Engine Oil Change : Automotive oil or Motorcycle Oil?

Message

oracle_dfx · Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:28 am

Hi,

I've been searching for the best engine oil to use for a my motorcycle, a 125cc 4-stroke SOHC 2 valve commuter bike ( like the one you see in indian movies). Here are the specifications from the manufacturer:

Kawasaki Fury 125 (Kawasaki Athlete in India)

Lubrication System: Forced Wet-Sump
Engine Oil: 10W-40 Multigrade
Type: API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, JASO MA
Capacity: 1.1 Liters (1.2 Quarts)

I'm a bit confused because most say automotive oil will do while others say it wont.

People say I should get the same oil as the manufacturer recommended, which is 10W-40, but which brand?

I've heard that I should get something with a high phosphorous ppm rating and a low sulfur rating.

Also I've seen different mileage recommendations on when to change oil and oil filter, like 1000miles, 5000miles, etc.
I'm planning to go with 4000kms (2500 miles), is this ok?

Oh and yeah, some important details I assume you'll ask, what will I use the bike for?

I will use the bike mostly for daily commuting, and maybe circuit or drag racing once in a while (Annual events, etc.)

All parts are stock as of the moment.

Thanks.

oracle_dfx · Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:49 am

Oh and I am located in the Philippines. The Philippines is located just above the equator on the upper torrid zone of the globe. Thus, the country experiences an average temperature ranging from 24˚ Celsius (about 75˚ Fahrenheit) to 31˚ Celsius (about 88˚ Fahrenheit) and humidity varies from 70% to 85% depending on the time of year.

There are two distinct seasons: wet and dry. (Which of course will be a different discussion about how to protect the bike during the wet (Rainy) season)

#3 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:22 am

Hey bud!
First off it looks like you have an automatic transmission in the Fury. But it looks like it uses a clutch in it. That limits you to motorcycle oil. If you use automobile oil the clutch will slip.

Secondly do your first oil change as soon as you can (500 miles or so) then go however you want to go after that. The reason for that is that there are particles that the oil gets out from the machining of the engine and you want those out of your engine ASAP. After your first oil change a 3000 mile change is no problem.
Good luck!

oracle_dfx · Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:23 pm

Yes it's not CVT so it uses a clutch, automatic up to 4th gear.

Thanks, I'll be using motorcycle oil. Now the question is what brand would you recommend?

I've seen Manufacturers selling 10W-40 with more than 1 variants.

What brand of motorcycle oil should I use if I plan to change oil every 4000kms (2500 miles)? One that will preserve my bike for up to 100,000 miles.

I'll change my oil at 20miles, 200 miles, 1000 miles, then every 2500 miles.

Do you recommend a better way to change oils?

Oh and about oil filters, should i get a generic one?

Thanks.

#5 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:28 pm

Your OEM filter is the best for that, so get that from Kawasaki. Then honestly use Kawasaki's motorcycle oil. That's probably the best for your specific bike. Honda's redline is pretty good as well. Royal Purple is really really good but very expensive.