I have a 2003 Recon ES and I am wondering what other people use for motor oil. I was thinking about synthetic but im concerned about damaging the transmission. (All the warnings in the owners manual about using the Honda oils) Should I wait to use synthetic until the engine is older? It's about a month old but has about 20 hours on it. Also the temp where I am riding will soon be freezing or below, is it safe to use a 5w/30 oil in it or should I stick with the 10w/40?

Thanks

 

rideredinvt,

I think the main thing is change it often. 20 hours on new recon, change it today.

In my 99 Recon with over 375 hours on it now I have mainly used Dino oil, no synthetic and change it about every 25 hours. I keep a log book on the desk and right down every day that it has been ridden.

Right now am using 10w40 BP/Amoco.

I have made my own blend before 25% synthetic 15/40 and 75% 10w40.

Chet

 

Any 10w40 motor oil from a main manufacturer should be fine. You should treat your engine oil kind of like a truck or car. If you are riding in cold conditions, use a lighter oil, warm conditions, use a heavier oil.