What oil to use?

[storysunfolding]

Hi-

It's a new bike, it needs new oil. I was told to go to Kmart/walmart and buy some 20w-50 motor oil from the automotive department. Can you use Auto oil in Motorcycles or is there a special blend just for the 2 wheeled hellions?

[Wizzard]

Personally I would go to the stealership and spend a little more and get the best synthetic oil you can get making sure there is absolutely no oil in your engine and I do mean no oil at all . Drain it until there is nothing coming out . Get a new oil filter too .
I have been so much happier since I switched to synthetic oils .
Once again just my 2¢ worth .
Kind regards, Wizzard

[flynrider]

I've been using Valvoline 20w-50 racing oil in all my bikes for a couple of decades. The main reason I use it is the higher (50) weight is necessary to deal with the summer heat in the desert.

Overall, I think riding the bike regularly to circulate the oil is much more important that the type of oil you put in it. Changing it on a regular basis will remove the moisture and acids that tend to accumulate in the crankcase.

The only thing you really want to watch out for is automotive oils with friction modifiers. They're often marketed as low-friction or energy saving oils. The friction modifiers will reduce the friction required by your wet clutch.

[NCRonB]

Here's loads of info you may find helpful:

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Consumables.html