What kind of oil do I use?

[raphaelrjr]

Hey all, so I bought a hi-bird 250.. should be delivered today. On my way home I want to get oil for the bike. Is there any specific kind to get? All I know is 4-stroke motorcycle oil. Where do I get it? Also, when I put the new oil in do I have to drain the old oil. If so how?

Thank you muchly,

Raphael

[katoranger]

10w40 or 15w40 is good. I used the shell rotella T diesel engine oil.

Drain the oil in the bike from either the drain plug on the bottom of the engine or the cap on the side that hold the filter screen. It is located just ahead of the shifter. You will need a large adjustable wrench or 23mm? socket to remove it. Careful as there is a spring in there.

I buy the shell oil in the 5qt jug at Walmart. It is cheap and you can run it during breakin with frequent oil changes.

Allen

[raphaelrjr]

great thanks.. what do i do with the old oil?

[katoranger]

Bring it to most auto parts stores for recycling.

Allen

[IronFist]

Kato, you save those replies in a folder and pull them out everytime that question gets asked.

raphaelrjr:
Try using the search feature, it doesn't work great but it should show a lot of info on oil that has been uncovered so far. To be fair, I asked the same question :oops: , but that's when someone told me I should try the search feature. Actually, I think the rule thread was posted too. It said, "Do a search first, if your question isn't answered, by all means post away."

Red2003 has done great research into oil temps at different grades, synth/ VS /petro, and cost evaluations, and that's worth looking up. N2r.

[raphaelrjr]

hey i did search... couldn't find it. but now i'm all set, thanks.

[katoranger]

I just like the shell because it is cheap and works well.

I don't mind answering the same questions over and over either.

Allen

[truthfriend7]

I'm similar to you all. I use the walmart 15w40 oil. Same as what goes in my diesel truck. When I'm ready to change the oil from my bike, I filter it and dump it into my truck's fuel tank. Fuel is so expensive now, every little bit helps. Talking to biker of about 50 years, he told me that opinions in oil vary greatly, but that specialty oil (in his opinion) doesn't really make a big difference. He racked up tons of miles on his bikes using the "wrong" oil. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[katoranger]

I put the used oil into my mercedes diesel. A couple of quarts with every tank.

Also my lawnmower doubles as mosquito control so that is a good way to rid myself of used oil.

The important thing with the oil is to make sure to not use the ones labeled "energy conserving".

Allen

[GY_Racing]

Originally Posted by katoranger

I just like the shell because it is cheap and works well.

I don't mind answering the same questions over and over either.

Allen

You use regular car/truck engine oil in your bike? I was told by every dealer I buy bikes from that car oil is much different then motorcycle oil because the moto oil is formulated for use with the oil based clutchpack. They said if I were to use normal car oil that the detergents used would eat away at the organic clutch material and it would end up slipping among other things. Basic yamaha dyno moto oil is $5.00 a quart here. If I knew I could just use normal car oil in it I could buy a 5 quart jug for the SAME price (5-7 bucks) as one quart bike oil. 8O Are you sure that they have been just making it up all this time? 8O 8O

[kczukiman]

Hey Kat,What do you think about Valvoline 10/40 motorcycle oil?I am no oil specialist but do you think because its a mixture for wet clutch it makes a difference?

[katoranger]

Not all "car" oils have detergents etc. The shell rotella T is formulated for diesel engines. The diesel oils tend to not have the properties that damage clutches.

5500 miles on the shell oil. I haven't used any "motorcycle" oils in the lifan. The dealers just want you to spend $5/qt at there shop.

Allen

[GY_Racing]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Not all "car" oils have detergents etc. The shell rotella T is formulated for diesel engines. The diesel oils tend to not have the properties that damage clutches.

5500 miles on the shell oil. I haven't used any "motorcycle" oils in the lifan. The dealers just want you to spend $5/qt at there shop.

Allen

well... I guess im going to start pocketing a whole lot more money.. Perhaps if my clutch burns out prematurely I can use some of the money I save to buy a new one j/k :wink:

That money will surely add up really quick.. About 5 oil changes for the price of just one!!

[red2003]

[quote="GY_Racing Are you sure that they have been just making it up all this time? 8O 8O[/quote]

Yup, they have. Do you think Yamaha actually makes their own oil? No way. I agree to stay away from the energy conserving oils as they did make my Roketa clutch slip a little when the engine way cold, but any decent oil will do just fine. A lighter weigth also improves power and fuel mileage. I run a straight 30 weight in my Roketa now, but I have run full synthetic 5w30 car oil with good results too. A 40 weight oil is too thick for these little motors IMO.

[IronFist]

Change yer oil often: It's like buying flowers for your bike.