Or can I just use regular automotive oil?

 

I think I must answer about 10 oil posts every week!

You want to pick a Motorcycle Specific oil that is rated API/SG and JASO MA. Automotive oil is inferior to motorcycle oil in many ways, and the "energy conserving" oils have components that will cause your clutch to slip. http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

Petroleum oils are infreior to synthetic oils in many ways (except price!), and PAO and GroupIII synthetics are infreior to Ester Synthetics in several ways. http://www.maximausa.com/technical/l...beNews2002.pdf

So, my choice for my Ranchers is Maxima Extra, an Ester Synthetic. For me, this has proven to be a superb oil, and it keeps the engine remarkably clean! http://www.maximausa.com/

My choice for my truck is Redline, also an Ester Synthetic. http://www.redlineoil.com/

Oil is no place to go cheap, and try to save a buck! You spent thousands of $$$ on your machine, why not give it the best oil there is????

 

Honda recommends a SG rated oil, in 10w 40. So that leaves out modern auto oils( which are SJ and up). Look for the energy conserving star burst symbol on the oil ...if it has that, then its the wrong oil. Any motorcycle oil should be the best choice. Auto zone has an old car oil, thats meets all the requirements for 79 cents a quart, or you can spend 10 bucks and up, for synthetics.It all depends on how much you want to spend.
Ive been using the auto zone oil for years, and its just fine.
Valoline makes a very good oil too, thats motorcycle and atv specific, and is sold at most auto parts stores for about 3 bucks a quart.

 

Actually, the latest Honda owners manuals recommend SJ. Honda's own oils (GN4, HP4, and HP4M) are all now SJ. I suspect that the reason for this change is entirely economic???

I personally would not use anything that is not SG, but then again, I consider a PAO synthetic to be an infreior product!