Synthetic or Conventional Oil?

[86FJNJ]

I've always ran full synthetic in my other bikes, since getting an FJ (which is not running...working on that), I came across a few people saying to use conventional to avoid problems with starter or clutch. What are you running?

Also, what viscocity are you running? 10w-40?

[FJmonkey]

Warning!!! Oil thread....

Many will tell you to pick one (Dino/Syn) and adjust viscosity to taste. I found the starter clutch has a harder time in the cold with thicker oil. Not the oil's fault, the starter clutch is known to wear out. Keep it clean and topped off.

[86FJNJ]

Thanks, I did look around and didn't see any other posts so figured I'd give it a shot. I'll start with 10w-40 syn and adjust if needed.

[Pat Conlon]

Make sure it's motorcycle oil that's safe for wet clutches.

Automotive oil will cause your clutch to slip...guaranteed.

[86FJNJ]

thank you and yes def motorcycle oil

[chiz]

Here is an interesting piece on oil.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XtLDdaFDNA&t=310s&pp=ygUPQ1lDTEUgV09STEQgT0lM

[86FJNJ]

That was interesting thanks

[aviationfred]

My opinion and advice on oil for motorcycles is this.

The engine does not care what Brand or type (conventional/synthetic) is used. The engine cares that there is an adequate amount, the correct viscosity for your temprate zone, and that the oil has the JASO MA or JASO MA2 rating. Beyond that, everything is Smoke and Mirrors on which is best.

Fred

Fred

[Nikos]

Mineral Bel Rey is perfect.

[moparman70]

I changed to synthetic oil in the FJ mainly due to it handles the heat better when traveling longer distances.  Yamalube syn was a good value.  10w40

[Pat Conlon]

I changed to synthetic oil in the FJ mainly due to it handles the heat better when traveling longer distances.  Yamalube syn was a good value.  10w40

Yes, I have also found that to be true.
 An ester stock synthetic does not burn off on long rides, especially when crossing the toasty Arizona desert in summer.

[Millietant]

I tend to run Morris Oils Versimax HD3 mineral oil, 20w-50. It's sold as an oil for diesel engines, but has been recommended and used by the FJOC here for over 3 decades (it was previously called Ringfree).

My experience of synthetic oil in my first FJ was not good. I used motorcycle specific Silkolene 10w-40 fully synthetic oil and within 50 miles my clutch started to slip under acceleration.

Fixing the oil and going back to 20w-50 mineral oil didn't help. I had to put in new clutch plates.

Ever since then resisted the temptation to go for "better" synthetic oil.

My current FJ has never had anything but mineral oil (Morris, or Yamalube 20w-50) in it and at 107,000 miles has never had any issues with clutch slip, or anything sense related to oil.

I'll just stick with what I know works.