HDEO when 20W-50 is specified ?

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The manual for my 2000 Moto Guzzi recommends a 20W-50 oil (Agip 4T Super Racing) but I use Mobil 1 V-Twin, a 20W-50 oil. I see that many of you are using HDEO in your bikes. Do any of your bikes specify a 20W-50 but you are using a a common HDEO weight such as 15W-40 or 5W-40 instead? My bike is air cooled and I live in Arizona where it is reaching 115 degrees on most recent days. I am thinking about using Rotella or Delo in my bike but am a tad bit concerned about not following the manufacturers recommendation to use a 20W-50. Any thoughts or experiences regarding using a thinner oil than specified?
 
Tim, the Mobil 1 10-40 didn't hold viscosity well in my bike, maybe the 20-50 would do better, like is spec'd in this fellow's MG...but, the shearing of the 10-40 put me off of Mobil 1. Especially in light of it's price.
 
The best oil that I have used in my Moto Guzzi Breva is the Redline 20W-50. I rode it 5500 miles on a trip from Michigan to Death Valley and back and only used a half quart. Very little metal on the magnetic drain plug.
 
The manual on my air cooled Yamaha ATV specs 20w40 but i
use Amsoil's MCV 20w50 in it because it runs ridiculously
HOT and it's held up great over the years,great oil.

also use M1's 20w50 MC oil with great results, i know it's
a different bike just my $.02...
 
Thanks daman. What classifies a HDEO as a HDEO?
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A fair number of folks who post on this site use HDEO. Some popular HDEO's include Rotella by Shell, Delo by Chevron, and Delvac by Mobil. Their additive packs seem a bit more robust and make them an attractive option. They are marketed primarily for users such as truckers. But many here have experienced good results when using them in other vehicles and motorcycles. I have used Delo and Rotella.
 
By the way, most HDEO's are rated for use in gasoline engines as well (such as the SM rating).
 
Ah, I see. So, its oil for heavy duty engines. I was thinking of it as heavy duty oil for engines. Does that make sense? lol

Aren't these oil generally less expensive than your "regular" non-synthetic oils?
 
The prices are quite similar to ther oils. A gallon of Delo or Rotella is about $9 to $10. In my area Delo is usually $1 more per gallon than Rotella. Analysis of HDEO's seem to indicate higher levels of anti-wear and detergent additives. I use them in hope that my engine will remain cleaner inside and wear less. Time will tell.
 
By the way, I am currently only using HDEO in my Suburban. Not using in my bike yet, but many on this site do.
 
Quote:


115 degrees?
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I'd be using Redline 20w60
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I have thought about it. A maintenance book for Guzzi's recommends a European brand 10W-60 that is probably not readily available here in the US. So the Redline would be a great option for our extreme summer months here in the desert. There is a race parts shop in Phoenix called Lopers that stocks Redline oils. I think I will give them a call and see if the 20W-60 is in stock.
 
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