Hi-Vis

Very true Paintbb84. Old engines that have not been serviced on scheduled will more than likely leak oil if synthetic is used.

Also I know "Zinc" is a good at preventing wear. Racing oil contains the most ZINC.
"Zinc" is not good for catalytic converters. I'm not sure, but I would make a small bet that our (my 09 c50) does NOT have a catalytic converter. The exhaust just plain stinks.

A very, very, very, very,,,,very long read about engine oil including motorcycle oil.

All About Motor Oil

p.s. this is the most sane oil discussion I have ever read.

__________________
Special Edition 2009 C50 Green/White . N/C 2up switchblade & N/C lowers. OEM running lights, Cobra shorty backrest, Air Horn, Airhawk r.
New on 4-08-11, now 6300 miles.
2006 Honda Big-Ruckus scooter. Rare!~
Total miles since on both bikes since April 2011, 8400
ATGATT, Sweat not blood.

alarmguy

Most people would do very well to read "All About Motor Oil" Its a good read, I have read it many times over the years and lots of info on the internet. I think the key, as even pointed out in the link you provided is the fact that almost every synthetic oil sold in the USA today is Group 3 oil.
Simply because a US court has ruled it legal to call a highly refined oil synthetic. The court ... "decided that the word "synthetic" was a marketing term and referred to properties, not to production methods or ingredients."
In many parts of Europe it is not legal to sell oil called Synthetic if it is made from, ready? Oil. *L* In the USA it is.
Even companies like Castrol, which was the first one to pollute the synthetic name makes, sells and markets a TRUE non petro based oil sold in Europe simply because they can not call an oil based oil "synthetic" as does in the USA, only true non oil synthetic overseas.
Anyway, you are right, this is the most sane oil thread I ever read, kind of nice!
The point of my rambling (it is early and on my first coffee) is its really rare to be able to buy a true synthetic oil in the USA anymore that is not based on petroleum, this doesnt really mean its bad but it does mean you do not have to be to concerned about it being compatible with regular oil since it is made from regular oil to begin with. It's properties are still superior as ruled by the courts to have the same outcome as a true non oil synthetic, its just that it is still made from oil. In the USA being able to call a refined Grade 3 oil a true synthetic makes the way higher cost of a true non oil based synthetic harder to sell because they are both called Full Synthetics and the public does not know the difference, so they just go with oil based synthetic, after all, they are all in business to make money on what sells and what price.
If you want a true non oil based Synthetic you really have to search hard and read the label. Im not an expert on that but should read made from True Group 5 Esters or something like that. IN fact if it is a true non oil based synthetic it should be plastered all over its label. I am not sure if you can even buy it in this country anymore but do believe some companies MAYBE still AMSOIL sell ONE line that is still a true non oil based synthetic.
There is another that says it mixes in high grade Esters (a true synthetic)
Ugh... have a great day and this is just some friendly early morning thoughts! I use dino CJ-4 oils in my bike, Im not sure why, I think, because I like the CJ-4 rating and since I do change it way before every 2,500 miles I think its better for me. But I have nothing against any oils, its what makes you feel good. My personal truck I do use synthetic simply cause I drive so many miles a year I only change at the recommended mileage.
The bike, I change 3 times a year no matter what cause I dont like old contaminated oil sitting in there to long and why I am good with the heavy duty Cj-4 Diesel/Auto oils.

__________________

Current - 08 V-Star 1300 Tourer
Past - 07 Boulevard C50

alarmguy

If you do use the Commercial CJ-4 15/40 dino oil, Vavoline Blue 15/40 (a recent favorite besides the Delo and Rotella 15/40) is on sale until 2-26-12 @ Tractor Supply for $12. a gallon.

__________________

Current - 08 V-Star 1300 Tourer
Past - 07 Boulevard C50

Windburn Bill

My Ford Ranger truck has 176,ooo miles on it now. I change the oil/filter every 6K and the engine still runs like a new one, doesn't burn or leak a drop.

__________________
'05 Vulcan 1600 Classic
'03 Volusia ( '07 to '10)

t-man403

That's just cause it's a Ford!

__________________
"Men are like steel, when they lose their temper, they lose their worth." C. Norris



98' VALKYRIE __________________________ 02' VOLUSIA

Dj12midnit

I had an 86 ranger It had a 178,000 when the ex's little brother rolled it over. That is what I was driving when I started using synthetic oil. I loved that truck.

Gregory

Both of these statements are incorrect. They are myths. You can switch from synthetic to dino and back as often as you like with zero ill affects (why you would want to go back to dino is beyond me). And the only difference between auto & motorcycle oil is price. If you can get an oil company to give written proof of the benefits of motorcycle oil over auto (which they can't & won't) then go for it. It is all propaganda. I've been riding for over 40 years and never had an oil related engine failure.

JamesPA

Your going to catch some grief over car and motorcycle oil being the same!

I think not.

__________________

2005 C50-DJ-SE-Black

bipestuff

I use the K&N filter and 20-50 Mobil 1 V-Twin oil and change it every 3000 mi. I'm sure it could go longer but to me this is an easy interval to remember and it is way cheap insurance. Local auto stores have the oil and filter on sale but you have to watch for it, then I usually stock up for 2-3 oil changes. I can usually find the oil on sale for about $6/qt. and the filter for $7-8. Both of these products are typically easy to find as well.

__________________

2007 black C50T (current) - PGR Member
1973 HD Sportster (sold 2009 - sigh...)
1972 Kawasaki (first bike)

My Gallery

Thunderhoof

$7 - $8 for a K&N oil filter is good. I usually see them out here for around $14, maybe $10 when on sale.

__________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________________________________
'01 Vol - a.k.a. "Thunderhoof"
Vance & Hines jet kit, K&N, re-baffled & cut pipes, tall windshield, dual back rests, license plate relo, tank bib, MCE highway bars, Marlin's clock & thermometer, smoked lenses, Saddleman bags, run/turn/brake controller, "de-Huffied" and de-badged