Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Mineral vs Synthetic oil Mineral vs Synthetic oil
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 30 Oct 2009
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
I have the same 650cc rotax engine in my X-Challenge (and same clutch) and use ONLY full synthetic oil. (have done since the 10,000km mark)

As long as you use a motorcycle specific synthetic oil rather than a car synthetic oil, you will not get any clutch slip. A motorcycle synthetic oil is, after all, specifically designed for wet clutches!

The BMW manual says only that they do not recommend synth oils ONLY for the first 10,000k. I now have 50,000k on my engine, had it pulled apart a couple of weeks ago to check the head, and the mechanics actually asked me if it was a new cylinder. After 50,000k it still had that factory honed look.

For whats its worth, I took the advice of an excellent bike mechanic and use only Motul 300V (double ester) ... its expensive (10 quid a litre in the UK), but you have a several thousand dollar investment and you pour thousands more of dollars of fuel into it over its lifetime. There is only one thing that protects it from wear all its life, and that is the oil. Spend a couple more bux and get a good oil.

Oilman ... is this your site?

Motul 300 V 4T Factory Line 10W-40 Racing lubricant for race bikes 100% Synthetic – Double Ester

If so, I shall be buying form you in the near future.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
Depends on what type of clutch you have- dry or wet -
My Dakar has a multi-disc oil-bath clutch, mechanically operated and I use Silkolene semi-synth whereas the R1200GS has a single plate dry clutch hydraulically operated- I use a Castrol fully synthetic in that.

It is the additives in some of the fully synthetic oils that can cause wet clutch bikes to slip. I do not know what type of clutch the Africa Twin has.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 30 Oct 2009
HUBB Advertiser
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cornwall, England
Posts: 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
I have the same 650cc rotax engine in my X-Challenge (and same clutch) and use ONLY full synthetic oil. (have done since the 10,000km mark)

As long as you use a motorcycle specific synthetic oil rather than a car synthetic oil, you will not get any clutch slip. A motorcycle synthetic oil is, after all, specifically designed for wet clutches!

The BMW manual says only that they do not recommend synth oils ONLY for the first 10,000k. I now have 50,000k on my engine, had it pulled apart a couple of weeks ago to check the head, and the mechanics actually asked me if it was a new cylinder. After 50,000k it still had that factory honed look.

For whats its worth, I took the advice of an excellent bike mechanic and use only Motul 300V (double ester) ... its expensive (10 quid a litre in the UK), but you have a several thousand dollar investment and you pour thousands more of dollars of fuel into it over its lifetime. There is only one thing that protects it from wear all its life, and that is the oil. Spend a couple more bux and get a good oil.

Oilman ... is this your site?

Motul 300 V 4T Factory Line 10W-40 Racing lubricant for race bikes 100% Synthetic – Double Ester

If so, I shall be buying form you in the near future.

That's us. Good post and well put

Cheers
Guy
__________________
Use the code HORIZONS and get 10% Club Discount
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/
sales@opieoils.co.uk, 01209 202944
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 30 Oct 2009
Ekke's Avatar
HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 358
Nice post Oilman.

I'm using full synthetic in my VW diesel and BMW car and have just switched over to synthetic in my R1200GS after the 10,000 km recommended by BWM. My R100GS has had nothing but dino oil in the engine and mostly synthetic in the transmission. The reason I stuck with dino oil is that I thought it would be more practical to do more frequent oil changes in developing countries where synthetic is not readily available. What would you suggest for a trans-Africa journey? Run synthetic as long as possible and then swap out to whatever is locally available, carry enough oil for a change half way down or simply run dino oil from the start, changing as often as practical?

I think we've all heard stories of synthetics causing more oil leaks in an older engine that has grown up on mineral oil. What is the current state of affairs with synthetics? Would putting synthetic in my 230,000 km R100 cause the pushrod tube seals to start leaking?
__________________
Ekke Kok

'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

www.ekke-audrey.ca
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 30 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dreaming of travelling and riding bikes in general..
Posts: 445
I like it here..[bear with me]
This is why I like the info that comes through Horizons - people are driven by the necessity of high mileages and the inconvenience of cost. A perfect situation to find out, practically at least, what works and what doesn't.

The average annual mileage of motorcycles in the UK is something like 1 or 2 minor service intervals and model ownership is probably a couple of years. So it stands to reason that the average post about oil/observed failure on any given forum has such a biase due to low mileage experience as to render its validity entirely questionable and highly influenced by the statistical 'bathtub' curve of mechanical failure (e.g. bad day at the factory etc.) than any real difference between one motorcycle oil and another.

What do you lot think? I sense an 'elephant in the room'.
__________________
Find out details of my 2011 trip to Siberia on a lightweight dirtbike:
www.brighton2expeditions.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 1 Nov 2009
HUBB Advertiser
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cornwall, England
Posts: 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ekke View Post
Nice post Oilman.

I'm using full synthetic in my VW diesel and BMW car and have just switched over to synthetic in my R1200GS after the 10,000 km recommended by BWM. My R100GS has had nothing but dino oil in the engine and mostly synthetic in the transmission. The reason I stuck with dino oil is that I thought it would be more practical to do more frequent oil changes in developing countries where synthetic is not readily available. What would you suggest for a trans-Africa journey? Run synthetic as long as possible and then swap out to whatever is locally available, carry enough oil for a change half way down or simply run dino oil from the start, changing as often as practical?

I think we've all heard stories of synthetics causing more oil leaks in an older engine that has grown up on mineral oil. What is the current state of affairs with synthetics? Would putting synthetic in my 230,000 km R100 cause the pushrod tube seals to start leaking?
The stories about leaking seals are based on older synthetics, not modern ones, so no need to worry about that. The only other reason for a synthetic to leak more is that if the engine has not been particularily well looked after and there is a lot of wear. If the synthetic is thinner than the mineral oil, there may be some leakage.

If you are worried about that, go for one of the hydrocracked synthetics, something like the Silkolene Comp4 or Motul 5100 as they are highly refined and modified mineral oils.

Cheers

Tim
__________________
Use the code HORIZONS and get 10% Club Discount
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/
sales@opieoils.co.uk, 01209 202944
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Synthetic Oil who's using it, does it make a differance? jv3 BMW Tech 9 27 Jul 2009 14:58
semi-synthetic oil in Ulaan Baator sue Northern and Central Asia 5 13 May 2005 00:46
Synthetic sleeping bags? llanelli Equipment Reviews 4 10 Feb 2004 14:57
Sleeping Bags: Down or synthetic? Two wheels good Camping Equipment and all Clothing 6 26 Dec 2003 02:23
Synthetic oils for desert use Andrew Baker Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 28 Mar 2003 13:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:44.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top