Motocycle oil~ Regular verses Synthetic?

Question

I am attempting to do an oil change on my Gsxr600. What is the difference in regular motorcycle oil and Fully Synthetic oil. I know the synthetic is more expensive, but is it okay to use regular? Also, I don't know how to change the filter. Is it okay if I only change the oil? I'm only doing it because I have an hour trip coming up very soon and I don't have time to make an appointment with the mechanic. The oil that is in it now is very dark and the oil light comes on once in a while.

Answer 1

Car oils are designed to lube engine parts only. They often add stuff to the oil to reduce friction.

On a motorcycle the engine oil has a dual purpose. It also keeps the clutch plates cool. Clutches need friction to work so if they are soaked in oil that is formulated to reduce friction, you will have issues. Mainly your clutch will begin to slip after a while. This happened to me using Castrol GTX.

It is best to use motorcycle oil but not a do or die type thing. If you can find an oil that doesn't have friction modifiers or special additives, then go for it. Kyle is right about the ratings and viscosity. 10W40 woould be fine for cooler months, 20W50 for high temp months. You should change the filter every oil change. Use a big pair of channel locks pliers to get in between the pipes and grip it so you can unscrew it. Remember, righty tighty, lefty loosy. When you put the new one on, make sure you wet the rubber gasket with oil and hand tighten only.

Hope this helps. Have fun on your little trip and be safe!

Answer 2

Some synthetic oil can damage your clutch.  Use synthetic oil with caution.  Make sure you use a synthetic oil that is wet clutch compatible.

Mobil one makes a synthetic that can be used in motorcycles.  Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 .

Amsoil also makes a synthetic motor oil for motorcycles.

If you are going to upgrade your oil, don't forget to upgrade the oil filter.  Wix makes the best oil filters.   They cost a little more but they are worth it.  Yo should be able to cross reference your stock oil filter to a Wix filter.  You may need to special order one from an automotive parts store that sells Wix filters.

Answer 3

As long as it has an SF or SG rating it doesn't really matter.

Don't get ripped off buying a "motorcycle only" oil.  Go to the parts store and buy regular Castrol 10-40 or Rotella-t 5W-40 synthetic.

The Rotella is less expensive and gives you the light weight to improve cold startup & will still protect at high temp.  

If your going to splurge, just buy AmsOil or Red Line. Any of the above is fine for a wet clutch

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with regular oil, it just isn't as good as synthetic. Synthetic will tolerate higher temperatures and will last longer than regular oil.  

You really should change the filter whenever you change the oil. You can get away with it for a short time if you don't change the filter but eventually it will get so clogged that it will not flow enough oil. When that happens, your engine will not be supplied with enough oil... when that happens.. poof. good bye motor.  

Answer 5

either is fine

do use a motorcycle oil not car oil

change the filter it's important

Answer 6

Lower viscosity and weight is better for startup. Higher is better for high revving engines. For example:

0W-5 - Auto manufactuerers use this in new cars, for superior protection upon startup in new engines.

20W-50 - High performance, used in a Mazda RX-8 high-revving rotary, a good pick for your 16,000 RPM GSXR600.

10W-40 is a good overall oil, go for that. Even 15W-50 will do the job.

Answer 7

regular oil that meets the manufacturers specs is fine. Just don't use automobile oil. Synthetic is better in most applications, and although it costs more, the savings in repairs makes it cheap!!

It is VERY important to change the oil filter. They do plug up, they stop filtering correctly and either can ruin a motor. Trust me, don't skip the oil filter change. Buy yourself a service manual for the bike (every rider should have one) and you will see how easy it is to change the filter yourself. Also, the manual will help you understand the bike better, and show you how to save money doing minor repairs and service yourself. Working on the bike is fun, relaxing, and saves you a lot of money.

ride safe