Oil Change question

[Batman_89]

Its the first summer ive had the 06 Katana, right now the bike has 10w40 oil in it but ive heard mixed reviews on a new Castrol r4 oil that is only 5w40...should I stick with the 10w40 or has anyone had any experience with the Castrol oil? Thanks

[92xjunker]

Stick with what the bike manufacturer requires.

[shpielers]

I've run 5w-40 Rotella t6 rear round for 3 years now, and done somewhere around 70k miles in that time. Granted, that's in CA...only ridden below freezing a handful of times becuase it just doesnt get that cold. Been out in 105Ž°F and bike seemed ok. Didnt love the heat, but don't think the oil viscosity had anything to do with that. (Bike was running lean at the time)

If it's full synthetic, it should be fine for high temps, not sure about really cold ones though.

[92xjunker]

Low viscosity is good for lower temps, higher viscosity for higher temp. I bump mine up for the summer, it can get to 130* here in the summer.

[ZukiFred]

I also use the Rotella T6 year round.

[Batman_89]

if I stick to the same numbers in my manual, does it matter if I get oil that can be used in a car or does it have to be specifically for motorcycles, just find the price is so much more

[92xjunker]

DO NOT USE CAR OIL!!! If you do, your clutch won't be happy.

[Batman_89]

ya I just read up on it, found that car oil doesn't have an additive that makes motorcycle oil good for motorcycles

[shpielers]

Energy conserving car oil is a no no. Car oil that isn't energy conserving isn't the best, but won't make your clutch slip.