Regular Oil or Synthetic ?

Question

I just bought a VStar Custom. The dealer says keep regular Motor oil, every rider/biker says change to synthetic? Any advice?

Answer 1

While the dealer is providing the warranty, I would go with his recommendation. Synthetics do last longer and do a better job of lubricating, however the key to engine health is frequent changes of lubricants. Even synthetics can become contaminated with particles of metal from the moving parts, so periodic replacement of the oil and filter is essential.
Once you are off warranty, though, synthetics provide a more consistent level of lubrication and are less subject to heat breakdown.
Cheers, and congratulations on a nice machine!

Answer 2

As previously stated, until the bike is out of warrantee, use what the dealer requires. After that, if you're planning on doing your own oil and filter changes, I'd suggest a synthetic. Yes, it's going to cost you a whopping $2 extra per quart ($6 total), but you have better protection, and since your changes are less frequent, you wind up saving money in the long run. On the average, if you're the average evening and weekend rider, you'll change your oil 2x's a year. Is $12 too much to pay for added protection for your investment?

Answer 3

For the break in period, stick with dinosaur oil. Synthetic is actually a little too slippery, and doesn't allow the parts to seat correctly in a new motor. Run the regular oil, and change the oil very frequently to get rid of any metal shavings or pieces that grind away during the first 1k miles or so of operation. After that, if you want to switch to synthetic, I don't think you'll have a problem. That being said, I've run dino oil all my life and I've never had an engine problem that I can attribute to the oil. With the savings of regular versus synth, I think you're better off with dino and pocketing the savings.

Answer 4

I think you will get as many different opinions as there is motorcycle riders.

My opinion is that it's minor details that set them apart. I've never heard of a bike that broke down because synthetic or regular oil was used.

I use synthetic for my Honda 919 and change oil minimum once a year. But I'm not that religious about it, as long as the oil has the right viscosity, I don't mind if it's synthetic or not. Just use synthetic out of habit I think.

Answer 5

Refer to the owner's manual for details of the engine oil that is recommended. Synthetic oils as the name implies is made from synthetic base oils and are generally last longer than semi-synthetic or natural oil based lubricants, but they also cost longer. If you really care about the bike/car, use the oil grade as specified by the manufacturer. And do not forget to replace the oil at the recommended intervals.

Answer 6

I always run the break-in period (about 5-6K miles) with whatever the manufacturer suggests, then switched to synthetic and double the regular oil-change intervals after that. If your bike runs a wet clutch, be sure to use synthetic oils that are made specifically for motorcycles. Here's more information on motorcycle oils from Mobil oil company...

Answer 7

Nice bike.
I don't think there is much difference between synthetic or real motor oil. The synthetic has more uniform molecules so it should coat better. However, since the bike is under warranty I would go with what the dealer recommends. Real motor oil is cheaper too.

Answer 8

Do what your owners manual says so as not to void any remaining warranty. I've heard some synthetics do not have the correct lubricants for the clutch plates and can lead to premature clutch problems. You can find answers like these in some of the bike mags. This particular one WAS answered in "Rider" an issue or two ago.

Answer 9

After break-in go to synthetic or synthetic blend. The oil clings to the mechanical parts between start-ups and the wet clutch doesn't wear it out as fast as regular dino oil

Answer 10

I swear by synthetic oil. I have seen to many engines torn down after using synthetic oil and the bearings look like new. Not to mention you can longer between oil changes and it resistes thermal break down better than convintional oil.