Engine oil

[Slaninar]

In the absence of scientific studies I'd tried to look at the problem from the other direction. That is, that it's obvious that the oil has a tougher environment in a bike than it does in a car. So, oil companies would hardly limit themselves to ripping off thousands of bikers on the one hand yet supply millions of car drivers with oil that is way better than it needs to be for their purposes. Therefore car and bike oils must be different.

I agree with most of what you've said in this topic. I came to the local mechanic (a good one) with the brilliant idea:

"Why wouldn't I use non-motorcycle specific oil? It says API SG on the can, just like Yamaha recommended."

He told me that "car" oil is good enough for low revving, low power bikes, but not to put it in the Fazer. Then I talked to 2 guys who work with oil companies (one was a chemist, the other just plant engineer). Took it all with a grain of salt, but all those people have recommended motorcycle oil. They also agreed that  mineral oil is not very good. They also said that although full synthetic oil IS the best in terms of protecting the engine, best thing for a fazer is a semi-synth (in terms of money-value).

As far as brands go, the oil guy that was a chemist works for Fuchs (Silkolene) recommended Silkolene, but he said Motul was just as good. The other, non-chemist guy recommended Motul as number one. Both said they don't have enough info on US brands (Bel Ray, Bardahl, Amsoil).  The mechanics I talk to swear by Repsol.


I've used full synth oil in old 1997 (80s tech) Suzuki GN 125. In Fazer as well. Engines look like brand new from the inside - no grime, no problems. I stick with it. Costs 10e more per change for the fazer.

One more thing. Fazer uses 2.7 litres per oil change, while full oil capacity on stripping the engine is about 3.4 litres. Which means you always have around half a litre of old oil diluted in the engine. One more reason to use good, long lasting synthetic oil IMO.