in fact Honda recommends a 10w30.
Since a synthetic is better for the gearbox, with a semi synthetic you should get better geartrain protection than a straight mineral oil.
Lets hope so anyway.
I hope you have lots of time, oil threads tend to get out of hand.

 

I find it hard to believe you didn't find one of the thousand oil discussions on this board. So, for the sake of discussion, you didn't.

I have 24k on my 06. Change it myself. Very easy task. Just do not over tighten the drain plug. It only calls for 22lbs of torque which isn't much.

I use mobil 1 10w-40 4t motorcycle oil. Get it at local auto supply store. Usually kept behind counter. I recently tried a new castrol full syn 10w-40 4t motorcycle oil.

You can mess with filters but honestly just get the oem from the shop and make sure to get a new crush washer when you buy. The crush washer is for the drain plug.

Many guys have used and use the shell rotella t6 synthetic. Inexpensive and decent oil. It is available at wal-mart cheap.
It is listed as diesel oil but it is Jaso rated. It is 5w-40.

What ever you choose, do it yourself, save and get some quality time with your bike.

 

What you use isn't near as important as actaully changing the oil and filter regularly. Use what you want as long as it meets the specs by the manufacturer.

 

Should have added I change every 5k or 6 months. Mileage and time dictate change interval.