I also suggest a synthetic oil (Maxima Extra is my personal choice).
What do you guys think about golden spectro oil. I use 10w40 and the wet clutch. How does this rate to Maxima? I change my oil frequently, but I haven't recieved a book in the mail yet.

 

As I recall, Spectro doesn't give much info on the composition of their oils. Again, the impression I got was that their oils are PAO based (same as Mobil 1 and Amsoil)???????

I really feel that the ester synthetics are superior to PAO's, because the esters are charged molecules that stick to metal surfaces (like a magnet). That means they don't "drain down" as badly while the motor is off. This gives you some residual oil in the bearings at start up! A PAO is neutrally charged, so it will stick to absolutely nothing.........

Some oil info: http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

http://www.maximausa.com/technical/l...beNews2002.pdf

http://www.scooterhelp.com/genmainta...kcase.oil.html

 

The oil is Spectro Golden 4: Motorcycle Synthetic Petroleum Blend Engine Lub. SAE 10w40
The other side is Spectro Golden Gear Lube: Transmission/Wet Clutch SAE 80
I was reading that off the bottle if that gives you a better idea of what kind it was. Thanks for those sites too!

 

Not sure if it's been mentioned on this post but in all of the '07 Honda service manuals that I have seen, they are recommending a 10w30 now. Honda must have a new oil on the way in a 10w30. Just thought I'd mention.

Recon is correct, many people that buy these new 450's just jump on them and ride them with little to no maintenance. Anyone, can get on a 450 race quad and get around. Where on a crf450 that is a little different story. The more inexperienced rider, in general , will choose a quad over a high powered dirt bike and this is obviously leading to the quads just blowing up because of the lack of maintenance.

To answer the guys question about 100 and 200 hour oil changes. Don't dare go more than 20 hrs. Don't feel bad though, those Top fuel dragsters only go about 4 seconds before an oil change and a total engine rebuild for that matter. Look at it this way, if your air filter is at all dirty it is time for an oil change and an air filter clean.

 

Honda's new oil chart is a mystery to me! It has a bar with 10W30 for cooler weather, and 10W40 for hotter. Then there is a 5W30 bar below it with an arrow pointing to the high temp side. I really think this was a misprint, and the arrow was supposed to point to the cold temp side (????), as 5W30 is a very very good cold weather choice.

Anyway, gone is the huge variety of hot weather oils like 20W40 and 20W50.

Honda markets these machines all over the world, and I think they are simplifying things for the international market, particularly the 3rd world where a variety of oils are not available and machines get ridden for transportation not recreation. For me, even 10W40 is to light for a very hot So. Calif. summer! I will continue to run 10W40 in our mild winters, and 15W50 in summer.

 

Received my maintenance poster and flyer yesterday too. The first thing I thought was "Are they having issues concerning these ATV's"

I've had mine 1.5 years and no problems at all. I probably only have about 50-60 hours riding - mostly tight trail but some dunes. 3 oil/trans services so far, I have not noticed any usage. Adjusted the chain 1X

I use standard Honda GN4.

 

March of '04. I think that is about 27 days after we could buy one around here. I say you didn't let it warm up, before selling it.

 

well i dont know about you guys, but i dont even race my 450, i do ride hard in the woods, but only a few sanctioned races. i my 450 in december of 04 and i am on my 3rd piston, 3rd set of valves and 3rd cam chain.

 

It will be interesting to see how long a stocker (HRC) lasts compared to yours.