This is my first atv. i bought it a month ago and have about 15 hours on it. I'm takin it in to Honda for the 20 hour first service soon. I'm just wondering what the best oil is to use and how often should I change it. Thanks a bunch!! Ice

 

What your owners manual recommends: Honda GN4. It is great oil, and not that expensive. Keep in mind that your bike has an AUTOCLUTCH, so there are a number of oils that you CANNOT use (like Honda HP4!), because they contain additives that will make your clutch slip.

The secret to long engine life is frequent oil changes! You are not only lubing the engine, but also the transmission, so your oil is going to wear out very quickly. I play it by ear. In dusty conditions, I wipe the dipstick on a clean paper towel, and when it starts to turn color, I change it. Turns out to be about every 10-20 hrs. for the utilities, and about every 10 hrs. for the sport bikes. Always change the oil filter each time, and DON'T PUT IT IN BACKWARD!!

 

Your Rancher only holds 2 qts. We use Valvoline ATV Oil, 10w40. It has the SAE SF/SG rating recommended by Honda. It is also designed for the wet clutch used in your Rancher. Shop smart, $2 a quart. We used regular Valvoline 10w40 AllClimate motor oil in our Rubicon for the first 3000 miles and our Rancher for the first 800 miles with zero problems. The Rubicon now has 4000 miles and the Rancher a little over 1100 miles.

We change our oile every 500 miles which is about 3 times a year in the Rubicon and at least twice in the Rancher. Honda recommends every 600 miles or 100 hours, which ever comes first. I don't think every 100 hours is enough. At 500 miles, the old oil really still looks pretty good. If the old looked dirtier I would change it more often.

Reconranger knows the secret to longevity, frequent oil and filter changes and quality oil.

 

I would suggest using 10W-30 or 10W-40. They are both good viscosities for all-season riding.

 

I heard about possibly using synthetic oil?

 

Read the owners manual and see if it says you can use Honda "HP4" oil.

 

From the back of the Honda HP4 bottle- "Note: Pro Honda HP4 oil is not recommended for all types of vehicles. Especially vehicles with automatic or centrifugal clutches".

Owners Manual: "Use Pro Honda GN4 or an equivalent. Do not use oils with graphite or molybdenum additives".

 

Change your oil frequently, before it needs to be changed. Take care of your engine and it will take care of you.