Types of oils

[Hrvstmn31]

So from what this guy Google tells me there's a couple types of oil (synthetic,non-synthetic,blah blah). So which is the best to use for a low mile gz?

[Water Warrior 2]

I recommend Shell Rotella 15-40 dino oil and a Hi-Flo HF136 oil filter. Most auto stores will likely have them and it will be cheaper than a bike shop. The filter is common among many small engines so it is not a rare expensive item.

[Dez]

Newb question.... I've seen the oil recommendation at 10w-40. Is the heavier weighted oil better?

[Hrvstmn31]

Well I'm going to head out in a bit and thought I'd look at Rotella. If I get Rotella will it last longer in between changes? And the correct types is Shell Rotella T 15W-40 yes?
I don't want to pt the wrong type in.

[Dez]

Don't pay attention to me, I'm just asking newb questions. Whatever oil he suggested will work.

[bpdchief]

Rotella T is correct and I don't know about anyone else, but, I buy my HF filters off ebay. Last ones I got three filters for $8 and some change. Auto parts store here in Florida wanted $11 for a filter O_o

[Water Warrior 2]

Newb question.... I've seen the oil recommendation at 10w-40. Is the heavier weighted oil better?
You are in a warmer climate so the 15-40 might be a better choice overall. Both the Vstrom and M-50 ran and shifted beautifully with Rotella. The GZ(and my Vstrom) when Lynda still had it was running Amsoil 10-40 but it just became too expensive. Switched the Vstrom over to Rotella at the same time as the "M" received it's first oil change.
The one thing I did notice was there was very little if any oil usage with Rotella in either bike. The oil change intervals remained the same as recommended. Even my 4.0 Ranger 4x4 runs Rotella in the engine but the rest of the power train is all Amsoil.
I firmly believe Amsoil is an excellent product but is too expensive in many cases. The fact that the rest of the power train in the Ranger is changed at very long intervals makes it worthwhile to use. It also does increase gas mileage somewhat. On my first Ranger(1996 2 wheel drive) I did a complete switch to Amsoil(including engine) at 50,000 kms(31,000 miles) and gained an honest 4 MPG overall. That was a great surprise to me as I had calculated a 0.5 increase in mileage to justify the added cost.
I'm straying off topic a bit now. Back to Rotella. It works well and is cost effective. Doesn't seem to break down over the required service interval either.

[Hrvstmn31]

So i got the Rotella but I also got a Fram CH6000 oil filter which is too big. I need the filter by Sunday since I work on monday so shipping it in is a no go. any filters of reasonable quality I can pick up at an auto store.

[Water Warrior 2]

Hi Flo HF-136 oil filter.

[mrlmd1]

Don't forget, you cannot use regular automotive oil in a wet clutch motorcycle (where the clutch plates are bathed in the same oil as the engine), or the clutch will slip. You must use motorcycle-specific oil, that does not have "friction modifiers" in it or say "energy conserving" on the label.

[burkbuilds]

I've used the Rotella in all my bikes, my diesel work trucks, my Ford Ranger, it is good oil, reasonably priced and I've never had a performance issue with it.

[Water Warrior 2]

Rotella has been moto certified for a couple years now. No change in the formula but an added certification for those who want a moto oil.

[jonathan180iq]

Don't forget, you cannot use regular automotive oil in a wet clutch motorcycle (where the clutch plates are bathed in the same oil as the engine), or the clutch will slip. You must use motorcycle-specific oil, that does not have "friction modifiers" in it or say "energy conserving" on the label.


This is good advise, but "technically" you can use automotive oil as long as it doesn't say "Energy Conserving" or "Resource Conserving" anywhere on the bottle. I used both Castrol Syntec and Mobil 1 with good results.

It is important to note, since both your clutch and your engine internals are bathed in the same oil, the stuff that is normally designed for cars will be working a little harder than they are used to. You'll actually start to "feel" your oil break down. When your shifts get clunky and stiff, then it's time to check it and/or change it out.

[bpdchief]

I've used the Rotella in all my bikes, my diesel work trucks, my Ford Ranger,

No wonder burkbuilds and WW get along so well.... both drive Ford Rangers :lol: :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

I'm still waiting for pics of his Ranger from another era.

[burkbuilds]

I've still got a lot of work to do before my 81 is ready for pics. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Looking forward to a bunch of pics and notes about the project.