Oil Change...

[winxp-master]

Did my first oil+filter change on Sunday (got to get used to doing stuff myself) and the guy in the shop asked if my bike ran ok on fully synthetic as some bikes don’t like it. So, when I got home I did some research into the differences in semi and fully synthetic oils and most sites (r1forum+aprilia forum) seem to recommend semi for breaking an engine in and fully-synthetic thereon after.

I’ve used fully synthetic as from what I have read that’s the best stuff. It had this in before and ran fine and is running fine now but i like to gather all opinions as this helps make a better informed decision next time.

What would you recommend and why?

Thanks,

Craig.

[Lumiya]

In older engines where the tolerances seems to not be as tight Fully Synthetic tends to make the gaskets/seals slightly leak and/or cause more oil usage.

In mid range bikes though it doesn't make a lot of difference but top end high revving machines it does make a hell of a difference.

The running in is because mineral or semi-synth allows a bit more friction so he parts (especially the pistons) bed in better.

[winxp-master]

Yeah i read that semi was better for newer engines due to smaller molecules (or something similar) get in smaller places to help the new engine but in a ran-in engine these simply burn up so make no difference and that fully was then better. I did read that fully was more for high-end engines but they kept saying use fully and not semi so thats why i thought id get the opinions of the old hands on here, nothing like getting advice off peeps who have been doing the stuff for years

[davsato]

just buy the correct numbers, letters, bells and whistles according to the handbook, cant go wrong then. unless youve got a flat twin beemer, then ask your local chippie for some chip oil

[StumpyFingers]

The owners manual for my Transalp recommends Semi synthetic, so I stick to that. I think if it is recommended then it should be safe.

[chronyx]

Mines got fully-synth in at the moment, no adverse effects and the gearbox loves the stuff. So nice and smooth.

Engine doesn't seem to mind it.