Engine Oil

[camthepyro]

Ok, so I just realized I never changed the oil on my bike after I bought it, which I meant to do.

So, I need to change it soon, because I have no idea when the last time the previous owner changed it was. So my question is, what kind of oil do you use? Is it just regular car engine oil, like 10W-40? Or is a specific type of oil? And where do you buy oil filters for bikes? Thanks.

[Skier]

You can use car oil fine, as long as it doesn't say "energy conserving" on the bottom of the API donut on the back, and doens't have the API "for gasoline engines" starburst on the front of the container. Usually motorcycle-weight oils, like 10W40, don't have these. Read more here: http://www.dansmc.com/4stroke_oil.htm

If your bike has a spin-on oil filter, you can usually find a cross-reference to an equivalent car oil filter (cheaper) or can get the local auto parts store to order you a Wix filter of the correct application. You can also get donut-type oil filters from auto parts stores.

[NorthernPete]

Cam, When I did my oil changes, I just went to the dealership and asked them what oil to use and the filters. I dont off hand remember th oil type, but why not hit up a Honda dealer or your mechanic who fixed the bike for ya?

[camthepyro]

Ok, thanks, I'll check the Clymer's manual to see what kind of filter it is before I go and pull it off.

[camthepyro]

NorthernPete
PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 12:20 am Post subject:
Cam, When I did my oil changes, I just went to the dealership and asked them what oil to use and the filters. I dont off hand remember th oil type, but why not hit up a Honda dealer or your mechanic who fixed the bike for ya?

I'll probably go to him for the oil, and filter if he has one in stock. But I want to do it myself, I've done the work on the family cars, oil changes, transmission fluid changes, etc. And I would disgrace myself if I didn't do it on my own bike

[NorthernPete]

Yah, I didnt mean for him to do it, just to get the right oil/filter is all... I was a tad vague I guess....

[CNF2002]

I'd just use specific motorcycle oil. There is so much debate/opinion over what kind of oil to use, its safer just to use what manufacturers recommend.

[ZooTech]

AutoZone carries motorcycle oil now, and it's pretty affordable. If your filter cross-references with a car filter, you could pick up both in one shot. I would stay away from synthetic for your bike.

[onlinesmurf]

The MOM will tell you what kind of oil to use. Like mentioned before as long as it is not energy conserving any oil of the correct spec will work fine. If you change your oil often (every 3k) you can use the cheapest oil that meets spec.

I know some will claim that their bike got 55hp from sucker oil at $12 a quart but its not true. Those oils are only worth it if you get to change your oil at longer intervals. Even then they still cost to much. If I use cheap oil and change every 1500 miles I still come out cheaper than that expensive stuff changed at 3k. No oil on the market oil (unless there is some scam waiting to be found) will cause your bike to have any problems if it is spec and you change often enough.

Trust me your bike engine will be running like a champ for way over 40k miles on cheap dino oil (with all other regular maintenance done). Most people don't keep bikes 13k miles so why waste money on high priced oil? OEM filters are rip offs so if you can find a good aftermarket company that makes your filter (for cheaper) buy that instead. But if you use cheap/mide range oil you still come out under 20 bucks for a change if you DIY.

[flynrider]

Normally I don't recommend Wal-Mart to anyone, but they do carry motorcycle oil filters. I went there a couple of months ago and picked up a pile of filters for my Nighthawk at $5 each. Way less than half of what the Honda dealer sells them for.