Which oil do you use? - Discuss Which oil do you use? on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Engine / Airbox / Exhaust / Fuel Delivery. (Discussion of Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird Engine Modifications, Airbox Modifications, Exhaust Systems, Power Commanders, and Carburetors.)

ironmike · 12-29-2006, 11:09 PM

Royal Purple when I can get it... and usually 20w-50 because it can get pretty warm in Louisiana.

pould · 01-01-2007, 4:45 PM

Mobil Race 15/50
Poul Dam BB2003 turbo

SoKanXX · 01-02-2007, 7:57 PM

Honda HP4 gold bottle. I switched from Honda GN4 (black bottle) to HP4 at 20,000 miles seems to shift a little better now

racrxx · 01-02-2007, 10:17 PM

I use castrol actice-evo semi-synthetic 10w40 in cold months, 20w50 in warm months

lois · 01-04-2007, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLKBRD

Amsoil 10-40W, I haven't noticed any clutch slippage.

Same as above.
However....

What we always seem to go on and on about is oil.

But seriously guys, althought oil is very important, I feel that what you use for an oil filter is FAR more of an issue.

IE; I read a report 3 weeks ago in an Automotive journal. Tests have shown that a good amount of engine wear is caused by particals in the 8-12 micron range.

Most (good ) brands of filters, claim to trap 90% of particals down to the 20 (ish) micron range, most are higher 30-35.

So, the point is, no matter how much or how little you change your oil and/or filter, your still getting hit by the little buggers that are causing a fair amount of the damage.

So, not to jack this thread, but, how small of micron does the filter you use filter down to??

Respectfuly
Lou

OMG · 01-05-2007, 12:28 AM

The filter IS most impt!!!!
Absolutely true -- it's the tiny stuff that makes wear.
One auto site I read posted results from many diff brands
Fram was the worst (they have pending law suits)
And there were a few best -- Wicks--
Pays to do some home work

lois · 01-05-2007, 2:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMG

The filter IS most impt!!!!
Absolutely true -- it's the tiny stuff that makes wear.
One auto site I read posted results from many diff brands
Fram was the worst (they have pending law suits)
And there were a few best -- Wicks--
Pays to do some home work

Absolutley, thats why I changed over to Amsoil, they simply had one of the best filters that I could find.

oldgeezer · 01-12-2007, 10:34 AM

Prior to my Blackbird I had a Triumph Sprint ST. The dealer called for some kinda 10w50 Mobile 1 racing oil (very expensive) and I eventually switched over to the 10w40 Mobile 1 MX4T with no noticible difference at considerably less expense. Plus, I could buy it off the shelf at AutoZone,etc. I Never encountered any clutch slippage issues or any oil-related problems.

On my '00 Blackbird, however, I have used only 10w40 and/or 10w50 Honda HP4 Semi-synthetic (without moly) primarily because that's what's always been used in the bike since day one (I'm the second owner) and the bike now has about 24k miles. I've heard of problems occuring when higher mileage vehicles (cars and bikes) switch over from standard blends to full synthetic.

The Honda owner's manual says do not use full synthetic oil, but obviously alot of owners do use it, and with no ill effects whatsoever. I think the bottom line, essentially, is to keep your oil changed and clean. Other knowledgeable Honda owners have also said it's really not necessary to change the oil filter everytime you do an oil change. Changing the filter every other oil change is more than sufficient. I use the OEM Honda filters.

Partsguy · 01-12-2007, 6:55 PM

[quote=XX4me;7486]Mobil One full synthetic oil. Didn't have any clutch slippage issues until
235hp. Installed new plates and switched to dyno oil and the clutch slipped again at 235hp.
Are you using a stock clutch?

And I believe the filter is also pretty important,I don't know how good the stock filter is but that's all I've used.Also I change it everytime the oil is changed,why leave 300-400cc of dirty oil behind?You can't get it all out but why leave anything behind that is no good anymore.

burkhard · 01-12-2007, 9:53 PM

on the topic of oilfilters:

OIL FILTERS EXPOSED! - Introduction

Makes some interesting reading

cheers
burkhard

oldgeezer · 01-13-2007, 6:31 AM

[quote=Partsguy;8473]

Quote:

Originally Posted by XX4me

And I believe the filter is also pretty important...I change it everytime the oil is changed,why leave 300-400cc of dirty oil behind?

You make a very good point. Had never thought of it in that sense.
Even though the filter is still doing its job effectively, you are still leaving
a good bit of dirty oil circulating in the system. Guess I'm getting lazy in
my old age. I just hate to shell out so much money for the OEM Honda
filters each time I do an oil change - but then filters are cheaper than an
engine rebuild.

garybjpps · 01-13-2007, 6:44 PM

hi , you should never use a full synthetic oil on a low millege cbrxx.

Partsguy · 01-14-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garybjpps

hi , you should never use a full synthetic oil on a low millege cbrxx.

Which has been said many times by many people,you want rings to seat in the cylinders and bottom end bearings to move freely(thus gaining hp).So obviously synthetics work at preventing metal wear,therefore once an engine is broken in use synthetic oil.

garybjpps · 01-14-2007, 1:28 PM

Hi thanks for the reply.....

Honda bikes burning oil through use of the wrong type of oil (namely synthetic) and MOLY based synthetic oils emulsifying and blocking oil ways! So always use 10/40W mineral oil for at least the first 8000 miles of use! Always use a trusted brand such as MOTUL, CASTROL, SHELL, HONDA or SILKOLENE to mention a few of the better known brands.

lyrixxx · 01-14-2007, 5:36 PM

Have not changed the oil in the XX yet. I have used Motul in my VTX with no ploblems and Silkolene in my wife's Shadow same deal. I use K&N filters

. I will do the same with the XX. I would like to try Royal Purple but I can't find it anywhere local. Oh well... Motul, Silkolene, Amsoil or whatever synth is fine, it's the Moly's that kill your clutch!

HDXX · 01-14-2007, 6:49 PM

I USE MOBIL ONE FULL SYNETHTIC OIL AND K&N FILTER- 2000 W/ 12K MILES NO PROBLEMS

Para045 · 01-23-2007, 8:37 AM

Well I did my first oil and filter change last week after 9 months and ~14 000km (46 000 total) and put on a Honda filter, Penrite HPR15 (15W60) semi- synth with an additive, Nulon E20 (PTFE) after talking to one of the guys on OzBB with a 99BB with 50 500km on her and she seems to be running a lot smoother, definately changes easier and seems a little quieter too. I think the previous oil was a Motul oil that the prevous owner put in just before I picked my BB up

I like the idea of a heavier oil as it tends to avg ~27C here in Perth but up to 45C in summer and very rarely below 2C in winter

Bung · 01-24-2007, 6:22 AM

I used castrol GPS in my bird and my VTR before I traded it.
Lately I've been using Honda HP4. both ok , probably the same oil
different label

flblackbird · 01-24-2007, 11:04 AM

Royal Purple 10w40 now w\26k on her. Was running Mobil 1 10w40, switched to Purple @ about 14k, did notice 2nd gear slipping a little when first switched over, OK now.

MrT · 01-24-2007, 11:17 AM

These threads about oil get absolutley crazy when you consider the fact that we are talking about an engine that can easily go 300,000 miles without a rebuild. Most of us (Unless you are WillXX) will never get even one-third those many miles on our bikes.
IMO

dunedain · 01-24-2007, 11:27 AM

Repsol moto syn 4t, or moto race 4t (broke in and ran Castrol bike oil in the early days)

Honda OEM fitlers, tried Fram and others. I've seen other filter tests and that very interesting info. I never seen the Yamaha filter test looks like I'll be switching the track bikes over.

I change filter every time I change oil at ~3000 miles.

No issues. I think the MC community takes this topic WAY TOO serious. The most vocal freak I know on this subject went 6 years w/out changing his fork oil but by God he had the oil and filter stuff all figured out.

TangorXX · 01-27-2007, 2:36 PM

Just to clarify the references to the Mobile 1 Full Synthetic,

Some had posted they were using the M4XT version, but I've have had no luck finding it local, but here appears to be an abundant supply of the fully synthetic though its in a 10-30W.

I'm locate in "hot" Houston, and was wondering if that would be ok to run with down here in the Bird?

Thanks ahead of time...

-Glenn in Spring

dunedain · 01-27-2007, 4:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TangorFJR

Some had posted they were using the M4XT version, but I've have had no luck finding it local, but here appears to be an abundant supply of the fully synthetic though its in a 10-30W.

I'm locate in "hot" Houston, and was wondering if that would be ok to run with down here in the Bird?
-Glenn in Spring

I say yes use it.

OZDave · 01-27-2007, 9:12 PM

I'd say go for heavier, 10/30 is too light for a hot conditions. My 2c's.

haWHYnXX · 01-27-2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OZDave

I'd say go for heavier, 10/30 is too light for a hot conditions. My 2c's.

I'd say at least 10/40, but for your hot temps, I'd look for 5/50.

SGTSkiXX · 01-29-2007, 3:40 PM

I use Castrol semi synthetic.

jcrich · 01-29-2007, 3:45 PM

Mobil 1 15-50 syn car oil ( new gold cap) in the street bike. Motul race oil in the track bike.

SGTSkiXX · 01-29-2007, 7:15 PM

oh and napa filters made by wix

TangorXX · 01-31-2007, 7:20 AM

Went with Rotella T 5-40W synthetic in the Bird, same as I've been running in the FJR. Just had to find a Walmart that was carrying it. It appears the brands carried does vary between different locations.

Impressed with the fit and finish of the XX. The left lower plastics were very intuitive to remove and put back on. Even the push pins are of far better quality than the ones on a the FJR.

ConqSoft · 02-01-2007, 6:38 PM

You know you can change the oil and filter without removing any plastic, right?

View Poll Results: What type of oil do you use?
Mineral / Dino	91	14.85%
Semi Synth	190	31.00%
Full Synth	332	54.16%
Voters: 613. You may not vote on this poll

12-29-2006, 11:09 PM	#31
ironmike Join Date: Nov 04 2006 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 274	Re: Which oil do you use? Royal Purple when I can get it... and usually 20w-50 because it can get pretty warm in Louisiana.

01-01-2007, 4:45 PM	#32
pould Join Date: Jan 01 2007 Location: danmark Posts: 1	Re: Which oil do you use? Mobil Race 15/50 Poul Dam BB2003 turbo

01-02-2007, 7:57 PM	#33
SoKanXX Join Date: Nov 10 2006 Location: KANSAS Age: 27 Posts: 70	Re: Which oil do you use? Honda HP4 gold bottle. I switched from Honda GN4 (black bottle) to HP4 at 20,000 miles seems to shift a little better now __________________ "Chome Wont Get Ya Home" "That Blackbird might be able to out run anything the cops have... except a Motorola"

01-02-2007, 10:17 PM	#34
racrxx Join Date: Jan 02 2007 Location: new york city Posts: 7	Re: Which oil do you use? I use castrol actice-evo semi-synthetic 10w40 in cold months, 20w50 in warm months

01-05-2007, 12:28 AM	#36
OMG Join Date: Nov 09 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 53	Re: Which oil do you use? The filter IS most impt!!!! Absolutely true -- it's the tiny stuff that makes wear. One auto site I read posted results from many diff brands Fram was the worst (they have pending law suits) And there were a few best -- Wicks-- Pays to do some home work

01-12-2007, 10:34 AM	#38
oldgeezer Join Date: Nov 16 2006 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 67 Posts: 77	Re: Which oil do you use? Prior to my Blackbird I had a Triumph Sprint ST. The dealer called for some kinda 10w50 Mobile 1 racing oil (very expensive) and I eventually switched over to the 10w40 Mobile 1 MX4T with no noticible difference at considerably less expense. Plus, I could buy it off the shelf at AutoZone,etc. I Never encountered any clutch slippage issues or any oil-related problems. On my '00 Blackbird, however, I have used only 10w40 and/or 10w50 Honda HP4 Semi-synthetic (without moly) primarily because that's what's always been used in the bike since day one (I'm the second owner) and the bike now has about 24k miles. I've heard of problems occuring when higher mileage vehicles (cars and bikes) switch over from standard blends to full synthetic. The Honda owner's manual says do not use full synthetic oil, but obviously alot of owners do use it, and with no ill effects whatsoever. I think the bottom line, essentially, is to keep your oil changed and clean. Other knowledgeable Honda owners have also said it's really not necessary to change the oil filter everytime you do an oil change. Changing the filter every other oil change is more than sufficient. I use the OEM Honda filters. __________________ Doug Last edited by oldgeezer; 01-13-2007 at 6:32 AM.

01-12-2007, 6:55 PM	#39
Partsguy Vendor Join Date: Dec 23 2006 Location: near London,Canada Posts: 1,531	Re: Which oil do you use? [quote=XX4me;7486]Mobil One full synthetic oil. Didn't have any clutch slippage issues until 235hp. Installed new plates and switched to dyno oil and the clutch slipped again at 235hp. Are you using a stock clutch? And I believe the filter is also pretty important,I don't know how good the stock filter is but that's all I've used.Also I change it everytime the oil is changed,why leave 300-400cc of dirty oil behind?You can't get it all out but why leave anything behind that is no good anymore. Last edited by Partsguy; 01-12-2007 at 7:01 PM.

01-12-2007, 9:53 PM	#40
burkhard Join Date: Nov 17 2006 Location: gold coast australia Posts: 38	Re: Which oil do you use? on the topic of oilfilters: OIL FILTERS EXPOSED! - Introduction Makes some interesting reading cheers burkhard

01-13-2007, 6:44 PM	#42
garybjpps Join Date: Jan 13 2007 Location: uk Posts: 16	Re: Which oil do you use? hi , you should never use a full synthetic oil on a low millege cbrxx.

01-14-2007, 1:28 PM	#44
garybjpps Join Date: Jan 13 2007 Location: uk Posts: 16	Re: Which oil do you use? Hi thanks for the reply..... Honda bikes burning oil through use of the wrong type of oil (namely synthetic) and MOLY based synthetic oils emulsifying and blocking oil ways! So always use 10/40W mineral oil for at least the first 8000 miles of use! Always use a trusted brand such as MOTUL, CASTROL, SHELL, HONDA or SILKOLENE to mention a few of the better known brands.

01-14-2007, 5:36 PM	#45
lyrixxx 180 mph anyone? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Travis AFB, CA Age: 39 Posts: 57	Re: Which oil do you use? Have not changed the oil in the XX yet. I have used Motul in my VTX with no ploblems and Silkolene in my wife's Shadow same deal. I use K&N filters . I will do the same with the XX. I would like to try Royal Purple but I can't find it anywhere local. Oh well... Motul, Silkolene, Amsoil or whatever synth is fine, it's the Moly's that kill your clutch! __________________ I Ride Red!!!

01-14-2007, 6:49 PM	#46
HDXX Join Date: Nov 05 2006 Location: lincoln ca Posts: 7	Re: Which oil do you use? I USE MOBIL ONE FULL SYNETHTIC OIL AND K&N FILTER- 2000 W/ 12K MILES NO PROBLEMS

01-23-2007, 8:37 AM	#47
Para045 Join Date: Oct 20 2006 Location: Perth Western Australia Age: 44 Posts: 513	Re: Which oil do you use? Well I did my first oil and filter change last week after 9 months and ~14 000km (46 000 total) and put on a Honda filter, Penrite HPR15 (15W60) semi- synth with an additive, Nulon E20 (PTFE) after talking to one of the guys on OzBB with a 99BB with 50 500km on her and she seems to be running a lot smoother, definately changes easier and seems a little quieter too. I think the previous oil was a Motul oil that the prevous owner put in just before I picked my BB up I like the idea of a heavier oil as it tends to avg ~27C here in Perth but up to 45C in summer and very rarely below 2C in winter

01-24-2007, 6:22 AM	#48
Bung Join Date: Jan 19 2007 Location: Tailem Bend South Australia Age: 52 Posts: 15	Re: Which oil do you use? I used castrol GPS in my bird and my VTR before I traded it. Lately I've been using Honda HP4. both ok , probably the same oil different label

01-24-2007, 11:04 AM	#49
flblackbird What cop?? Join Date: Jan 24 2007 Location: Edgewater, FL, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,865	Re: Which oil do you use? Royal Purple 10w40 now w\26k on her. Was running Mobil 1 10w40, switched to Purple @ about 14k, did notice 2nd gear slipping a little when first switched over, OK now. __________________ Doc MCR NSB VP 02 Silver Bird

01-24-2007, 11:17 AM	#50
MrT "Chicken Strips" Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 51	Re: Which oil do you use? These threads about oil get absolutley crazy when you consider the fact that we are talking about an engine that can easily go 300,000 miles without a rebuild. Most of us (Unless you are WillXX) will never get even one-third those many miles on our bikes. IMO

01-24-2007, 11:27 AM	#51
dunedain Join Date: Jan 04 2007 Location: Tulsa, OK Age: 46 Posts: 759	Re: Which oil do you use? Repsol moto syn 4t, or moto race 4t (broke in and ran Castrol bike oil in the early days) Honda OEM fitlers, tried Fram and others. I've seen other filter tests and that very interesting info. I never seen the Yamaha filter test looks like I'll be switching the track bikes over. I change filter every time I change oil at ~3000 miles. No issues. I think the MC community takes this topic WAY TOO serious. The most vocal freak I know on this subject went 6 years w/out changing his fork oil but by God he had the oil and filter stuff all figured out. __________________ Sua Sponte!

01-27-2007, 2:36 PM	#52
TangorXX Join Date: Jan 01 2007 Location: Spring, TX Age: 53 Posts: 165	Re: Which oil do you use? Just to clarify the references to the Mobile 1 Full Synthetic, Some had posted they were using the M4XT version, but I've have had no luck finding it local, but here appears to be an abundant supply of the fully synthetic though its in a 10-30W. I'm locate in "hot" Houston, and was wondering if that would be ok to run with down here in the Bird? Thanks ahead of time... -Glenn in Spring

01-27-2007, 9:12 PM	#54
OZDave Join Date: Oct 16 2006 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 808	Re: Which oil do you use? I'd say go for heavier, 10/30 is too light for a hot conditions. My 2c's. __________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me!

01-29-2007, 3:40 PM	#56
SGTSkiXX Join Date: Nov 07 2006 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 241	Re: Which oil do you use? I use Castrol semi synthetic. __________________ SGT Ski "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on thier behalf" George Orwell

01-29-2007, 3:45 PM	#57
jcrich Join Date: Nov 03 2006 Location: JC, TN Posts: 123	Re: Which oil do you use? Mobil 1 15-50 syn car oil ( new gold cap) in the street bike. Motul race oil in the track bike.

01-29-2007, 7:15 PM	#58
SGTSkiXX Join Date: Nov 07 2006 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 241	Re: Which oil do you use? oh and napa filters made by wix __________________ SGT Ski "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on thier behalf" George Orwell

01-31-2007, 7:20 AM	#59
TangorXX Join Date: Jan 01 2007 Location: Spring, TX Age: 53 Posts: 165	Re: Which oil do you use? Went with Rotella T 5-40W synthetic in the Bird, same as I've been running in the FJR. Just had to find a Walmart that was carrying it. It appears the brands carried does vary between different locations. Impressed with the fit and finish of the XX. The left lower plastics were very intuitive to remove and put back on. Even the push pins are of far better quality than the ones on a the FJR. __________________ - Glenn in Spring "Indecision is the key to flexibility" '00 Blackbird, '07 ZX14, '08 GL1800

02-01-2007, 6:38 PM	#60
ConqSoft Ba-Da-Bing Join Date: Sep 15 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 38 Posts: 1,099	Re: Which oil do you use? You know you can change the oil and filter without removing any plastic, right? __________________ My Blog GPS Discussion Forum