Semi or Synthetic Engine oil & Magnetic plug?

[Grendel]

I was thinking of doing an oil change on my 600 TA in the next few weeks and wandering which is the best type of oil to go for an old TA and if it's worth going for one of those magnetic sump plugs and a Champion oil filter?

I believe looking at the Haynes book of lies I will need 2.5 Litres for an oil change?

[Lutin]

You can put almost any oil that you care to pay for in your 600 TA, but to be perfectly honest I really don't think that a fully synthetic oil would be worth the extra dosh. The fully synthetics oils were developed for engines that are at a rather higher state of tune than that found in the Transalp.

If you search on engine oil, there's been much discussion on what oil to use - car oil, diesel oil (yes, it IS different to regular car oil), mineral, semi-synthetic and almost anything else that you could think of.

The best bet would be to go for an oil that meets the spec specified by Honda and you can't go wrong. My 650 TA handbook quotes -

"Use only high detergent, quality motor oil certified on the container to meet or exceed requirements for API Service Classification SE, SF or SG."

Which would be any decent motorcycle oil, I reckon.

Personally, I'm using Shell Advance VSX4 10w-40. Which, I believe is a semi-synthetic. And the only reason I use it is that it was available locally at a reasonable price (for Ireland).

As for the filters, the pukka Honda ones are not expensive especially if bought three at a time from David Silver's, but I'm sure the Champion one would be fine.

If you really want to read up on oil filters, then here's two web-sites for you -

Motorcycle Oil Filter Comparison

OIL FILTERS EXPOSED! - Introduction

Hope that helps.


Oh, and 2.5 litres sounds about right.

[Grendel]

Thanks for the info.
Think I'll be going for the Halfords Part-Syn and a Hi-Flow filter since near the same as Honda but a bit cheaper.

Halfords Motorbike Engine Oil 10W-40 Part Synthetic 5L from Halfords Was £23.99 Save £4.80 Price £19.19 Save 20% on Halfords Part Synthetic Oils

Is it worth getting a Magnetic Sump plug on an old bike like mine or would it just be wasted money??

[Lutin]

Is it worth getting a Magnetic Sump plug on an old bike like mine or would it just be wasted money??

I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I got one from Wemoto, but the hex head on it is so big I don't have a spanner that fits!

I read a post recently that suggested putting a magnet from an hard disk in the oil filter. It would do the same job just as long as you remember to retrieve it when you change the filter. By the way, the head positioning magnets inside hard disks are VERY strong indeed. Great fun.


Ah, found the thread -

new magnets for tankbags

[StumpyFingers]

Is it worth getting a Magnetic Sump plug on an old bike like mine or would it just be wasted money??

I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I got one from Wemoto, but the hex head on it is so big I don't have a spanner that fits!

I read a post recently that suggested putting a magnet from an hard disk in the oil filter. It would do the same job just as long as you remember to retrieve it when you change the filter. By the way, the head positioning magnets inside hard disks are VERY strong indeed. Great fun.


Ah, found the thread -

new magnets for tankbags

I have a magnetic sump plug, I prefer them.
I changed the engine oil last time and no bits on the plug.
I got mine from Wemoto, It takes a 19mm socket a spanner will not fit due to the fin on the engine.

[Jenna]

just be careful that any semi-synth or even fully synth is as heigh a standard as the spec'd mineral... there is some crap quality stuff out there but people buy it because they think it has to be good being synth!

Synth oil is actually good in older and detuned engines as a high qualty one has a much larger tolrence range and goes some way to coat worn components better. (industry tests proved this with brands like Amsoil!)... we always used to run the v8's on synth with many doing a serious amount of miles and/or being used in competition, it does make a difference... but at a small extra cost.

[Grendel]

Got back from Garage doing the MOT work them commenced the oil change. Just been on a short ride after oil and filter change and nothings gone bang yet

So now i can truthfully say I'm not completely useless with a tool kit