I use Kawai 20/50 oil. I have found that it is rather expensive. what do u guys/girls use? And where do you buy it? on-line,Walmart? HELP!

 

In the past I have always used bel-ray semi-synthetic oil. I recently ran across this article at this web site. www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm The article was really indepth about motor oil. They basically found that as long as the motor oil is meeting the newer requirements it will work just a good as anything else and save money in the long run.
I am sure you will get a big debate over this topic. Which oil to use is just as bad as asking which brand of ATV to buy!!! Anyway good luck

 

I use 10/30 and I get it from the local auto parts store. I pay $1.xx per quart.

 

I recently asked this question as I did my first oil change after break in.
With a little over 15 hours on the motor I drained the stock pretty dirty oil out and filled with Mobil 1 20W-50. Walmart has the 5 quart jugs on sale for $15 and Mobil 1 is one of the only synthetic that is TRUE 100% synthetic.
Castrol and Penzoil have conventional oils mixed with synthetic.

Some folks say not to use automotive synthetics in a bike motor, but Others say they have run it all along with no problems.

And yes you will hear every different scenario out there. Thing about oil is getting the correct weight and keeping it clean.
10W-40 if you run 10 deg F and under 110 deg F. 20W-50 if you run between 20 degF and 120 deg F.
read your manual for the manufacturer recommendations.

My 2000 Honda 300EX manual lists 5 different weight combos based on your riding climate.

Best of Luck to you,

 

Some motor oils are "energy-conserving", that is they contain friction modifiers that are reputed to cause transmission and starter clutch slippage. In fact my Yamaha manual specifically cautions against the use of these types of oils in my Kodiak.
Mike Guillory, a retired chemist from a major oil company, has an article on motor cycle oils that cuts through all the BS. Mike provides a list of suitable brands and types of motor oils including mineral based, semi synthetic, and full synthetic. He recommends 4 full synthetic oils for maximum protection. Castrol Syntec 5W50, Mobil 1 15W50, Pennzoil Performax 100 5W50, and Valvoline Synpower 20W50. It appears these heavy weight wide viscosity range oils don't have the friction modifiers we have to worry about.
I've been using synthetic oils in my cars and trucks since 1983 with great success, why skimp on my Kodiak? I buy my Castrol Syntec at Wally World, AKA WalMart, in Portsmouth. Check your manual, it will tell you the correct viscosity range for the temperatures your ATV will see.