Having read so many differing opinions about motorcycle and car oils, I wonder what everyone out there is actually using in their xt600e?.....Probably a 10w / 40 I guess but are car oils ok?

DC

Some of the oils sold in the USA advertise that they contain "friction modifiers" - avoid them as they cause wet clutches to slip. I see many oil discussion threads where owners prefer the "heavy duty" engine oils originally formulated for diesel engines due to the higher additive content and (generally) cheaper price (e.g., Shell Rotella). Synthetic oils (diesel synthetic especially) are also recommended, with the caveat that they tend to really clean out the crankcases and can cause oil leaks if some of your gaskets have been "patched" with hardened conventional oil.

I just carried out an oil change and used quality SEMI-SINTHETIC 10w-40

4 Litres Castrol ACT/EVO £24

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Hi Folks, there is a lot of crap spoken about motorcycle engine oil, when really it can be made very simple.
1.Only use the manufacturers recomended weight i.e. 10w40.
2.For bikes with wet clutches (most modern bikes) ONLY use JASO MA specified oil, this oil does not contain any friction modifiers that will make a clutch slip.
3.For bikes with a dry clutch (i.e.most ducatis) you can use the above oil or oil with a JASO MB spec. this oil contains friction modifiers.
4.Only use manufacturers recomended api rated oil i.e. API SG.
5.Fully synthetic oil should really only be used after the first service has been completed as ordinary mineral oil is preferable during the running period,most manufacturers supply new bikes with ordinary mineral oil straight from the factory for the running in period.
6.There is a myth that fully synth. oil will make your clutch slip,... this is not so, as long as your using the correct weight, correct api rating, correct jaso rating and correct oil level, and of course ensuring that the clutch plates are in good condition!
I have been a motorcycle mechanic for the last 18 years and i can honestly say i have never seen clutch slip caused by the use of fully synth. oil, there is allways another reason.
7.If you are very low on oil and cant find bike specific oil then you can actually use DIESEL engine oil! this oil is made with very high shear resistance for high compresion diesel engines, and is right at home in a high shear area like a motorcycle gearbox.
8.fully synth. oil has a much longer life span, is capable of handling extreme engine heat (much more so than mineral oil).
9.I fill every brand new bike we sell with mineral or semi synth. oil.
At first service we replace the oil with fully synthetic, this is how we have done it for years and it works perfectly!
God that was draining!

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My trip to Millau (France) and back 2009.http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...u-france-43474

I'm using Pennzoil Longlife 15/40 - this is a diesel rated oil intended for extended drain intervals.I used this as the bulk oil in my tanks when I had a car repair workshop,it went in everything that came in the door,and when I left I made sure the tanks were nearly empty.The additive package is good for bikes....particularly for those with gearbox issues.It's Allison rated so good for gears and multiplate clutches.

Have a look at this site

Red Line Oils Australia - Redline Motor & Gear Oil, Race Oils, Auto Transmission Fluid, Hydraulic Oils, WaterWetter, Fuel Additives, 2 & 4 Stroke Oils, Suspension Fluids, Fleet Products, Diesel Additives

It is a really expensive oil, however people who use it can't say enough about it. Here is a quote from someone on a 4wd site where I asked the question a while ago about the oil.

It is an American oil, so should be available most places. It is expensive though...but reduces the need for oil changes by up to 4 times.

"The lighweight shockproof is without a doubt THE best gear oil I have ever used. It turned a gearbox with synchro's worn so badly it was hardy driveable, into a box that felt like a race car. It is more than worth the $160 per 4L bottle!!"

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