Tailgate
Senior Member
Well, I know a lot of members rave about Shell Rotella synthetic. But the fact remains, if you remove the "S" from the word "Shell" you've got problems. Do you want your bike to go to hell? Play smart!
Did find this article where they actually tested some oils in motorcycles and did analysis on the oil after a certain number of miles to determine what percentage of its lubricative (word?) properties it maintained. Somewhat surprising results about dedicated motorcycle oils...I don't really agree. If there were actual information or data to trade that would be one thing, but oil threads are mostly just a matter of opinion. Whether to use synthetic, dinosaur, or blend comes down to preference, right? Two useful things I've heard regarding oil:
1. Stay away from oils with friction modifiers
2. Fresh oil makes the bike appear to shift smoother.
Aside from that I have heard of people getting many happy miles out of their FZ no matter what oil they use. So do we really need a dedicated forum?
Oh, one final thought: if you don't use synthetic you're stupid.
Hey All:
I know that threads about oil can get people riled up here. However, I think oil discussions are important. They give us a way to make our own decisions about what oil to use and learn more about our bikes in general.
So, how about we create a dedicated sub-forum strictly for oil discussions, much like the tire tech sub-forum? That way members who do not want to have oil threads littering the other sub-forums, they can skip the discussions all together?
Just my 2¢ :thumbup:
Total agreement Bryan. I realize that many people are "sensitive" to oil threads, (though I've never understood why?), but it is the lifeblood of any internal comubustion engine. The thread could be so much more than, "I use Greasy-Black because it's the best oil made", or "I use Screen Wire brand filters because thery're the best - my garbage man said so".
There is a lot of useful knowledge from a lot of different people available out there, (besides just their personal choice of brands), just like any thread on this board.
With that said there are two things I have noticed in my brief period as an
FZ6/Ninja 250R owner, (but owning 8 bikes now):
1) I have noticed that NEW oil makes for better shifting, (irregardless of whether you use dino oil or synthetic). Why? Synthetic doesn't break down from heat.
2) Why do most manufacturers suggest putting in more oil than their factory installed measuring device inicates as "good"? For instance: On my FZ6 I have carefully measured, precisely, the amount of oil I reinstall after an oil change. It ALWAYS overfills the dipstick by a good 1/8" or better. (It came that way new too) My son's "new" (2007 : ), Ninja 250 specifies 2.0 U.S. Quarts. If you put 2 quarts in it overfills the sightglass by about 3/4". Why? Does this hurt anything? Which is right - the measuring devices or the factory owners manual? Just wondering.
Oh yeah, while I'm at it: Some guys ask does the filter need changing every oil change? Though I always do and I always will, I can say that the filter on this little 250 is very visible, (it's an element instead of a spin on), and after 2000 miles it was as clean as a brand new filter. Okay flamers, have at it! (Thanks all)
I don't really agree. If there were actual information or data to trade that would be one thing, but oil threads are mostly just a matter of opinion. Whether to use synthetic, dinosaur, or blend comes down to preference, right? Two useful things I've heard regarding oil:
1. Stay away from oils with friction modifiers
2. Fresh oil makes the bike appear to shift smoother.
Aside from that I have heard of people getting many happy miles out of their FZ no matter what oil they use. So do we really need a dedicated forum?
Oh, one final thought: if you don't use synthetic you're stupid.
Did find this article where they actually tested some oils in motorcycles and did analysis on the oil after a certain number of miles to determine what percentage of its lubricative (word?) properties it maintained. Somewhat surprising results about dedicated motorcycle oils...
Testing Motorcycle Oil
Do you check the oil on side stand or center stand? Half way or top of the line on the dipstick?
I'm with Travis on this. Common sense on a common topic.
Just to add on more thing useful.
One of the funniest threads, is Lonesoilders oil changing thread.
Nelly