Synthetic oil

[nobleswood]

What's the opinions about using synthetic oils?

[docc]

Yes. There are many good ones. "V-twin" oils are usually SG (high zinc and phosphorus); avoid "energy conserving" oils.

[antonio carroccio]

Mobil 1 5W-50 peak life the best

[gstallons]

After about an hour long conversation with a lubricant specialist yesterday morning , he said to use a manufacturer recommended lubricant that meets THEIR specifications. Also he stated that synthetic oils for air cooled engines are the ONLY way to go. Use the viscosity that is recommended. Mobil , Castrol , or any big name lubricant is good.

[GuzziMoto]

What docc said. Use the weight required for your temps and I also prefer an SG rated oil. Newer grades like SL and SM have less zinc and phosphorus and do not seem to work as well for flat tappet motors. I would personally not use a non-synthetic oil, and I am not scared of "energy conserving"oils for a Guzzi as the motor oil is not shared with the trans and clutch (no oil in the clutch) but the oils I use are not energy conserving oils.

[docc]

I only mentioned the "energy conserving oils" after paying heed to Pete Roper's comments  about those effects on the cylinder surface. (Sorry about paraphrasing my impression here). As I recall, oils in viscosity at or over 15w-40 will not be "energy conserving." Certainly not the 20w-50 stuff.

 

Oil IS important - especially keeping it changed and keeping it topped up. Don't let your oil level get low!