Old Kat new oil

[num1husker]

I am thinking about changing out my oil to a synthetic. I know there has been much posted about the syns but this bike being 17 years old (5120 miles) is it ok to use.
One main reason I want to change it to syns is that we have temperatures of over 100 degree's for a couple months in the summer, and this thing is of the old air cooled vintage.
I'm a big believer in syns for my rotory screw air compressors and the benifits are incredible over hydrocarbon based lubricants.

What's your thought's ?

Jr.

edit (spelling)

[Anonymous]

It will be fine.

I'd reccomend Mobil1 MX4T

[The CyberPoet]

Actually, for temps over 100 degrees, I'd recommend moving to Mobil 1 V-Twin (20w50).

General rules:
JASO-MA rated if possible, API SF/SG if you can't find JASO-MA.
Do not use API SJ or later (API SH+SJ is ok if it's all you can find).
Do not use any oil that says "Energy Conserving" in the ring of the API rating.
If you would feet uncomfortable walking barefoot on aspault, go 20w50; otherwise stick to 10w40.

KNOW THIS:
If you existing engine has a lot of sludge, using a high-detergent oil (which includes all synthetic motorcycle oils) may wash that sludge away, exposing a pre-existing leak at a seal. If so, don't panic -- just replace the seal.



Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[num1husker]

CyberPoet / Kickitjp
thanks for the reply, I'm going to go get the oil today. The bike also has a header on it and the only way I see to remove the oil filter is to remove the header manifold. Is this common ?

Jr.

[katana bob]

is it an aftermarket header? you shouldn't have to remove the header to get to the oil filter.

[num1husker]

Header / Exhaust

Katana bob
I do think it is a aftermarket header, it also has a Yoshimura can on it.
The tubes are 1.75" in diameter.

[suzukisportrider2004]

well that looks fun...........

[The CyberPoet]

The bad news is:
Yes, Yoshi and certain other brands of aftermarket headers require you drop the header to get the filter off. On the OEM headers, you can bring the filter out between the down-tubes for cylinders #2 & #3.

The good news is:
The OEM Suzuki filter is good for three oil change intervals (even if no one tends to use them that long).

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[slayergsxf1]

5120 miles,,17years old...dude where did you find it..???!!

[md86]

Yeah , I know .
I have a Yosh . I can get mine out just fine .

[num1husker]

slayergsxf1
I bought it from a lady in Seattle who never rode it when it was rainy or wet outside.
It had 4200 miles on it when I got it late last year. The bike looks like it did the day it came off the showroom floor. It was a gem of a find.
I paid 1000.00 for it.
Sometimes you just get lucky.
jr.

[md86]

No , sometimes YOU just get lucky . I NEVER get lucky .

[Knucklehead]

whoa that is tight. If you have to drop the headers to get your filter out, I'd take CP's advice with the 3 change OEM filter.

[Anonymous]

Actually, for temps over 100 degrees, I'd recommend moving to Mobil 1 V-Twin (20w50).

We live in the same weather

[num1husker]

got the oil

Found a Mobil distributor that carried V-twin synthetic oil here and town picked it up today. It was like $8.00 a quart with a minimum of 6 qut case. I'll change it out this weekend and report if there is any difference.
Thanks guy's for your help once again.

jr.