regular or synthetic oil?

[big papa plump]

I just recently, within the last 6 months, got a new 2004 400ex.
I have a K&N air filter with an outerwares air box cover.
A yoshi comp slip on pipe.
It has been jetted to my riding conditions, which are desert, trail and dunes. Dunes are Pismo, Dumont, and Glamis.
I usually go riding once or twice a month, summer or winter, rain or shine.
I have heard it would be better to run synthetic oil rather than regular oil. Is this true? If so, what type is the best?
Any help would be appreciated.

[400hondaex]

semi- synthetic fully will slip your clutch... Bel ray make a semi its called thumper oil its really good.

[cals400ex]

stay away from the oils with friction modifiers. i run fully synthetic with good luck.

[Rico]

Originally posted by 400hondaex
semi- synthetic fully will slip your clutch...

[300exOH]

Originally posted by Rico


I agree with Rico. The 20w-50 Mobile 1 W/red cap only contains no friction modifiers and is safe for wet clutch applications. I have used it now for a couple years and I'm still running the stock clutch. It also stays much cleaner than any other oil I've tried. I can run it twice as long before it looks or feels dirty.

[Lethalhonda2]

How does the "red cap" mobile 1 work in the winter?Seems like it would be a little heavy (thick) for cold weather.

[bpimpdaddy21]

It's 15W-50 actually, and as long as it is not too cold out (below 20 degrees) you should not have a problem starting it with this oil. If it gets any colder you need to make sure your battery is fully charged, or else it prolly wont start.

[300exOH]

My mistake. Yes it is 15w-50. I have been using it year round and haven't had any problems. It gets as low as zero degrees around here so I just let it warm up for about 5-10 min. before riding.

[mx3mom]

We just had motor work done by LRD and they said not to use anykind of synthetic oil . They recommended SAE 30, either Kendall or Valvoline Racing oil. I'm sooooo confused!

[300exOH]

Originally posted by mx3mom
We just had motor work done by LRD and they said not to use anykind of synthetic oil . They recommended SAE 30, either Kendall or Valvoline Racing oil. I'm sooooo confused!

I wouldn't listen to LRD.:rolleyes: The manufacturer calls for a multi viscosity oil like 10w-40 for all season use. SAE 30 won't work well in cold weather. It doesn't matter if you use synthethic or regular oil as long as it is designed for wet clutch applications. It's the oils designed for automotive use that contain friction modifiers that will cause problems.

[pead_24]

i heard if your breaking in a motor or whatever you should never use a synthetic oil intill after break in is done

[RideRed250ex]

I was in auto zone the other day to buy a K&N recharge kit and I looked at the oils and they had a new oil i believe it was by valvoline for atv's. It said specifically designed for a wet clutch system... I just changed next time i might try that or get the mobile one red cap I've heard nothing but good about it.

[Screamin440]

Okay, I've been kinda confused on the subject so I'll just ask this time around. Mobil 1 red cap is simply the 15w-50 automotive oil correct?

[nosliw]

Originally posted by Screamin440
Okay, I've been kinda confused on the subject so I'll just ask this time around. Mobil 1 red cap is simply the 15w-50 automotive oil correct?

yep and it's got a red cap

[Screamin440]

Originally posted by nosliw
yep and it's got a red cap

Sweet... that means no more 40 mile one way trips to get Honda Synthetic! :macho :macho :macho

[BLEEDRED]

semi- synthetic fully will slip your clutch...

Thanks Rico, it needs to be said every time. I'm sick of this argument.

[TC426EX]

I have been using Klotz full synthetic 20w50 for a few months now and I am very happy with the results so far... I will continue running this oil, and reccomend synthetic for any nicely built OR stock 400 motor...