Oil, Pipes and Kevlar

[Wayne5906]

G-day all,
I have a few questions regarding my 1977 GS-400.

1st – It specifies 10W- 40 motor oil, But I can only find 10W- 30 or 10W- 50 in the local motorcycle store where I live. Can I use either of these without damaging the motor? And if so, which one would be the best?

2nd – I’m about to install some new mufflers. A mate told me that it is important to have a crossover pipe connecting the two exhaust pipes before they enter the mufflers. Is this the case?

3rd – When it comes to protective pants, what is best, leather or Kevlar lined jeans?

Have fun

[KGB]

G-day all,
I have a few questions regarding my 1977 GS-400.

1st – It specifies 10W- 40 motor oil, But I can only find 10W- 30 or 10W- 50 in the local motorcycle store where I live. Can I use either of these without damaging the motor? And if so, which one would be the best?

yes either oil will work as they area blend of different weights.
Go with 10W-30 in cool weather, your summer is starting, so the 10W-50
will be ok :-D

2nd – I’m about to install some new mufflers. A mate told me that it is important to have a crossover pipe connecting the two exhaust pipes before they enter the mufflers. Is this the case?
hmmmm sure if you want some mid range power, not just on the top end
type of power band. You friend seems to have some knowledge !:-D

3rd – When it comes to protective pants, what is best, leather or Kevlar lined jeans?
Oh boy, big can of worms here, me, i wear kevlar/cordura :-D

Have fun

Hope this helps and I know others will chime in

[Nessism]

Mix the oils; equal parts 10W-30 and 10W-50 will make 10W-40.

A crossover pipe is reputed to increase mid range power slightly but I wouldn't sweat it too much.

Motorcycle pants - just get some. Which ones is splitting hairs and a matter of personal choice.

[txironhead]

I read a report where they tested the "road rash" qualities of plain denim, kevlar, and leather. Surprisingly, the leather won hands-down.

However, having anything extra to protect you from Mr. Asphalt is a plus.

Around here, most of the sportbike owners think flip-flop sandals, surfer trunks and a muscle shirt are all they need to ride their Ninjas. No helmets, and "posing" while they ride with their left hand on their leg, most of the time not even looking forward. We call 'em organ donors.

Funny how you never see anyone over the age of 30 doing that. I guess Darwin was right.......