Originally Posted By: BusyLittleShop
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
So an automotive oil is what the mfgr actually recommends for your bike, interesting.,,
Honda only recommends API ratings which sets minimum for performance
standards for lubricants... there is nothing in those early API SE SG
SH ratings that are motorcycle specific... SE SG SH are now obsolete
and although suitable for some older vehicles are more than 10 years
old they do not provide the same level of performance or protection as
the more up to date SL and SM specifications. so Mr.RC45's Mobil 1
0w30 is SM rated which according to the manual is an API oil that
"meets and exceeds" those old obsolete API standards... is your oil up
to date???
The following table shows the API specifications behind the letters...
SG - Introduced 1989 has much more active dispersant to combat black
sludge.
SH - Introduced 1993 has same engine tests as SG, but includes
phosphorus limit 0.12%, together with control of foam, volatility and
shear stability.
SJ - Introduced 1996 has the same engine tests as SG/SH, but
phosphorus limit 0.10% together with variation on volatility limits
SL - Introduced 2001, all new engine tests reflective of modern engine
designs meeting current emissions standards
SM - Introduced November 2004, improved oxidation resistance, deposit
protection and wear protection, also better low temperature
performance over the life of the oil compared to previous categories.
So if you were to use a "motorcycle specific" oil in a new bike, and a motor problem happened ,they can deny the claim.,,