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I'll stick with facts on this. Oil causes a lot of debate for some reason.

1) The "w" in the rating stands for "winter". 
2) Viscosity refers to how easily oil pours at a certain temperature. 
3) The lower number in a multi-viscosity oil, for example, 5W indicates the viscosity at zero degrees F.
4) You want "thin" oil (5W) in cold weather and "thick" (50) for hot.
5) Thinner oil starts lubricating quicker. Thicker oil can reduce HP. 
6) The book recommends 10W-40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50 for 800 and 1500. 
7) Synthetic oils are more heat tolerant than dino oils. 
8) Our bikes have wet clutches. 
9) As much as 25% of oil can be additives. Friction reducers negatively impact our clutches. 
10) Good clean oil will extend the life of any engine. 
11) Where you ride and store your bike impacts oil change frequency.
12) Synthetic oil is more moisture resistant than dino which will also impact the change frequency.

As a result, since I live in a reasonably warm climate and worry more about heat, I use 20W-50 full synthetic without friction modifiers - usually designed for motorcycles.

I store my bikes in a temperature controlled garage, so I change the oil prior to the spring riding season, before major trips, when I take the bike in for repairs, or every 5000 miles. Cost of oil and filters are of no concern to me. I simply don't have to change the oil often enough for it to be a factor.  I use K&N filters - fortunately the same filter fits my Drifter and Goldwing... so I usually buy several at a time.

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Topic summary

Posted by lefecious

- October 11, 2010, 14:23:30 PM

Quote from: Palidin on September 02, 2009, 20:35:27 PM
All the Mobil1 V-twin oil I've seen offered is 20w-50, your specs for oil from Kawi are 10w-40, Mobil1 also makes a 4T synthetic oil that works just fine, does come in 10w-40 and has no friction modifiers. The spec verbage on the bottles reads the same as the V-Twin. I got mine from O'reilly's AutoParts after looking online & locally, I didn't have to pay shipping!! It's still pricey but well worth it.

I was wondering this same thing. A lot of people swear by 20w-50 and I'm wondering if they ride in warmer climates like I do.

I'm in the mojave desert so I ride in temps up to 110 degrees, however, the winters are mild enough that I can ride in January in 50 degree weather so I'd like to use an oil that will serve me well at both of those temps and I'm a little confused on which way to go.

Posted by chief

- September 03, 2009, 09:11:12 AM

There is no reason NOT to use a good motorcycle specific oil. We don't change oil so often that a few bucks makes any difference, and if it helps keep the engine and clutch in good shape we are ahead of the game. IMHO.

Cheers.

Posted by Palidin

- September 02, 2009, 20:35:27 PM

All the Mobil1 V-twin oil I've seen offered is 20w-50, your specs for oil from Kawi are 10w-40, Mobil1 also makes a 4T synthetic oil that works just fine, does come in 10w-40 and has no friction modifiers. The spec verbage on the bottles reads the same as the V-Twin. I got mine from O'reilly's AutoParts after looking online & locally, I didn't have to pay shipping!! It's still pricey but well worth it.

Posted by Varooom

- August 29, 2009, 22:41:37 PM

I have used automotive oil, Castrol's best, and it has cost me two clutches. It was on the second that I was asked by the dealer what sort of oil I was using. Been using Bel Ray or Kawasaki motorcycle oil since and haven't had any problems.

Posted by chief

- August 14, 2009, 11:03:19 AM

As indicated on the sidestand the oil plug isn't the lowest point... but I always use the drain plug... that's why its there. I usually pull the screen too, but not always. You do have to use caution not to over tighten the plugs, and watch the washer. If you have a chock or something to level the bike everything is easier - and you can actually see the correct level when you are finished.

This is another time when a centerstand would be nice.

Cheers.

Posted by pcarrell

- August 14, 2009, 10:15:35 AM

It'll take between 3 and 4 quarts with a filter change. Be sure to fill the filter up half way with fresh oil before you install it. Also, dip your finger in the old oil and smear it around the gasket on the new filter to help it seat good.

As for where to drain the oil from, don't use the drain plug. The hole strips easily and it's noy the lowest point to drain from when the bike is on the side stand. Instead, drain from the screen access point near the kickstand mount. Check this out for more info: http://www.gadgetjq.com/vulcan_1500_oil-sys.htm

Posted by pohlease

- August 13, 2009, 23:58:46 PM

I haven't had a chance to look this up BUT... how many quarts of oil do we need and any tips on changing it?

Posted by theogv

- May 17, 2009, 15:27:22 PM

Quote from: chief on April 16, 2009, 11:33:14 AM
Don't use anything with friction modifiers in it... the wet clutch won't like it!

My advice is to go with the best MOTORCYCLE oil you can find.

Plenty of folks will tell you car oil is fine - and they aren't wrong - but you really have to know what's in the oil so it won't impact your clutch. Personally, its a lot easier to just go with motorcycle specific oil.

Personally, I use synthetic in all my vehicles. It handles moisture a lot better than regular oil and doesn't break down as quickly/easily. I change the oil frequently so its likely overkill - but I like it and the peace of mind is worth the extra cost to me.

Cheers.

Posted by drifter800

- April 18, 2009, 11:11:21 AM

I use syn oil. I get it from Kawi. good stuff.... no issues

Posted by pcarrell

- April 17, 2009, 11:57:36 AM

This might help......or confuse you even more?

http://www.gadgetjq.com/Oil_Articles.htm

Posted by eagle

- April 17, 2009, 08:22:48 AM

I agree with Chief. It's cheap insurance.

Posted by chief

- April 16, 2009, 11:33:14 AM

Don't use anything with friction modifiers in it... the wet clutch won't like it!

My advice is to go with the best MOTORCYCLE oil you can find.

Plenty of folks will tell you car oil is fine - and they aren't wrong - but you really have to know what's in the oil so it won't impact your clutch. Personally, its a lot easier to just go with motorcycle specific oil.

Personally, I use synthetic in all my vehicles. It handles moisture a lot better than regular oil and doesn't break down as quickly/easily. I change the oil frequently so its likely overkill - but I like it and the peace of mind is worth the extra cost to me.

Cheers.

Posted by samtgrizz

- April 16, 2009, 10:53:20 AM

I am going to be changing my oil on my 2004 800 and would like to know the best oil to use. I bought the bike a couple of months ago and it has 15K on it. I have read the articles on synthetic and use of regular synthetic motor oil such as Mobil 1. Mobil makes a synthetic V-twin oil, is that better than their regular Mobil 1?

I would like to get some advice from real life drifter owners.
Thanks
Bob

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