Frequently Asked Questions

[unibiker]

i know what the manual says to use. i don't really understand the weight of the oil and how it adds or takes away from the bikes performance

[Jasen]

From what I understand of oil viscocity the ratings equate to this:

5W is the viscocity at which the oil is when cool. So in theory, the lower this number is the more viscous the oil is when starting the bike. The more viscous it is the quicker it can get through the pump and to hard parts. Colder climates will need a lower number here.
The 40 is how well the oil remains stable at high temperature and does not breakdown. So basically, the higher the better. For areas that get extremely hot you would want to use say, 60. I used to use 0W60 full synthetic in my GSXR. I would think 5W40 would work fine as long as it is a quality semi or full synthetic that is rated with proper SAE rating. (SJ, etc. this determines the amount of detergents used in the oil.)

[unibiker]

Thanks alot for the info. i was prepared for a shit ton of smart ass responds.So thanks for keeping it real.
I live in Charlotte,NC. The summer here at times can get in the triple digets, but mostly mid 90's. i just didn't wanna **** up my ride
Cheers!

[Avi8or]

From what I understand of oil viscocity the ratings equate to this:

5W is the viscocity at which the oil is when cool. So in theory, the lower this number is the more viscous the oil is when starting the bike. The more viscous it is the quicker it can get through the pump and to hard parts. Colder climates will need a lower number here.
The 40 is how well the oil remains stable at high temperature and does not breakdown. So basically, the higher the better. For areas that get extremely hot you would want to use say, 60. I used to use 0W60 full synthetic in my GSXR. I would think 5W40 would work fine as long as it is a quality semi or full synthetic that is rated with proper SAE rating. (SJ, etc. this determines the amount of detergents used in the oil.)

Ya got all yer viscosity mixed up. The higher the number the more viscous (thicker) the oil. 5 is very thin oil..........90 is gooey......
For warm temps I'd stick with something lile 15w50 or 15W40.

[Jasen]

Hey, it's not my fault you listen to what I say and not what I mean. I think that is what I meant. Wait a minute. I don't know, I just got done reading Cheap vs SFW in URGENT so I'm all crooked right now. Get off my back. Or thanks for making me right.

[Avi8or]

It's 3.15am an me 'ead is 'urtin.

[unibiker]

well, i put the 5w in and she runs great. spun her around the city for a bit. it takes a little longer before she cools down enough to put the cover on her. i just figured it was due to the stop light to stop light factor and not open road riding

[Devious2xs]

Oils with a wide viscosity rating (0w- or 5w) don't perform any different in the heat of summer, but generally don't last as long - the long branch chain molecules tend to take a beating. Some oils are better about this than others.

It is only in temps under freezing that there is much of a difference between a 15w- and a 5w-.

Uni - Watch the shifting smoothness of the trans, and use that as a guideline. See if it tends to last the same, a little longer, or a little less. Then report back.

[BillT]

Oils with a wide viscosity rating (0w- or 5w) don't perform any different in the heat of summer, but generally don't last as long - the long branch chain molecules tend to take a beating. Some oils are better about this than others.

It is only in temps under freezing that there is much of a difference between a 15w- and a 5w-.

Uni - Watch the shifting smoothness of the trans, and use that as a guideline. See if it tends to last the same, a little longer, or a little less. Then report back.

Here in the deep deep south, I use 15W-50 synthetic. Summer temps run from 75 at night to 95 in the day (F, not C)

Use what feels right - stay away from 'energy conserving' oils (it'll say this on the little API service emblem).

[unibiker]

well,i have been changing my oil every 3k miles. i have however noticed it shifts WAY more SMOOOOOVvvveee than with the 15w-50. Been Zipp'n all around town. i felt like a old man with the last oil change. i was run'n a 20w in it. at times durring the heat of the summer, mostly around town, my bike felt slugish when i rolled back on the throttle.