New Oil.....

[Jake]

Been looking around for a cheaper replacement for my
favourite engine oil: Silkolene PRO 4 Plus 5w40 fully synthetic,
which now costs close to £60 for four litres

www.opieoils.co.uk/p-1143-silkolene-pro-4-plus-5w-40-the-ultimate-full-synthetic-ester-4-stroke-engine-oil.aspx

I’ve been considering using Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 (diesel
rated car oil) for some time. It’s still expensive at around
£40, but worth trying as a cheaper alternative.* Apparently
biker’s in the U.S. have no qualms about using an appropriate
car oil in their bikes (see below). So over the weekend,
I decided to give the Shell oil a try.....

www.kawiforums.com/oil-lubrication/138661-running-shell-helix-ultra-5w40-opinions.html

motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Consumables.html#Oil

On Saturday, after changing the oil and filter I took the bike
for a quick blast up the M6 to Lancaster and back, and so far
have found no problems using the Shell oil.

At first, the bike felt slightly ‘revvey’.... but there were no
problems with clutch slip or overheating. The only real
noticeable change, was that engine braking was reduced.
But the usual benefits of using fully synthetic oil in the NTV
still apply.

For example, the gearbox felt a lot smoother and there
was no problem finding neutral when the bike was at a
standstill. And as usual the engine felt a lot smoother at
speed (i.e. 90mph plus).

So far so good.....

If like me, you’re not thrilled with the NTV gearbox,
I’d definitely recommend it, but you do so at your own risk.

*At the moment, Opie Oils are selling 5L of Shell Helix Ultra
for £32.98, which seems like a good deal.....

www.opieoils.co.uk/p-68976-shell-helix-ultra-5w-40-fully-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx

www.shell.co.uk/home/content/gbr/products_services/on_the_road/oils_lubricants/shell_helix_tpkg/product_range_new/helix_ultra/

[magpul]

I've been considering using Mobil #1 100% synthetic 5-50 oil that was excellent in my cars. Don't see why it shouldn't work in a bike, too...

[arsenalofdoom1]

I have also been researching oils. I see you have been using fully synthetic. Reading your thread it seems it provides many benefits. Would you recommend any 4 stroke synthetic? What about part synthetic? Would this also be a good choice.

Thank you

[arsenalofdoom1]

At oil change i decided to use Halfords 5W40 fully synthetic oil at a cost of £31.99 for 5litres. www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_221631_langId_-1_categoryId_165507

You can pay much more than this for premium oil and only get 4 litres! I would recommend Halfords oil to anyone.

I used to get slight clutch judder when moving off in 1st but has since disappeared after using the above oil. Very pleased with the choice and have had no problems.

[rossell]

Well, I'm finally ready to 'fluid up' my NTV project here in Oz. The service and maintenance manual (Haynes) dictate engine/transmission oil should be SE, SF or SG motor oil with a viscosity rating SAE 10W40. It says nothing of total, partial or non synthetic oil. After reading posts on this thread, I'm wondering if climactic differences would play a part in choice of viscosity, i.e. 5W40 or 10W40 and for that matter, brake fluids, etc. What say ye folk?

[Jake]

A 10w40 semi-synthetic motorcycle specific oil (ie rated JASO)
is the safe choice. But to me the engine seems smoother and less
stressed out at speed, using 5w40 fully synthetic. There are plenty
of fully synthetic motorcycle oils rated at 5w40. The most expensive
in the UK is probably Silkolene 5w40 pro4 plus.

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/782

But Wemoto do cheaper versions by Vision France, which I’ve never
tried before (see under ‘Engine Lubricants’ section below):

www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/ntv_650_s_t_revere/95-96/

www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/ntv_650_s_t_revere/95-96/picture/vision_-_france_-_fully_synthetic_-_per_litre/

My own personal choice at the moment is Shell Helix Ultra, 5w40
synthetic ‘car’ oil, mixed with a little Silkolene 5w40 synthetic
bike oil. But using car oil is a personal choice, and you do so
at your own risk....

As I say, the safe choice is a good semi-synthetic 10w40 bike oil.
The only thing I would add is that I’m not a big fan of Castrol
bike oil. It seems to have a ‘sticky’ consistency which drags on
the engine.....

But both 10w40 and 5w40 should be safe to use in hotter climates.
In theory synthetic oil is less likely to break down under hotter
conditions. But to me, the crucial thing is how well the gear box
operates when using a particular oil....

(The link below explains engine oils and ratings in greater detail):

www.wemoto.com/info/oils_-_the_full_range_and_guide/

[rossell]

Thanx for your insights Jake. Today I bought some silkolene Comp 4,10W40, synthetic ester oil to start with.
I'd appreciate any other advice or shared experiences on any oils, fluids, e.g. fork oil, etc.
This old girl has been completely dry for a few years now so I'd like to give her the best start I can.
Where I am can have 40C days and 5C nights so I think I'll suffer on some days more than the bike.

[Jake]

Hi Steve....
I think the Silkolene 10w40 fully synthetic ‘ester’ oil is a good choice.

When I got my bike, I didn’t like the way the front suspension seemed to dive under braking.
So I did away with the original Honda springs (two in each fork) and fitted Hagon progressive
fork springs (single spring in each leg). With the Hagon springs fitted, I added 15w fork oil and
this seemed to improve the front end handling. I took the bike on the road on a quiet Sunday
morning, and adjusted (ie stiffened) the rear suspension to match. Suspension settings are a
matter of choice, but I personally don’t like the suspension settings too soft or mushy....

www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/

Again, I changed the brake fluid to fully synthetic (can’t remember the rating now) because it
lasts longer and I haven’t had to change the brake fluid since that first occasion. In fact, with
the braided brake hoses fitted, I can’t remember the last time I bled the brakes, but they still
feel fine. I’d also recommend EBC HH sintered pads (front and back). They’re a bit more expensive
but seem to last forever and give good grip even in the wet weather.

Shaft drive oil: I use Valvoline 75w90 gear oil, fully synthetic. But I’ve also used EP80 Hypoid gear oil
which is what Honda recommend. Apparently ‘EP’ stand for extreme pressure and EP oils are usually
rated API GL4 or GL5. But it’s safe to use a ‘multigrade’ gear oil of the appropriate rating.

www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_220177_langId_-1_categoryId_255220

growell.proboards.com/thread/1572

Hope this helps.....