Hey, I just got done changing my oil last week. I was wondering what kind of oil people use. This time I used the AC oil, but it's a little on the pricey side and I cant pay that much for oil every 300 miles. Im sure there are differant oils out there that will do the same. So my ? is do I have to just match the SAE numbers.
Thanks
01' Cat500

 

An excellent article on types of motorcyle oil was posted a while back. The recommendations were to use a 10w40 motor oil that is not "energy conserving" in engines with wet sump clutches. The reason being is that there are additives which increase lubricity in turn may cause clutch slippage. Note I mentioned 10w40 because the article made reference to using the recommended weight of oil, which 10w40 is the recommended oil during warmer weather. The last time I changed oil I used Quaker State 4x4 truck oil, Just for an example. Hope this helps.

 

Quaker State 4x4 is a synthetic right??

I used Castrol GTX last time. Gonna try a Synthetic next. Probaly Quaker State 4x4 if it's a synthetic like I think it is.

 

Probably best to use a mororcycle oil or a syn. blend. Honda says not to use full syn in their engines.

 

Probably best to use a mororcycle oil or a syn. blend. Honda says not to use full syn in their engines.

 

http://www.quakerstate.com/resources...ad_reform.html

semi synthetic

seems to have "the right stuff"

 

I have to agree to not use a full synthetic oil in auto clutch machines. I have been told that it causes the wet clutches to slip. From all the reading I have done is that a good quality regular motor oil which meets the newer SFG standards is just as great as any semi synthetic or specialty (motorcycle) oil. There was a website that had a great article on motor oil. Go to www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm
I found this to be really indepth article on motor oil.

 

I would have to disagree about the synthetics. I use Mobil 1 synthetic. Not just regular car type, this is MTX-4 ??? I think the numbers are right. This stuff is for wet clutch constant mesh transmissions. I have used it for about 600 miles now with no ill effects. I know that it shifts better anyway. I change the oil and filter at the beginning of every riding season and have never changed dirty oil (black) so i am thinking about spreading out the changes. Again, this stuff is pricey but it is worth it I think, but everyone is welcome to their opinions.

 

I to recently changed my oil and I used AC oil that was speced.
I don't know if its me or what but I swear it does not shift as smooth as it used to, it seems like it "cluncks" into gears, low range is not as bad. I was thinking is AC oil really the best?

 

For some, choosing a motor oil is akin to selecting a mate for life or changing religions. The debates on this subject are endless For what it's worth any oil which meets the specifications for diesel engines should be perfectly satisfactory in an ATV. (CH-4, CG-4, CF-2). If the diesel oils will keep carbon particulates and other contaminents in suspension and still lubricate turbochargers sufficiently they should be good enough for us. IMHO But... in the winter I would go with a 0W-30 or 5W-30 for faster turnover and lubrication if a dry sump is involved .