I hate to do it...but lets talk more about oil

[dui546]

I hate to do this but…. Let’s discuss “OIL” (again). ???

Like many, I am a little confused about what type of oil I should use in my 2007 Nomad. My first 'break-in' oil change was completed by the dealership and I didn't give it any thought. I am going to be doing my own oil change before my trip to the Eastern rally.

Therefore, I’ve been doing some research on the top oil manufacturer’s (Mobile 1, Valvoline, Castrol) web sites and I have learned a few things that can make a lot of difference in performance and engine/transmission wear and tear on motorcycles.

First truth I learned in my research about oil was that “automotive oil is not recommended for use in motorcycles” by oil manufacturers.

I’ve also found sites that contain an argument that the increase in motorcycle wear using automotive oil is not as significant as what the oil manufactures suggest. They argue that it is simply a ploy used to charge more for the motorcycle oil over cheaper automotive oil.

My thought…”I use Supreme Gasoline because I want the best in my Nomad. I will gladly pay a few more dollars for oil that is specially designed for my motorcycle.”

Motorcycle oils contain proprietary blends of premium base oils and advanced additive technology that are designed to protect motorcycle engine, proper protection of the wet clutch, and provides for smooth shifting of gears. Automotive oils are similar in base but are missing the motorcycle additives and characteristics.

Valvoline Motorcycle Oil Link
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=76
Castrol Motorcycle Oil Link
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7040925
Mobile 1 Motorcycle Oil Link
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...ycle_Oils.aspx

From the Valvoline website I learned the following simple basic truths about oil:

Most people are familiar with oil's viscosity rating—10W40, for example. However, very few may know that the "W" refers to "winter," not "weight." And most of us have no idea what the weight-rating numbers actually mean other than that the vehicle's manufacturer specifies a particular viscosity.

Multigrade oils typically begin as base oils, such as 10W. Then viscosity-index modifiers (polymers) are added in an effort to stabilize the viscosity. This allows a 10W40 oil to flow like a 10W at cold temperatures and a 40W at higher temperatures. In other words, multigrade oils are formulated to pass viscosity tests across a range of weights. For example, 10W30 meets the requirements for 10-weight at cold temperatures and 30-weight at high temps.

For example, Valvoline states that they dropped SAE 30 and SAE 40 because SAE 10W40 does everything 30 or 40 can do—and some things the straight grades can't do—like increasing horsepower. If an off-roader doesn't like 10W40, then use 20W50. It can do everything a 10W40 can do except pass the sub-zero viscosity test at -20 degrees C (which is -4 degrees F).

I doubt I’ll be riding my Nomad at temps below freezing (32 degrees) much less below zero!

Here is the link if you want to learn more about oil:
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/art...1ov&section=hm

The Nomad Owner’s Manual shows 20W-50 as one of the oils on the temp chart. Simply put, I am a fair weather cruiser and the climate in our area supports the viscosity and temps that can be reached on our roadways in the summer. I have been stuck in traffic on my Nomad and I can really feel the heat rising from the engine.

I’ve read a lot on oil over the last few days and I think I am going to be using the Mobile 1 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil in the link below.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...in_20W-50.aspx

Of course, before I do my pre-rally oil change, I am open to any suggestions by members of this forum who may be far more knowledgeable on the subject. So, here are some questions...

(1) What are your thoughts on type of oil for the Nomad?
(2) What kind of oil are you using?
(3) Do you think there is a difference between automotive and motorcycle oil?
(4) Are you going to change if you are using automotive oil?