What are you guys using for oil?

[SuperCell]

Is 20W-50 really the recomended oil for 550 and 750 engines???

[chef1366]

Castro 20/50 for my 1100. I live in a real hot area though.

[KGB]

I usually go with 10w-40

I do use 20w-50 sometimes
Not any big difference if any at all

[Boondocks]

Is 20W-50 really the recomended oil for 550 and 750 engines???

The recommended oil viscosity is specified by Suzuki in the owner's manual, usually 10W-40. Other viscosities may be used, depending on conditions. For example, 20W-50 may be used in very hot weather although 10W-40 will suffice.

20W-50 should not be used in cold weather.

[JimminyCricket]

I run 10w-40, mainly because that what it says on my oil filler cap. As for brand, Castrol GTX has always done me well, and when I tore my engine down, there was no sludge and crap in there, even after sitting for a few years.

[Boozy Creek Beast]

Just completing my 1166 kit on my 80 1100E. After the bore was complete I spoke with the machinest and he told me that Castrol 20w 50 racing oil would be great for breaking her in. I still run it now and and have had no problems.

The Beast

[rustybronco]

amsoil 20w50 m/c oil and i have used 15w40 rotella

[QuaiChangKane]

Castrol GTX 20/50 and 10/40 in the 'Zook and the little KZ

Castrol GTX 20/50 in the KZ650

Castrol Actevo (blend) 10/40 in the VFR (water cooled)


Was thinking about going with the Actevo in the GS, but the GTX has done me right for many years now. For the cost difference, I can change my oil more than twice as often....


I went with Actevo in the VFR, because I'm hoping to pass it down to my daughter in about 16 years . Maybe not, but I am expecting to put a couple hundred K on it. It had less than 13K on it when I bought it last year, which is as close to a new bike as I've ever had - and that's barely broken in for a Honda V4.


-Q!

[James R]

I use Suzuki 20/50. I live in Georgia and still run
the same oil in the winter. No problems on my 81
GS 650E with 12K on the clock.

I noticed that I'm the only one using Suzuki oil.
I'm I missing something here?

jrs

[Jethro]

I run 10w-40, mainly because that what it says on my oil filler cap. As for brand, Castrol GTX has always done me well, and when I tore my engine down, there was no sludge and crap in there, even after sitting for a few years.

Oh no he d'int... Someone always bring brands into the discussion.:-D I am using the 10-40 Golden Spectro. Has worked well for me in the past.

[Arkaloid]

15w-40 Shell Rotella

[trispeed]

I remember a test back in the early 80's ( Cycle World or Cycle Guide, I believe) with one of our very own 1000cc GS's and a 1000cc Beemer. They were checking oil temps with different oil coolers and different grade oils. The Suzuki ran significantly hotter,on the order of 20 or so degrees, with 20/ 50. Suzuki specifies 10/40 for all temps for a good reason, The 20/ 50 increases drag and friction resulting in higher oil temps.
The Beemer is made for 20/ 50 though and still got upwards of 300 degrees at the main bearings.
Of course, you could get away with almost any oil for some time.
I would encourage you to use the recommended 10/40 or a 15/40. Rotella/ Delvac/ Delo is great stuff and cheap!

[dpep]

Mazola....

[marvinsc]

Mazola....

Errr Don, I think We're talking about IN the Bike!:shock: