Oil Question

fireman68 · 05-13-2009, 08:28 AM

I some stupid questions. I know there are may opinions on what kind of oil to use, but does the oil HAVE to be for motorcycles? Can automotive oil be used? If so, what is the best auto oil to use?

cactusjack · 05-13-2009, 08:50 AM

No, you cannot use just any oil! Your Nomad has a wet clutch, and you do not want to use ANY oil that contains friction modifiers. Many "automotive" oils will work just fine, but you want to stay away from oils labeled "energy conserving".

blowndodge · 05-13-2009, 10:11 AM

People have been known to lose their clutch early even running Kawasaki's brand of oil I've heard! ::) ::)

cactusjack · 05-13-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

People have been known to lose their clutch early even running Kawasaki's brand of oil I've heard! ::) ::)

...smarta$$!

blowndodge · 05-13-2009, 10:44 AM

MOI???

05-13-2009, 02:47 PM

to answer your question fireman cactusjack is right. The other guy, well, the verdict is still out.

Yes, anytime you use automotive oil it is referred to as ‘Non motorcycle specific oils’. If you’re going to use these oils just keep a few things in mind.
(1)Be sure you buy an API certified oil.
(2)Check the bottom half of the API seal, if it has the words ‘Energy Conserving’ then its probably better to pass on that one.
(3)If you do use an automotive oil you might want to reduce the mileage between oil change intervals.

phenrichs · 05-13-2009, 04:00 PM

This is not scientific but it has been noted by many that synthetic oil produces better results as far as engine performance and noise reduction than standard dino oils.

dogdoc · 05-13-2009, 04:12 PM

+1 OP, thats my official verdict too.

05-13-2009, 04:43 PM

Oil is oil. Dirty oil is what kills v-twins.

fireman68 · 05-14-2009, 05:10 AM

Thanks for the info. How about Mobil-1 15w-50? It says for performance vehicles and no mention of energy conservation. I usually change the oil at 3000 or less.

ndbigfish · 05-14-2009, 07:00 AM

Make sure the oil's service rating matches the owner's manual information. Personally, I have been down the path of trying various oil manufacturers and weights. Personally I would use a good quality filter and either Royal Purple or Mobil 1 V-Twin MC oil. The synthetic oil cost is greater, but it will not lose its viscosity like conventional asphalt or paraffin based oil.

fireman68 · 05-14-2009, 10:17 AM

On the Royal Purple, do you use the motorcycle specific oil or can you use the regular Royal Purple for automobile (10w-40 or 20w-50)?

05-13-2009, 08:28 AM	#1
fireman68 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 103	Oil Question I some stupid questions. I know there are may opinions on what kind of oil to use, but does the oil HAVE to be for motorcycles? Can automotive oil be used? If so, what is the best auto oil to use? __________________ 2003 1500 Nomad FI Cuckster's single plate Vance & Hines duals Dobeck TFI Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

05-13-2009, 08:50 AM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Oil Question No, you cannot use just any oil! Your Nomad has a wet clutch, and you do not want to use ANY oil that contains friction modifiers. Many "automotive" oils will work just fine, but you want to stay away from oils labeled "energy conserving". __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

05-13-2009, 10:11 AM	#3
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Oil Question People have been known to lose their clutch early even running Kawasaki's brand of oil I've heard! ::) ::) __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
	0

05-13-2009, 10:44 AM	#5
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Oil Question MOI??? __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

05-13-2009, 02:47 PM	#6
Guest Posts: n/a	Oil Question to answer your question fireman cactusjack is right. The other guy, well, the verdict is still out. Yes, anytime you use automotive oil it is referred to as ‘Non motorcycle specific oils’. If you’re going to use these oils just keep a few things in mind. (1)Be sure you buy an API certified oil. (2)Check the bottom half of the API seal, if it has the words ‘Energy Conserving’ then its probably better to pass on that one. (3)If you do use an automotive oil you might want to reduce the mileage between oil change intervals.
	0

05-13-2009, 04:00 PM	#7
phenrichs Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 2,498	Oil Question This is not scientific but it has been noted by many that synthetic oil produces better results as far as engine performance and noise reduction than standard dino oils.
	0

05-13-2009, 04:12 PM	#8
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Oil Question +1 OP, thats my official verdict too.
	0

05-13-2009, 04:43 PM	#9
Guest Posts: n/a	Oil Question Oil is oil. Dirty oil is what kills v-twins.
	0

05-14-2009, 05:10 AM	#10
fireman68 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 103	Oil Question Thanks for the info. How about Mobil-1 15w-50? It says for performance vehicles and no mention of energy conservation. I usually change the oil at 3000 or less. __________________ 2003 1500 Nomad FI Cuckster's single plate Vance & Hines duals Dobeck TFI
	0

05-14-2009, 07:00 AM	#11
ndbigfish Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Braunfels, Texas Posts: 1,162	Oil Question Make sure the oil's service rating matches the owner's manual information. Personally, I have been down the path of trying various oil manufacturers and weights. Personally I would use a good quality filter and either Royal Purple or Mobil 1 V-Twin MC oil. The synthetic oil cost is greater, but it will not lose its viscosity like conventional asphalt or paraffin based oil. __________________ Brik VBA #1047 07 Electra Glide Ultra (43,300 & counting) 03 Nomad - 37,972 (traded 5/6/13) 99 Nomad - Only a memory since 4/27/13
	0

05-14-2009, 10:17 AM	#12
fireman68 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 103	Oil Question On the Royal Purple, do you use the motorcycle specific oil or can you use the regular Royal Purple for automobile (10w-40 or 20w-50)? __________________ 2003 1500 Nomad FI Cuckster's single plate Vance & Hines duals Dobeck TFI
	0

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