whats the right moter oil to run?

[85200xguy]

whats the right oil to run in 200x or any of these old 3 wheelers? i heard that honda oil is better because other brands like chevron are for cars and they don't run very good in these older motorcycle moters but idk if thats true or not? it seem like my 200x hasn't been the same since ive been running chevron 10w-40 in it so i think im gonna try honda oil! ive also heard arctic cat oil works good also!

[83ATC]

IDK man I have used the cheap car oil and they run just fine but never tried honda or cats so cant compare. I say if its lubed your fine its when they dont have any oil they run like crap :)

[dennishoddy]

I've converted over to the Mobile 1 synthetic since I ride in the winter alot. It stays thin and helps with the initial lubrication when starting it.

[aviomech]

You should run a motorcycle or ATV oil. They are designed for wet clutch operations where regular car oils are not. I like AMSoil, 0w-40 synthetic ATV. The 0w-40 starts easy in the cold and keeps the engine from sludging up. IMHO, I feel that paying $8-10 for a quart of synthetic that you change only a couple times a year, is cheap insurance.

[bgood71]

What problems can come from using the wrong oil? I recently got an 84 200X and changed the oil with castrol sythetic 5w30. I live in central VA so according the manual the weight is ok for the temps here.

[85200xguy]

What problems can come from using the wrong oil? I recently got an 84 200X and changed the oil with castrol sythetic 5w30. I live in central VA so according the manual the weight is ok for the temps here.


when i used honda oil i hardly ever had to change it! but now that i run the cheap chevron it seems to be using alot of oil!

[camoweasel]

What problems can come from using the wrong oil? I recently got an 84 200X and changed the oil with castrol sythetic 5w30. I live in central VA so according the manual the weight is ok for the temps here.


Chances are, you would probably never notice any kind of difference at all. Motorcycle-specific boutique oils are nothing but marketing sceams trying to make the consumer spend more money. If I were you, look into any type of 15W-40 diesel oil. These oils, have shear proof base stocks, and lots of zinc. Believe it or not, they are also wet clutch approved according to the Allison C-4 spec. It is proven that the new Rotalla oils, actually passed the JASO testing but there's no way Shell would ever want to market it as a motorcycle oil because it already is marketed to the diesel crowd.

[aviomech]

when i used honda oil i hardly ever had to change it! but now that i run the cheap chevron it seems to be using alot of oil!


You just answered your question!! Motor oils are different and designed for different operations. I used to think oil is oil.....but after tearing down a few motors, you start seeing the difference. Sludging, coking, excessive wear, are a few things you'll see using cheap or incorrect oil type. Since going to synthetics, I have gotten more life out of motors, and more time between oil changes.

Motor oils have come a long ways. For instance, 2-strokes used run 20:1 sae30. Now there are 50:1 even 100:1 2-stroke oils out there!! AMSoil has car oils that are good for 1 year/25,000 mile oil changes!! Oils today, when used in the proper application, are great!!

To spend an extra 5-6 bucks a quart for the technology...use just over a quart an oil change...done 2-3 a year....as I said before....15-18 bucks a year is cheap insurance.

[85200xguy]

i think im gonna try arctic cat oil because its cheaper then the honda and still a synthetic oil! and recommended for atv's

[BEAVER]

Synthetic oil is fine, as long as it's the NON Energy Conserving variety. These oils have a moly addative that will make your clutch slip.

[aviomech]

i think im gonna try arctic cat oil because its cheaper then the honda and still a synthetic oil! and recommended for atv's

That is the way to go!!! I have no experience with artic cat oil, but if its recommended for atvs, as long as you get the right viscosity, it should work great for you. And its a synthetic to boot!! :thumbsup:

[aviomech]

Synthetic oil is fine, as long as it's the NON Energy Conserving variety. These oils have a moly addative that will make your clutch slip.


If its an ATV or motorcyle oil, it shouldn't have any additives that would make a clutch slip. It should say something like this on the bottle:

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Synthetic Motor Oil (AFF) is specially formulated for four-stroke recreational motors, ATVs and snowmobiles. Reduces wear. Wet clutch compatible. Contains no friction modifiers. Broad viscosity range makes it excellent for use in both hot and cold weather conditions.

[BEAVER]

If its an ATV or motorcyle oil, it shouldn't have any additives that would make a clutch slip. It should say something like this on the bottle:

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Synthetic Motor Oil (AFF) is specially formulated for four-stroke recreational motors, ATVs and snowmobiles. Reduces wear. Wet clutch compatible. Contains no friction modifiers. Broad viscosity range makes it excellent for use in both hot and cold weather conditions.

True. I was just saying that it doesn't have to be an ATV oil. Synthetic auto oil is fine, provided it doesn't have the addatives we've already discussed.

[aviomech]

True. I was just saying that it doesn't have to be an ATV oil. Synthetic auto oil is fine, provided it doesn't have the addatives we've already discussed.

My bad:slap: ....thought you were talking about ATV oil. I see what your saying.:thumbsup: