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synthetic or syn blend

923 views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  concretecowboy  
#1 ·
I mentioned to a motorcycle mechanic that I had recently met, (works mostly on Ducati's and BMW's for a lot of years), that I was thinking about using synthetic oil, Amsoil, on my next oil change. He recommended to go with a synthetic blend, something about the seals leaking eventually if using only synthetic. I've heard good things about synthetic but nothing about this. Anyone out there have any input?
 
#3 ·
Use the "real" synthetic. The blended product will perform down to it weakest component.

Just got rid of my 1978 Corvette last year. Original seals, gaskets, etc. 33k absolute miles on the car. Switched it over to sysnthetic (Mobil 1) and never had a problem.
 
#4 ·
partial synthetic

I use a partial synthetic. CENEX 5w40 actually for ATV machines. I sell the CENEX lubes, so I called their lab for info. It is about 30 percent synthetic. Synthetic's help by flowing better under cold weather and being able to take a higher heat without breaking down. By being able to flow better they do not have to add as many polymers and additives to get the multvis rating. It is the additives and polymers that break down first under heat. With partial synthetics you can extend drain intervals by 25%.
I change mine at 2 to 2500 miles depending on how long of a trip I am on. At that mileage i really do not need to run the synthetic, but have the added comfort of running the partial synthetic and it is made for big boy toys with wet clutch engines.
The partial blend is not as expensive as the full so I can change mine more often. Don't want to start a big debate about regular-partial-synthetic because they all have there place if used properly.
 
#5 ·
#6 ·
partial synthetic

I use a partial synthetic. CENEX 5w40 actually for ATV machines. I sell the CENEX lubes, so I called their lab for info. It is about 30 percent synthetic. Synthetic's help by flowing better under cold weather and being able to take a higher heat without breaking down. By being able to flow better they do not have to add as many polymers and additives to get the multvis rating. It is the polymers and additives that break down first under heat. With partial synthetics you can extend drain intervals by 25%.
I change mine at 2 to 2500 miles depending on how long of a trip I am on. At that mileage i really do not need to run the synthetic, but have the added comfort of running the partial synthetic. Also a plus is it is made for big boy toys with wet clutch engines.
The partial blend is not as expensive as the full so I can change mine more often. Don't want to start a big debate about regular verses partial verses synthetic because they all have there place if used properly. :p :p 8)
 
#7 ·
Quick question ! How many quarts does a VTX 1300 hold and how often should you change it, using synthetic oil ? Just bought a Silver 2004 S . I want to use the best, to keep my bike rolling. Jim
 
#8 ·
Upstate NY Jim said:
Quick question ! How many quarts does a VTX 1300 hold and how often should you change it, using synthetic oil ? Just bought a Silver 2004 S . I want to use the best, to keep my bike rolling. Jim
Amsoil 10/40 can be used in the X for a full 8000 miles or one riding season. I have done it on my 1300 with lab analysis of the oil. Use a Mobil 1 or a Bosch 3323 filter and you can go the full 8000 confidently without changing the filter. If you use the stock Honda filter I would change it at 4000 miles. The X holds 3.9 quarts with the stock filter , a full 4 with the M1 or 3323 filter.
 
#9 ·
i go about 6000on amsoil and filter still looks pretty good but buy than your looking at a time issue wouldn't go over 6 months loking at moister issues and contaments