What Oil to use???

[yzinger04]

I have just bought a 06 WR450 and have completed the break-in phase and have changed my oil using Castrol Syntec (full synthetic). The "donut" on the back of the bottle has an API rating of SM/CF, but my service manual calls for SG. I did research on the API rating and found that SG is for vehicles '93 or older. I am wondering why Yamaha would call for a specific API value. What do you think I should use? Thanks

[Solo]

I can't remember the details but some automotive oils have friction modifiers in them that can affect your clutch in a bad way. (bad way = causes it to slip) That is indicated by the API seal on the bottle. I don't remember what is what because I don't use or shop for automotive oils for use in my bikes.

*I* use Amsoil which is a full synthetic that is intended for use in motorcycles and wont adversely affect your "wet" clutch.

Someone should chime in soon with the details I'm lacking.

[truly_5150]

I switched to bel-ray's semi synthetic 4-stroke thumper oil.

i have noticed the difference in the life of my oil between

changes.

[JSanfilippo]

Anything labeled "energy conserving" or EC in the API sunburst label on the back of the oil bottle is bad for a wet clutch. If you want good protection on the cheap, HDEOs (Rotella, Delo, Delvac etc) are the way to go. I think I may have opened a can of worms...

[Chickenhauler]

Anything labeled "energy conserving" or EC in the API sunburst label on the back of the oil bottle is bad for a wet clutch. If you want good protection on the cheap, HDEOs (Rotella, Delo, Delvac etc) are the way to go. I think I may have opened a can of worms...

I second that motion-and let the worms fly.

[Matty05]

Can someone please make a sticky with a list of automotive oils that are good to use? Please?

[Looks450]

Bring on the worms i say. Any fully scinthetic is ok. the quality of the oil comes from how long the oil maintains its viscosity. If it is runnier than water when you take it out, i'd look at another brand or increase the frequency of your changes.

[ArizonaThumper]

Why make this so complicated, there are so many brands out there specificaly made for motorcycles, just use one and change it often.

I have been using the cheap honda brand for years never had a problem.

You are waisting money on full syn. or the red line, blue line, amsole, or the other expensive brands.