xr400r oil change

Started by SupraTuRD, Oct 03 2007 01:31 PM
25 replies to this topic

  • SupraTuRD

Posted 03 October 2007 - 01:31 PM

#1


Hi Guys/Gals,

I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on my '97 xr400r. Any recommendations? How about the viscosity? I've always been a fan of Mobil 1 for car stuff... not sure if it's ok to use that for the bike since the clutch will be bathing in the oil.

Thanks in advance!

SupraTuRD :ride:

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  • markseaba

Posted 03 October 2007 - 01:36 PM

#2

IMO, you need to use mortorcycle oil. there is an ingredient in it that is not in auto oil, but I can't remember the name.

if you do a search you will find tons of recomendations for oil.
I use Motul Semi Synthetic.

  • PALMER84ONE

Posted 03 October 2007 - 02:28 PM

#3

Wow, First oil change in ten years. So, the next oil change will be in 2017. JK. I use Penzoil in the 5 quart, Cant remember the visco or grade. do a surch like markseaba said. Good luck and happy riding.

  • SupraTuRD

Posted 03 October 2007 - 05:45 PM

#4

After doing some research, I've learned that there is a difference between automotive and motorcycle engine oils. Thanks markseaba... you made me do some research!

I've decided to go with Redline 20w-50 synthetic motorcycle oil along with a OE honda filter. Does anyone have a list of all of the necessary o-rings and seals required for one oil change?

Thanks!

SupraTuRD :ride:

  • XR Bill

Posted 04 October 2007 - 08:35 AM

#5

The ingredient is a lubricant called molybendium. Not good at all for clutch & tranny apparently. Search "oil recommendations" in this forum & you'll be busy all day. Short version; full synth & no moly, 20-50.

http://www.thumperta...hlight=oil+moly

Oil change technique:

http://www.thumperta...ad.php?t=104859

  • TenBitKLR

Posted 07 October 2007 - 10:33 AM

#6

If a synthetic was in there before, then use a synthetic. If not, use a non-synthetic motorcycle oil.

I use the Honda GN4 10W-40 or 20W-50 for my XR400.

  • justcountry

Posted 07 October 2007 - 03:58 PM

#7

You should be able to reuse the 2 orings on the filter side, unless you damage them. theres a litlle one in there, it usually stays in place. dont forget to pull the drain on the front bottom of the frame. If this is your first change on this bike, pull the oil line of the front botoom fram and there is a big screen up in there. When I first got my 400, (used) I found lots off metal!! from the previous owner. As far as oil goes, castrol 20-50 and change it every couple of rides. the filter I change every other change. :ride:

  • justcountry

Posted 07 October 2007 - 04:01 PM

#8

oh ya ten bitklr is right, if synthetic was in there most of its life, then you need to stick with synthetic, otherwise you will develop leaky seals. otherwise overall if you change your oil often, you can just about use anything. its only 2 qurts

  • tahoemoto

Posted 07 October 2007 - 04:44 PM

#9

Run Shell Rotella T Synthetic. It is one of the few actual synthetic oils out there. (For all you oil pros, do the research before you bash me):cheers:

  • SupraTuRD

Posted 07 October 2007 - 09:37 PM

#10

I just did the oil change using Redline 20w-50 motorcycle oil. I also removed the strainer at the bottom of the frame to check for any debris... screen was pretty clean. I figured it would be... just had to see it for my own peace of mind.

Time to go ride! :ride:

  • Clem Kevin

Posted 07 October 2007 - 11:15 PM

#11

does anyone have a recommended chain for picking up good motorcycle oil? napa, kragen, or do you just go to your local motorcycle parts store?

  • jcr41

Posted 08 October 2007 - 05:06 PM

#12

Clem Kevin said:

does anyone have a recommended chain for picking up good motorcycle oil? napa, kragen, or do you just go to your local motorcycle parts store?

I use NAPA, they sell amsoil for four strokes, although its quite pricey at 8$ a quart, I'm a firm believer in synthetic oils, theres a reason my corvette comes with mobile one oil in it from the factory,and a big sticker thats says use mobile one oil only, synthetic oils don't break down as fast, runs a little cooler also

  • ghostbuster2

Posted 09 October 2007 - 08:45 AM

#13

I use Mobil 1 V-Twin 20/50 motorcycle oil. use it year round in CA. You can find it online a $7.50 a qt delivered or $9.99 at Cyclegear. I use a Wix oil filter (i think the number is a 24944) it comes with a new o-ring and is cheaper than Honda OE.

  • TenBitKLR

Posted 09 October 2007 - 08:00 PM

#14

ghostbuster2 said:

I use a Wix oil filter (i think the number is a 24944)

Is a Wix considered to be a better oil filter than the HiFlo? I use a Wix filter for my dodge truck, just haven't looked at one for the bike.

  • sbabs

Posted 10 October 2007 - 04:37 AM

#15

SupraTuRD said:

Hi Guys/Gals,

I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on my '97 xr400r. Any recommendations? How about the viscosity? I've always been a fan of Mobil 1 for car stuff... not sure if it's ok to use that for the bike since the clutch will be bathing in the oil.

Thanks in advance!

SupraTuRD :ride:

Amsoil. It's great stuff. Run it in everything I own. CRF250X, XR400, 2 cars, a van, and my John Deere mower. :)

  • mjrfd99

Posted 10 October 2007 - 10:29 AM

#16

+1 on Shell Rotella synth - been useing it for years in all my asian bikes- Was cheap at Walmart but they raised the price but its still cheaper than the big name OEM synths.

  • ghostbuster2

Posted 10 October 2007 - 10:32 AM

#17

TenBitKLR said:

Is a Wix considered to be a better oil filter than the HiFlo? I use a Wix filter for my dodge truck, just haven't looked at one for the bike.

Been using them for about 15years in all of my XR's, no problems.

I would be wary of using synthetic Rotella in a Motorcycle, don't believe it meets the specs of a motorcycle oil (JASO specs), great for diesel though.

  • Kev_XR

Posted 10 October 2007 - 05:21 PM

#18

A short piece of 1" (3/4" ???) PVC pipe makes the oil change much cleaner. Once I loosen the bolt, I put the pipe on the case and shove the socket back inside. Remove the bolt and the oil drains past the frame into the box. Put the bolt back into the pipe and get it started. The pipe fits so well, you'd think Honda planned it this way.

Posted Image

I was told to use tin foil for the filter side. Foil works quiet well.

Posted Image

  • The_Dude

Posted 11 October 2007 - 10:58 AM

#19

justcountry said:

oh ya ten bitklr is right, if synthetic was in there most of its life, then you need to stick with synthetic, otherwise you will develop leaky seals.
Actually, it's the other way around. There is no problem switching from synthetic to dino oil. Switching from dino to synthetic can cause leaks because the synthetic molecules are smaller, and synthetic tends to wash away the sludge thats plugging up any leaky seals. If you change your oil often, I don't think it's a problem going either way though.

  • ttr125l95

Posted 11 October 2007 - 11:04 AM

#20

I run valvoline motorcycle oil in my bikes. Its some good stuff :)



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