Engine oil weight question

[86FJNJ]

Been running 20w-50 Valvoline VR-1 conventional all summer in the hot temps. Here in NJ the temps are starting to get colder, 50f when I leave for work in the morning and 70f mid day. I plan to ride into the fall when temps are colder, can I still run 20w-50 in cooler weather or should I switch to 10w-40 at some point?

[FJmonkey]

On my 89 I have had only one issue with oil weight. When the temps are cold my starter clutch has a hard time engaging.

[86FJNJ]

What weight do you run?

[FJmonkey]

I run a 10w-40, I would go 20w-50 year round.

[86FJNJ]

Thanks I just want to make sure I'm not doing any harm running too heavy of an oil when it's cold (under 50f). I see Motul 7100 comes in 10-50 or 10-40 or even 5-40 but it's pretty expensive at nearly $20 per liter.

[Pat Conlon]

Oh boy, an oil thread....its been a few years since we've had one....

When you ride your bike to work, how long of a ride is it?

Is there enough time for your oil to heat up to at least 180°?
Consider putting a cover over your oil cooler for cold temps.

Personally I would use a 10W-40 or even a 10w-30 ester stock synthetic oil for cold weather riding....

.....but then again, I'm from Arizona so I know diddly squat about cold weather riding. (Fuck that shit)

Aviation Fred from Kansas and Giant Killer (Dan) from Wisconsin have forgotten more about cold weather riding than I will ever know.

My cold weather theory: There is a reason the Automobile was invented....

[MarioR]

 I like this one "My cold weather theory: There is a reason the Automobile was invented...."

[86FJNJ]

Sorry for a newbie oil thread. Ride to work is 25 minutes.

[86FJNJ]

Anything wrong with me doing a 50/50 mix of Valvoline VR1 10w-30 and 20w-50 to get a 15w-40 for cold weather?

I know the VR1 oil is good for engines with Flat tappet cams and some of the other 10w-40 motorcycle oils I'm looking at don't seem to have the same stated protection for those style engines. Unfortunately VR1 doesn't make a 10w-40

[aviationfred]

Since Pat was so kind in giving me a reference. I will weigh in. As stated,I live in Kansas and ride year round. The original oil weight recommended by Yamaha was Yamalube 20w40. 40 year later, this weight is hard to find.
In every motorcycle that I own, except the Moto Morini (due to it being on warranty), I use Shell Rotella T6 15w40 year round. It is an inexpensive full synthetic that is JASO MA/MA2 certified. In the 10 years or so of using this oil, I have never experienced clutch slippage due to the oil, or any engine related issues due to oil. I hope this is helpful.

Fred

[Millietant]

Been running 20w-50 Valvoline VR-1 conventional all summer in the hot temps. Here in NJ the temps are starting to get colder, 50f when I leave for work in the morning and 70f mid day. I plan to ride into the fall when temps are colder, can I still run 20w-50 in cooler weather or should I switch to 10w-40 at some point?

I've used 20w50 mineral oil in all weathers and temperatures, with no issues in 107,000 miles on my main FJ.

I ride all year round but not usually deliberately for fun when it's below 0c or 32f and I never worry about my oil. Just change it and the filter regularly and all will be well.