Just looking for a decent oil

[GraphiteAE]

So I just bought a new FJR I plan on keeping for a very long time, but certainly not until the engine is worn out. I guess I just want piece of mind that the oil I'm using is doing it's job. I have no problem changing my oil every 3-4000ish miles but I may take trips that are as long as 5000. I'm looking for an easy to find, cheap oil that I can feel comfortable with for those long trips. I also don't ride very hard at all with minimal cold starts but my bike does tend to get rather hot for 12-14 hours at a time.

Thanks guys! Great site!

 

[Astro14]

whatever is on sale...

Seriously...at 5K oil changes? No reason to spend a lot...

 

[ABerns]

A lot of FJR owners (amongst other bike owners) have had decent luck with Rotella T6 (the synthetic 5w40). Depending on when you ride, you could also try the Rotella 15w40. The point at which you start to notice a difference with the 15w40 is around 40 degrees (so I've been told), so if you ride when its cold, perhaps the synthetic. It will be prone to shear more, though.

 

[ABerns]

Oh, and

Any pics of the new FJR? Some day I'll get one, I hope!

 

[Robenstein]

Well there is the Rotella option, but I have been super happy with the Valvoline 4t synthetic oil I bought on a whim from Wal Mart for around 7 bucks per quart. Held up much better than oils costing 4 bucks per quart more as far as my left foot can tell from shift quality.

 

[Ken2]

New FJR = $16,000
Cheap oil = $2 or $3

I don't understand. But, I don't need to understand.

In any case, you don't need to stick to one brand of oil. There is always a qualified oil that is easy to find. Every Walmart has Mobil 1 4T motorcycle oil, as well as Rotella T6. Every auto parts store and motorcycle shop will have a fully qualified oil for your engine. I think the owner's manual calls for oil changes every 4,000 miles and filter change at 8k. This is with ordinary Yamalube 20W-50. A syn likely would easily stretch this to 5k, but I wouldn't stretch it while in the warranty period.

 

[beanoil]

Congrats on the FeeJer, a nice bike. No reason for anything exotic here, Rotella 15w40 will suffice for your bike, as well as Delvac from Mobil, or even the Supertech 15w40 from WalMart. I'll say that I did not like the clutch feel from the moment I changed to Valvoline Premium Blue in my ST1300. It wasn't bad, just more grabby or abrupt and it made Honda's normally very smooth gearbox notchy. Other folks don't have that issue, it may have been just that particular bottle, and you might find it fine. I'm currently running Havoline 20w50 in my ST,( I picked up a few changes with the Advance 14.99 sale last month) and find it smooth, and normal clutch feel. Try a couple of oils, see what you like, and change it at a reasonable interval. Stay safe...

 

[DemoFly]

I run Rotella T6 and QS Defy in my 650R.

The parallel twin isn't very high-revving, though. I run the T6 for 3000 miles and Defy for 2000.