Engine oil

[lisk]

Ok guys, I realize I'm going to open up a real can of worms here but I was wondering if I could get a bit of feedback on what viscosity of oils you guys use in your XS1100's. My mechanic friend recommends me to use the 20w 50 and I have with good feedback from the bike but I was wondering if using 10w40 would really make a difference over 20w50 and vice versa? Aside from the obvious cooler weather starting and the heavier oil making it more difficult is there an advantage of the 20w50 over 10w40 in day to day warm weather operation of the bike?

Thanks for your feedback.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Lisk,

Amazing what you can find IN THE TECH TIPS , such as Oil Viscosity info and such!
T.C.

[trbig]

These oil threads do become an endless thread.... In short... use whatever your bike likes. Just look at the back of the oil container at the little donut looking symbol. If it says "Energy Conserving" like this





at the bottom side of the donut.. DO NOT use it. The wet clutches in these bikes don't like them. Most 10/30's and 10/40's say this... most 20/50's don't.


Tod

[lisk]

Engine Oil

Thanks TC I read the info in the tech tips. I was just hoping to get an idea of what some of the other guys riding Xs1100's are using.

[Pat Kelly]

I personally run 10-40 in winter and 20-50 in summer.
Both bikes get an oil change at least twice a year (spring and fall) which works out with me changing the oil and filter(s) every 3,000 miles.
It works out to the LG getting an oil change in spring, mid summer, and fall. The E gets it fall, mid winter, and spring. If a trip pops-up another oil change fits in there somewhere.

[TADracer]

I have been using Castrol Motorcycle Oil, 20-40 for awhile now and my machine seems to like that one. Its dino oil, not synthetic. I would stay away from synthetics because of clutch issues.