Re-Read post above. Note the explanation about synthetic oils. Who ever told you not to use Car oil is either uninformed or not telling you the whole story.

Most any non synthetic car oil will do in a pinch. Is it ideal? No. Is it JASO rated? Doesn't matter if that's all there is where you are. Your bike's engine will be fine. (The DR650 is not real fussy on oil) You can run it until you find something better.

But read about synthetic oils.
MOST synthetic oil for cars contain F R I C T I O N M O D I F I E R S. These are the ones NOT TO USE in your DR650. Clutch will slip. Clear?

But many companies make synthetic oil WITHOUT friction modifiers like the aforementioned Mobil One "High Mileage" oil. It's a FULL synthetic without the evil friction modifiers.

There are others from other brands as well, like Rotella and others.

Mobil One "high mileage" is a car oil that works just fine in any motorcycle engine. 65,000 mi. on my DR650 and 100K in other bikes. so, I'd say it's not a problem.

Go onto the DR650 forums and ASK. Many there use synthetic car oil in their DR650's. The Mobil One is very cheap and is exactly the same as Mobil One Motorcycle specific oil sold for 4 times the price. (Inside source confirms this)

DO NOT USE random synthetic car oil as it will probably have Friction Modifiers. But as mentioned, if regular, non synthetic car oil is all that is available, you can use it in a pinch if it's a reputable brand. (correct weight of course ... 10-40 is good for the DR650)

But down South, imported oil is BEST ... if you can find it. (Wal-Mart, Moto shops, Marine/Outboard shops)

Mollydog,

What would be your advice on topping up fully synthetic oil with semi or non synthetic (on a XR250). Would it be better to just change out all the oil? I'm running on fully synthetic now, bike needs a top up now and again, so don't want to run too low before I get to La Paz (only place I think I could find fully synthetic).

Cheers!


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There is NO problem mixing synthetic oil with semi syn or conventional mineral oil. NONE, no issues whatsoever.

But as mentioned, never use synthetic with friction modifiers ... like most typical synthetic for cars are. Be SURE of what synthetic oil you're adding.
If its moto specific, then you are fine as NONE have friction modifiers.

In Mexico I often top up my oil (full synthetic) with conventional mineral oil.
No worries as long as the oil used is correct weight and of GOOD quality.