Just bought an 07 interceptor. Previous owner has put synthetic oil in there. Should I go back to regular oil? Ive heard once you go synthetic you can only put synthetic in. Also owners manual says for gas anything over 86 oct is ok. Is it better to put 92 or highest octane in?
Congrats on the new ride. The oil and gas debates have been thoroughly trounced in these forums. I've heard the same thing about one you go Synthetic, you can't change back. But I've also heard the opposite. I'll respond with saying its personal preference. As for octane rating - stick with regular. You're not likely to gain any advantages by running a higher octane. The engineers at Honda designed that engine to run on 86 or better - they probably know a thing or two more about these bikes than most of us. Myself included.
+1 on Pliskin's comment re: synthetic oils. Once you start using synthetic, changing back to dino oil can actually cause more problems than its worth. and honestly, synthetic oil really is better for engines anyways. I run it in everything I own and my engines tend to last longer than even I expect. As for gas, thats probably more of a personal preference. Honda says they make their machines to run on 86+ octane, but I've always seen bikes as performance machines, and with the insane mileage they always get, I just consider it cheap enough to use 92+, for the sake of caring for the motor and using better quality stuff.
I put dino oil in my 1st Gen after it had been running Amsoil. Suddenly the clutch pushrod seal began leaking oil like crazy! Coincidence? I don't think so . . .
it's oil, as long as it meets the requirements for grade and the rating, you can go back and forth at will
A friend of mine did a quick experiment: check the fuel economy using regular and premium in his Gold Wing. The findings: about 4% better fuel economy with premium fuel, which offset most or all of the cost of the higher grade. A completely subjective observation? It seemed to have more power and didn't ping as much when it was really hot out and the bike was loaded down. I think most bikes do run a bit better on premium fuel, but it's not necessary to use it. That's just my opinion, tho. take that for what it's worth.
It has consistently been shown that to buy premium feul for a vehicle that doesn't require it, is a waste of money. AAA, Consumer Reports, all the car magazines, all the motorcycle magazines, the ASAE all agree, premium fuel, if you don't need it is a waste of money. I don't beleive your bike, if stock, requires premium fuel. Use whatever name brand gas you can find that meets the requirement set out in your manual, a busy station is far more important than brand. Same with oil, use whatever brand motorcycle specific oil in the correct grade, and change it at least according to the manual recommended schedule. That is far more important than brand or dino vs. synth.
Thanks for this thread. I was only able to find the European owners manual online and it says 91 octane or higher. Wonder why they have bikes tuned differently and what that does for performance? As for oil, I'm sold on Amsoil, but do mobile 1 in a pinch. Given oil, gas and coolant are the lifeblood or deathblood of bikes, I'd spend the bucks to get above average if not the best. Any gas proven to be better at keeping things clean without causing damage?
Does this mean that all that semi-synthetic Golden Spectro I poured into my 91 for all this time is gonna make it blow up? YIKES. I sure want to thank all the petrochemical chemists and engineers here who read consumer reports and Dear Oprah.
That's what my manual says. 91 octane. Sooo... should I or shoudn't I? Inquiring minds want to know? Oh! And this is for a 5th Gen 98.
Gen 6 is 86 or better, the only advantage to premium other than octane is a better detergent package.
