mdhyre

My 2007 C50 has been making a rapping noise since I rode it off the dealer's lot two months ago. I've been reading here a lot about others' bikes knocking or rapping when cold. Mine pretty much does it all the time. Some say its characteristic of the C-50 engine. Even though most say not to worry about it, I have to be honest, it drives me crazy. I rode a 2004 for almost 4 years with 26k mi on it and it never sounded like the newer 2007 with less than 5k miles. I decided to change the oil, knowing that the dealer had just changed it and it probably wasn't due. I wanted to see if running high end synth oil would make it run quieter. I've been using Mobil1 V Twin and have found it to hold up pretty well. I decided to do the early oil change today and bingo...the engine runs MUCH quieter. I dont' know what the dealer put in it but I'd bet, knowing this shop anyway, that the oil is the cheapest they could find.

I know there are tons of data showing how one motor oil is superior over another and that there are a lot of ppl out there a lot smarter than I am who tout one brand over the other. I've tried to research oils but have found that it is a very complex issue and no two sets of data seem to agree. But you can't argue with a noticeably quieter engine. While the V twin synthetics cost twice as much they also last twice as long so in the long run, they save money. I've tried both Amsoil and Mobil1. I know that Castrol makes V Twin Synth but I've never used it. I default to Mobil1 only because it is easy to find. They all are about the same price.

I thought I'd share this so that others could try it and see if they run quieter also. I'm interested in hearing about your experience with oil. I think I'm sold on the V Twin Synthetics.

Mitch

naga77777

I'd be interested to try that oil.

I still have a change's worth of suzuki oil that I bought at the dealership, for when I install my new clutch. Planning on doing that this winter, so won't get a chance to try the synthetic till at least next summer.

I always thought the rapping/tapping noise was the valves, as I haven't adjusted them since I bought the bike in april. I dunno if it's just me, or if the noise has gotten louder lately. I do believe the bike's due for an oil change.

I've also noticed it's not shifting as smooth either, which may be remedied with some new oil. (more viscous maybe, iunno.)

/rant.

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'05 c50

Hi-Vis

You will like this.
I too ran Mobile 1 v-twin 20-50 my last and currant duration. Total miles at last change 9000.
I also sent a sample to blackstone lab far a complete analysis including tbn. My oil had 4500 miles. The last 900 miles of that 4500 was a trip to the dragon. 90% of my miles are in 5th gear. 50% of those miles are @ 75mph interstate.
The lab told me to "check back in 5500 miles" before I change.

TBN was 6.1 and should be greater than 1.0

Aluminum was a little high at 27 which should have been below 7 ppm.
Iron 18, should have been below 15 ppm.
Silicon 15 should have been below 10 ppm. I like that.
Zinc 1488 which is great. They wanted to see at least 1363 ppm. Zinc helps prevent wear, but kills catalytic converters. I like high zinc oils. Most racing oils have high zinc levels.
Report C&P:

6.1 since 1.0 is low. Check back in 5,500 miles.

Guys, I have worked in a lab 33 years. I am certified to do my lab work and I respect the work of other labs. I beg others to do an oil analysis. Especially when some members are reporting top end failures @ 30k miles.

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Special Edition 2009 C50 Green/White . 13100 miles. Loaded up and then some!
2006 Honda Big-Ruckus 250 scooter. ~Rare~

If an old man is Laughing at you for no reason, you might want to take a mental inventory because you might have lost something.

ATGATT Sweat, not blood.

mdhyre

Good point naga. I forgot to mention it but it does shift smoother as well.

dfinitlydisturbd

I run Mobile V-Twin synthetic 20w50 with Lucas Oil Stabilizer mixed in at the 10% recommended for wet clutches. Keeps mechanical noise to nearly nonexistent level and at oil changes is still pretty darn thick and slippery VS watery (think corn syrup vs maple syrup) which means at oil change time it's still doing it's job not only lubricating but cushioning moving parts...supposedly (and judging by how hard it is to get the Lucas off things you don't want it on I'd believe it) the lucas prevents dry starts and the wear associated with it.

A sign of a good oil is a thick one that comes out pretty much in the same condition it went in just a little bit dirtier...and of course one that allows the engine to operate with minimal mechanical noise. Noise equals additional wear.

Againstallodds

It was long before i had changed my oil and this time i was going to do it myself. In a hurry i bought 10w-40 semi synth and did the oil change. The bike was super awesome. After about 500miles it still feels the same. Very happy.

But a few days ago i stumbled upon a discussion on oil. Turns out i have used car oil instead of bike oil and its bad for the bike coz of the wet clutch which may have tendencies to slip. I dont know wht clutch slippage is!!! The bike runs great. Its definitely better than suzuki brand oil which the delear had changed. (same type).

After a few rides i did the gear oil change. It added 20percent more smoothness to existing 70 percent smoothness. The rest10 percent smoothness is going to be the valve check or adjust.


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Againstallodds

Sorry to mention. Bike is pretty loud. But its the same as before. After 6 months, gonna try full synthetic bike oil.


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dfinitlydisturbd

As long as the car oil wasn't they type with friction modifiers there's no harm in using it. Gotta sat though with as brutal as our engines are on themselves and the oil 10w40 is a bit light. About the only time it's remotely a good idea is for cold weather riding and even then the engine is not getting as much cushioning from the oil which is just as important as lubrication.

Clutch slipping will result in surges where the engine speed increases but road speed does not and/or the engine will rev up under excelleration but road speed will not increase as rapidly.

henry postma

I use castrol 10w40 most of the time, as this is what is recommended in the Suzuki manual. I trust that suzuki should know what is best for their product . Have used rotella 15w40 a few times as well in the past. Both good oils.

henry.

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Do unto others as you would have them do unto you and be happy

mdhyre

I have a friend who swears by Rotella. He runs it in his Suzuki dual sport.