A buddy of mine that is pretty knoledgable in dird bikes told me I should use synthetic oil in my '85 Big Red 250. He tells me that Hondas run hot and the synthetic oil is the way to go to keep the top end in shape. I just got this thing and it seems to be in great shape. I would like to keep it for quite a while though and not have to put much cash in it. Can I use synthetic oil in this machine even though it uses the auto clutch? Will it damage the clutch or cause it to slip? Are there any disadvantages of usin the synthetic when the engine and trans with the auto clutch share the same oil?

Thanks for the help

Gary

 

If the engine of your Big Red hasn't been apart in the last 16 years, I'd think twice before I switched to a synthetic oil. Synthetics tend to loosen up any sludge that's accumulated in the crankcase, and putting this stuff into circulation is not a good thing. Also the synthetic may be more prone than a mineral based oil to leak by your shaft seals.
I'm using Castrol Syntec 5-50, a non-energy conserving oil, in my 2000 Kodiak auto. It works fine.

 

I swear by synthetics in all my 4, & 2 strokes. It's kind of a personal decision though. Do some research on oils and make up your own mind. I even use synthetic gear oil.

 

you are better off spending your $$$ on a good non-synthetic motorcycle-specific oil. it will be easier on your clutches and as long as you change it regularly will not put you at any major disadvantages over synthetic assuming you don't always ride in the desert at full throttle or something.

whatever you do run a motorcycle oil. the latest grades of auto oil are no good for wet clutches.

 

NEVER use a synthetic oil in an engine using an auto-clutch. Fine for manual clutch machines, but that synthetic will eventually leave nothing between your clutch shoes and hub. It might not do it now, next year, or the next three years. But I've seen my share of them in the shop due to synthetics and the fact. If want to play it safe, use a motorcycle oil from your local dealer such as the Honda 10W40 GN4 or Yamaha's Yamalube 5W30 ATV Oil.