Synthetic Oil?

[KRMN8R]

Simple question: I've done 7000kms (4349 miles) using mineral oil, is it time to switch over to synth?

[Arizona14]

What kind of oil you put in your bike is a religious matter. Everyone has something that they believe in and won't change their mind, ever, no matter what.
With that basic understanding in mind, IMO, I would wait until you have about 8,000 to 10,000 miles on the engine just to let all the bearings settle in and be happy.
Ride safe.

[OldBaldy]

Originally Posted by KRMN8R

Simple question: I've done 7000kms (4349 miles) using mineral oil, is it time to switch over to synth?

No, due to the cyclical resonance T-factor of the single's crank and gear phasing, I'd strongly suggest you change over on an even number of miles. You should run the bike 0.5 miles down the road and back, to switch the oil at exactly 4350 miles...and try not to do it other than in units of 50 miles, so if you don't do it at 4350, then wait until 4400.

Never, ever, switch over after 5000 miles.

Otherwise, you'd be taking your chances and no-one could predict the value or benefit to you of the changeover....

[swjohnsey]

Yes.

[Blackheart]

Originally Posted by KRMN8R

Simple question: I've done 7000kms (4349 miles) using mineral oil, is it time to switch over to synth?

Only if you also change your right turn signal fluid at the same time.

Look, there is NOTHING magic about "synthetic" oil. Most of the oil labeled thusly isn't really synthetic, it's simply severely hydrocracked. Seriously, people, get over the idea synthetics are some sort of mystery.

Use if from mile 1 if you want.....

[MrHeadfirst]

being new to the KLR650.NET, i dont understand what kinds of oils i can even use in this bike...the clutch is lubricated by the engine oil correct? in my older street bikes, you had to use a special oil that would also be compatible with the clutch, is that also the case with this bike? that being said, what should you use???

[hunter]

Originally Posted by Blackheart

Only if you also change your right turn signal fluid at the same time.

Look, there is NOTHING magic about "synthetic" oil. Most of the oil labeled thusly isn't really synthetic, it's simply severely hydrocracked. Seriously, people, get over the idea synthetics are some sort of mystery.

Use if from mile 1 if you want.....

Stupid question what is synthetic oil any way? I use it but don't know what it is.

[fergie]

yes do it. I use kawisaki full sythetic.

[Blackheart]

Originally Posted by hunter

Stupid question what is synthetic oil any way? I use it but don't know what it is.

Suffice it to say, "Synthetic" is a marketing-derived term, not a scientifically-derived term. If it has the correct friction modifiers in it, it's great to use for wet-clutch bikes, JUST LIKE oil that is NOT labeled as Synthetic. Also, many oils that are NOT rated specifically for wet-clutch systems do perfectly fine.

If you want to know more, google a site that begins with Bob, and it's about oil. Pay attention, read the papers, not just every Jane, Dick, and Harry, and you'll learn more than can be found in most every thread on the subject. If you don't want to make the effort, just use Kawasaki oil or Rotella, and fuggetabout it.

[klr4evr]

Originally Posted by fergie

yes do it. I use kawisaki full sythetic.

That will set you back a few $$$$

[KatLoveRhoid]

I just change to Mobil 1 synthetic on my 2008 KLR with 9K miles.
What a difference! It is quieter, smoother and better shifting!
My bike burns a small bit of oil, like a few ounces after a few hundred miles of highway use, so I will top it with the same.
I just installed the PCV valve, so I will monitor my oil use, and see if it goes down.
PS: I love riding my KLR!

[Swiftbow]

Originally Posted by Blackheart

Only if you also change your right turn signal fluid at the same time.

Look, there is NOTHING magic about "synthetic" oil. Most of the oil labeled thusly isn't really synthetic, it's simply severely hydrocracked. Seriously, people, get over the idea synthetics are some sort of mystery.

Use if from mile 1 if you want.....

Blackheart has it, while oils extrolling the term "SYNTHETIC" abound, most are not truly synthetics.

Doug

[MrHeadfirst]

so mobil 1 synthetic engine oil is ok to use?
that wont damage the clutch? do we know this for sure?
the only reason i ask, is that i have known many people to have caused damaged to their clutches by using mobil one, or other synthetics. granted, this has been on older model street bikes.
i just want to be sure before i add it to mine.
i have been a lifelong user of mobil one, and i would love to use it in my bike,

[swjohnsey]

You can't never tell. I've been usin' Mobil 1 15w50 in my ole KLR650 for 75,000 miles and the clutch may go out tomorrow.

[Xtreme]

Mobil 1 is not synthetic but it's very good oil.

[MrHeadfirst]

how is mobil 1 not synthetic oil?

[Blackheart]

Originally Posted by MrHeadfirst

how is mobil 1 not synthetic oil?

look up the lawsuit Mobil had against Castrol. The very thing Mobil complained about, that Castrol was using a severely hydrocracked petroleum base instead of a true "man-made" base molecule, Castrol couldn't use the term "synthetic". Mobil lost. Now, Mobil uses a "Group III" base, just like Castrol did.

As I said, the term "synthetic" is marketing based, not scientifically based.

[MrHeadfirst]

i didnt know that,
i will look that up, thanks for the interesting info.

[slappy00]

Originally Posted by Blackheart

look up the lawsuit Mobil had against Castrol. The very thing Mobil complained about, that Castrol was using a severely hydrocracked petroleum base instead of a true "man-made" base molecule, Castrol couldn't use the term "synthetic". Mobil lost. Now, Mobil uses a "Group III" base, just like Castrol did.

As I said, the term "synthetic" is marketing based, not scientifically based.

"From the information given to me last, EVERY synthetic on the market today has converted over to this Group III oil, with the exception of most of the Amsoil line, Mobil 1, and a few other specialty oils"

http://www.technilube.com/faqs_info/synth_diff.php
so Mobile 1 is fully synthetic?

[Swiftbow]

Originally Posted by slappy00

"From the information given to me last, EVERY synthetic on the market today has converted over to this Group III oil, with the exception of most of the Amsoil line, Mobil 1, and a few other specialty oils"

http://www.technilube.com/faqs_info/synth_diff.php
so Mobile 1 is fully synthetic?

Need to look at the date Slappy. The report is from six years ago. Mobil 1 used to be synthetic.

Doubtful anyone has any concrete statements or documents from the last few years showing what Mobil's basestock truly is. Mobil used to openly declare their basestock was PAO, however, now they don't.

Description of their product proudly declares full 100% synthetic but nothing about if it's a PAO or Ester based true synthetics.

There has even been a few internet post from people where they pointeably asked Mobil if their oil was synthetic or highly refined crude. The form responses from Mobil declare their oil is 100% synthetic but no comment about the derivation.

The avoidance response and the removal of the description about PAO has led to the suspicion that Mobil is no longer a true synthetic.

Doug