Whats everybody's opinion on the best oil for a 2002 400 ex

 

I just bought a 400EX bored to a 426 with a JE 13:1 compression piston he used Silkoline in it for three years so I plan on contenuing to run it. What is everyones opionion on weight 10W40, 20W50, ?

 

A used 400EX does not need the most expensive full synthetic motorcycle motor oil on the market. You are much better off to get cheaper oil and change it every couple of weekends. I am believer in mixed fleet motor oil such as Chevron Delo 400 15-40 or Shell Rotella T 15-40 both formulated for gas or diesel engines. Price is around $7.00 per gal at Wal-mart or Costco. I use Delo 400 in all 4-stroke motorcycles and quads, in 2-stroke trannys, and in both diesel and gasoline trucks. On 400EX I change filter every other oil change and drain filter cover when filter is not changed. The 15-40 vis is also a good wt for all but most extreme year round riding conditions where as a 10-xx would not be as good in summer and 20-xx is not as good in winter.

 

I would not use conventional oil in anything I own. I run Amsoil in my 95 Jeep Cherokee, My wifes Galant, and in my Suzuki 850. Rebuilding that 400EX would cost almost as much as the motor in my Jeep. The gas I run it it costs 5.00 a gallon so the cost of the oil is relatively cheap. I don't look at the cost of the oil as expensive I look at it as cheaper than a rebuild.

 

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amf.aspx
Thats what i use

 

Honda Brand HP4 w/Moly 10-40 (Synthetic)

If you plan ahead you can order it from Honda of Troy and get it quite cheap.

 

I heard you wern't supposed to run Moly in anything the clutch and engine use the same oil.

 

Honda's Oil is specially formulated for use with oil wet clutches.

 

I believe the new 400EX's owners manual says not to use HP4M.

 

A motorcycle specific oil that is API SG/JASO MA. Don't go cheap! Synthetics are more expensive. You spent thousand for your machine, so give it the best protection you can. Anybody can afford to spend a few extra dollars for a good synthetic!

My first choice is a Group V Ester Synthetic like Maxima Ultra or Extra, or Motul 5100.

Second choice a Group IV PAO Synthetic like Mobil 1 or Amsoil. (Only if I absolutely could not find an Ester Synthetic.)

Only in an absolute emergency, would I use a petrolium based oil in a manual (hand) clutch bike. I use to swear by Honda HP4 (a synth blend), but it is now API SJ and no longer API SG.

In my autoclutch bikes (like the Rancher), I run Maxima Premium, a petrolium oil. I use to swear by Honda GN4, but it is now API SJ and no longer API SG.
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