Mobil 1

[Guest]

I just did an oil change on my GS1100esd using Mobil 1 10W-30 motor oil from Pep boys. I read somewhere that oil for cars and motorcycles are pretty much the same so I decided to try it. Is it ok leaving this in my bike or should I take it out?

My oil cap indicates to use 10w-40 for my model but has anyone switch over to 20W-50 weight?

Any feedback would be appreicated. Just a simple yes or no answer to either question would be fine too! Thanks!

[Cassius086]

Honestly, I would stay away from 10w30 synth (energy conserving)...the friction modifiers can/will cause clutch slippage. Some guys have used it in high HP bikes with no trouble, but they run heavy clutch springs too. I have used Mobil 1 15w50 in my 82 GS1100 for better than 50,000 miles with no trouble. It loves the stuff!

General rule, I think, would be stay away from anything that has 'Energy Conserving' on the API classification label.

[Nessism]

Yup, as Cassius stated, stay away if the oil says "energy conserving". Plus, 10W-30 is too thin. The thicker Mobil 1 auto oil is fine to use though, no need for motorcycle specific oil.

Good luck.

[KRISTI'SGS550]

don't mind my ignorance, but when you say stick to the thicker oil, which oil are you referring to? The 15w-50 would me my guess, am I right?

Cory

[Nessism]

Suzuki specs 10W-40 which is ideal. Diesel engine oil is good stuff and typically is 15W-40. 5W-40 is also okay - it will flow better at low temps. 15W-50 is a little on the thick side - good for high temp usage, don't think I'd use it year around.

[salty_monk]

I use Castrol GTX 10-40 but recently switched to Rotella T 15-40. It gives a nicer shift & I hope it will stand up to summer higher temps better too. Over winter there was a marked difference in how the gear shift etc felt on higher mileage than in the summer. I can only put this down to cooler outdoor temps & cooler running temps.

Dan

[spawningvat]

kichigai: There might have been a mix up on the oil info. Car oil and motorcycle oil differ somewhat.

Car oil: is generally 5w-30, 10w-30, and in newer cars, 0w-20, all with energy conserving additives. I'm referring to the 'donut' on the back of the oil container. Energy conserving additives greatly reduce friction, in motorcycles to the point where the clutch might begin slipping. Cars generally run dry clutches, so the additives of the oil don't interfere with the clutch.

Motorcycle oil: is generally 5w-40, 10w-40, 15w-40, 15w-50, and 20w-50 in general thickness. These oils independent of the brand, generally do not have energy conserving additives. This allows them to run through machines that have wet clutches with minimal to no problems. There are no additives that will glaze the clutch plates, or reduce their amount of friction.

Oil weight: lower numbers=thinner oil
5w-30 thin 5w=viscosity of oil when cold. 30= viscosity when hot
20w-50 thick 20w=viscosity cold 50 viscosity hot

Popular weights/brands especially for older bikes include: 10w-40, Rotella full syn 5w-40, Rotella T 15w-40, Mobil 1 10w-40 full syn or dyno, Mobil 1 15w-50 full syn. If your bike has high miles, lots of engine wear, or is aircooled with wider tolerances between parts, a thicker oil might quiet it down, and protect what is left. Watercooled bikes typically have tighter tolerances and need an oil that flows more easily.

My 550 gets rotella t 15w-40. The clutch drags a little when cold, but its noticeably quieter. Plus the oil is also cheap: under $10 for a gallon.

My vfr gets either either rotella 5w-40 full syn or mobil 1 15w-50 full syn in the summer. It tells me when the rotella is getting old: the clutch gets grabby/not smooth after 3000 or so miles of half city/half highway.

/s/ Sean

[isleoman]

Have used the Mobil 1 15W-50 for 103,000 miles. I did change the oil every now an then.

10w-30 sounds a little light, especially if your in a warmer climate and get hung up in traffic every now and then

[kichigai]

Wow, What great responses! Thanks Fellas, you guys are great! Well, I have to tell you, you guys are right! After putting the Mobil 1 10W-30 and taking my bike out for a spin, the trans shifted nicely but noticed my clutch was slipping under hard excelleration. Bummer! Lesson learned! I am going to drain the oil out today and will be trying out the Rotella T Oil Synthetic.

Thanks a bunch!


Here is some more interesting reading on motorcycle oils for those who are interested.

[KRISTI'SGS550]

I think my next oil change, which is right now, I will be using rotella t 15w-40 in my 550. You think this will work in the CB650 too?

Cory

[kichigai]

I cant see why not! Give it a try! At $10.00 a gallon, it worth trying.

[psyguy]

I think my next oil change, which is right now, I will be using rotella t 15w-40 in my 550. You think this will work in the CB650 too?

Cory

hey cory, when has HER 550 transitioned into HIS 550 ? :-D
cheers!

[KRISTI'SGS550]

oh yeah, my bad, her 550.

Cory