Motorcycle Oils

[BobbyO]

I have a bunch of motocross bikes, used to race, now too old but that's another subject! I have a couple street bikes, no big deal. Well motocrossers are 2 strokers, street 4 strokers. Always have used a certain gear case oil in dirt bikes for 30 years. Always the same oil in my street bikes for 30 years. No big deal. By the way have been switching over to synthetic in everything. Now yesterday I found in the back of the pole barn, all covered up and nicely stored a bike I had forgot about. My moms 1966 Honda 150. I believe she called it the Dream. Checked to see no gas in tank or carb,very happy about that, checked oil, it was proper level, back to that in a bit. Threw gas in and found a new 6 volt battery, and 4 kicks later fired up and ran like a champ, then tried electric start and worked fine. Now back to my oil, and my real question. All these years I never really considered this but for some reason question came to mind. Do 4 stroke motorcycle oils contain something different because of the oil lubricates the engine and the clutch? Anyone have any recommendations for oil for this bike? Manual gives no recommendation for oil type, I suppose back in 66 there were not many options. Straight 30 weight? And what is the difference between 10w30 and straight 30 weight? Thanks to anyone with any insight on these questions.
Bob

 

[skyactiv]

Most automotive engine oils contain a friction modifier which can make motorcycle clutches slip. That wasn't the case eons ago. Using automotive oil in a motorcycle that shares the oil in both the engine and transmission which contains the wet clutch, can result in deadly consequences. Instead of a near miss if you pulled left into oncoming traffic???

 

[Robenstein]

You can run Rotella 15w40 Diesel Oil in that old Honda. It is light years ahead of any oil that was made back in the mid 60's. It will flow to the critical parts better on startup than a straight 30 will, and will protect the engine from wear well. It also meets the JASO MA spec, which means it is designed for use in a wet clutch system like your Honda. Not to mention is is about 13 bucks a gallon. Many people use it in older bikes. My dad's 69, 74, and 79 Honda CB750's all have Rotella in em and run great.

 

[ccdhowell]

Congrats on the "find", that's a cool old bike, even more so that it was your moms bike. I second the use of Rotella 15w40, at least give it a try. The oil itself is top notch, but I personally think clutch engagement is too quick and jerky. But you may need something like that on that old bike. If you're not happy with the Rotella, Valvoline make a nice motorcycle 10w40 that is available on the shelf at Advance Auto Parts.

 

[BobbyO]

Thanks for the info! Skyactiv thanks for answering that part of my question. Thanks guys for the recommendation on the Rotella and give her a try. Yes it's a very cool old bike! Drained old oil and has a varnish smell, not as strong as a bad gas, but the oil was as bad as I have seen. Where can I find the Rotella? Auto parts store?

 

[Robenstein]

Wal Mart carries Rotella as will just about any auto parts store. I would do a short initial oil change interval to clean out the engine.

 

[ddrumman2004]

You might also check to see where the oil strainer is located on this engine. The Chilton manual I have with a copyrite date of 1966 lists the 160 engine....not the 150....but I would assume they are very similar.

The strainer is usually located under the clutch cover on these engines. I probably don't have to remind you to use an impact driver to remove the screws which seem to be made of cheese.

Rotella 15-40 oil is great oil for these old bikes. I run it in my 1975 Honda CB 500 Twin.

I must ask, how did you forget about this gem sitting at the back of you pole barn?

 

[ledslinger]

BobbyO - Got nothing for you related to your oil question, just happy to meet an old racer and honored to be in your thread. You sound like a cool guy. Enjoy your Mom's old bike. Tim

 

[GPducati]

Your right, the biggest problem with using a automotive oil in a motorcycle is the slipping of the clutchs. The best oil I think you can use for such an old motorcycle is a mineral oil for motorcycles.

Enjoy the bike!

 

[BigCahuna]

Right up to and including my '82 Honda Goldwing, the factory recommended a SAE automotive oil for the motors. They just specified what weight to use for the temperature. I don't believe Honda made or sold their own brand of oil way back then, but Harley did.,,

 

[Cujet]

I'm on my 47th motorcycle. I, personally, have never seen an automotive oil cause clutch slipping. I still use M1 automotive and diesel oils in my motorcycles. Clutch slipping is caused by abuse, weak clutch springs, worn clutch plates and so on. A properly designed, healthy clutch has enough torque capability to handle double the torque the engine produces. No "special oil" will cause that "healthy" clutch to slip.

Weak designs, worn components and so on will slip, regardless of what oil is chosen.

 

[sunruh]

+47 billion on Cujet!!!