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I got a Kawasaki ZX6R with about 800 break-in miles on it and I'm getting ready to change the oil. I'd like to go with synthetic oil, but I'm hesitant due to not knowing of anybody else running it in their bikes. Everyone I have talked to still stick with the manufactor suggested oils. I talked to my dealer and they told me there is nothing wrong with running synthetic, other than it cost more than the standard oil.

Also I was told that when I do my first oil change to use the recommended manufactor oil, after that go ahead and switch to synthetic the next time I change the oil... by then I should have more miles on it.
Is there any truth to any of this? Is it all just personal opinion? What are the Pros and Cons of synthetic oil, and how many miles should I have on my bike before switching over?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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Jester ZX-6R wrote:I got a Kawasaki ZX6R with about 800 break-in miles on it and I'm getting ready to change the oil. I'd like to go with synthetic oil, but I'm hesitant due to not knowing of anybody else running it in their bikes. Everyone I have talked to still stick with the manufactor suggested oils. I talked to my dealer and they told me there is nothing wrong with running synthetic, other than it cost more than the standard oil.

Also I was told that when I do my first oil change to use the recommended manufactor oil, after that go ahead and switch to synthetic the next time I change the oil... by then I should have more miles on it.
Is there any truth to any of this? Is it all just personal opinion? What are the Pros and Cons of synthetic oil, and how many miles should I have on my bike before switching over?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Well when the engine is young a new, the machined edges of parts have exceptionally small imperfections that must be scrubbed away and seated properly by the friction and sliding of those machined parts as they work together. It is my understanding (from truck engines and I'm applying it here) that synthetics (for lack of a better understanding) are just too 'slick' to allow these moving parts to effectively polish off these imperfections. So, you use dino oil to perform these initial seatings, then switch to synthetic to preserve and run smooth.

Now, with that said, some very big names roll vehicles and bikes off the line runnig synthetic from the very beginning. I have just recently seen this debate on the Ducati forum. Some guys are wanting to run dino oil to break in then switch to synthetic. Other claims synthetic from the start is just as good. I can't recall Ducati's official position on the matter.

If it were me, I think I'd run dino oil for break in, then switch to synthetic. That's just the way I prefer. I've done it a time or two on new crate engines in our trucks.

The very important thing with all this oil speak is ultimately, change the oil and filter for fresh stuff when you should. Regardless of synthetic or dino, a well maintained vehicle/bike all around will last if it is taken care of regularly. In this vital break in period, it is smart to change out that oil in order to remove all those scrubbed metal particles from the engine. You don't want that junk recirculating in there.

Keep the oil fresh.

I've used synthetic since my first 600 mile service. It's a raging debate and one side will likely not convert the other.

My theory is, engine technology has come a long way, and like Shorts said, many manufactures are shipping cars and motorcycles from the factory with synthetic already in them.

Use either or, just make sure you change it fairly often. Dino oil will break down faster...

Sev wrote:Use either or, just make sure you change it fairly often. Dino oil will break down faster...

Short and sweet!

Here's something no one has brought up I don't think... use a blend of both. Just for peace of mind until you do decide to go full syn.

But just choosing one and sticking with it would be smarter.

My opinion...if you are going to change your oil at the recommended intervals, go with regular oil. If you are one of these people who go way over the recommended oil change, run synthetic. I have been inside many, many engines and can't tell a difference between regular and synthetic oil ran engines. If you change your oil often, don't waste the money on synthetic oils. But if you got the money to spend, hey...spend it. But I do not recommend synthetic oil in new motors. Give at least a few thousand miles for all the parts to seat in properly!

More than you could ever want to read about anything related to oil...

Bob Is The Oil Guy

Actually, I havn't really checked out the site, because well... no interest and really tired of reading threads about oil

But hey, maybe they say some of the things we've said here and on our other threads on this forum.

I agree with CORSCO. Though one thing to consider with a blended oil is that you can top up with regular oil in a pinch, ie. while touring and require oil in Smalltown, Nowhere. With a pure synthetic (not as readily available), obviously you should not mix it with standard oil.

dutch780 wrote:I agree with CORSCO. Though one thing to consider with a blended oil is that you can top up with regular oil in a pinch, ie. while touring and require oil in Smalltown, Nowhere. With a pure synthetic (not as readily available), obviously you should not mix it with standard oil.

Why?