Friction Modifiers as mentioned in the 1985 GS450GA owners manual

[Suzukian]

I run conventional oil in my '83 GS750ES. I just did the clutch, I use Valvoline. The inside of that motor looks new, and it has 40K miles on it. It doesn't smoke, and runs great. The synthetics are backwards compatible, but why spend so much more money if you don't need too.

[rphillips]

bitzz, I wasn't thinking bikes. I just remember, back in the early 90's, the first time I saw that Quaker State ad that said change your oil every 3000mi. I's watching a Nascar cup race and Kenny Bernstein came on that ad say'in change every 3000 mi. I thought what the heck?, I'd never heard of anything like that. I immediately thought why with the new improved oils and engines do we need to change the oil more than twice as often than when we had the old orig. oil. I did remember that ad and noticed a few yrs. later the newer auto owners manuals did start say'in change oil every 3000 mi... I couldn't help but think dang the oil Co's are now selling more double the oil they were selling a few yrs. ago and had to be doubling their profits. than before they improved the oil... I guess I don't like to change, my father got me to changing oil every 5000 mi. back then way more often than recommended, now way longer than recommended, but so far still working fine.... That being said, this new 0 W 20 oil seems pretty scary, I don't know how to measure viscosity, but that 0 seems like it will be very close to the thickness of water, that just doesn't sound good.

[CallMeHoovy]

Overall I am gathering that using modern synthetic motorcycle rated oil is considered "ideal" However; Given that I am a new rider and normally in my cage only drive 200 miles a year or so the benefits of synthetic may not even matter considering I will be changing oil on a time NOT mileage basis.

Thanks again to everyone helping out not only a forum newbie but a new motorcyclist.

[Suzukian]

If you went to synthetic, with the low mileage you are putting on, you might not have to do an oil change every decade or so.