OIL - Natural vs. Synthetic

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Lars

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My KLR tends to burn oil. I've switched to a higher viscosity than came stock and that has helped alot but was wondering if it's worth while paying the extra $'s to use synthetic.Looking for some experienced advice on motor oils natural vs synthetic pros and cons etcs.
 
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motorambler

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I use "regular" oil in my DR350 but that's because I change the oil every 1000km as opposed to the factory suggested 6000km.
 
Strongleftleg

Strongleftleg

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There is endless info online regarding automotive/motorcycle oils. My personal summary of important facts:

Dirty oil is dirty oil. Synthetic doesn't mean changing oil any less frequently. On a motorcycle that shares tranny and crankcase oil you need to change it alot.

Any "non-motorcycle specific" oil is fine for a bike as long as it isn't labelled "energy conserving".

I use Rotella T 15w40 and change it alot. It's cheap, proven and readily available. I have used $10-20 a liter synthetic oil before, unless your racing I think it's a waste of money.

Aaron
 
MtB

MtB

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I have never used synthetic oil in any of my bikes. I change regular oil quite often, with no ill effects even on several high mileage bikes. Just make sure you use motorcycle oil with no antiware aditives, or it may cause a slipping clutch.
(just my $0.02 worth)
Mike
 
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scottbc

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Changing to syn. to slow down oil consumption won't work in my experience. i have a BMW R1100 boxer twin that drinks oil by my standards.

I have tried all different types of oil and have found that it uses syn. at a far greater rate than standard oil.
 
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mint400

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Syn, definitely seems better for cold starts. I'm told it dissolves sludge better, flows better, coats better, and lasts a bit longer.

For good or for bad, syn has a tendency to weep through thru seals and unclog things. Likely not going to improve your situation; yet may reduce further wear on your rings.

If your blowing lots of smoke, please :p ride behind any 08 DRZ you may see.
 
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franhoser

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I use 20w50 syntetic AMSoil on my husky TE610and change every 5000km per manufacturers suggestion.

After draining I notice the oil is still thick and guey. You wouldn't get that from regular oil. It be like water after that many miles. Syntetic also keeps the engine cooler, and lubes your gears and clutch better for longer.

for a few extra bucks a year, why take the chance.

now if you change ever 1000km then syntetic is a waste of money cause regular oil will do the job.
 
2Trider

2Trider

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synthetic all the way period
For the OP run the cheap stuff ...damage done fix it one day then switch

Back in mid '90s we had a fleet of KLX300's some ran on dino oil couple others on synthetic
the synthetic bikes or at least the one I used had about 7500km on it at years end with much less on the dino bikes. The compression levels were night and day at years end. The syn. bikes where noticeably higher effort to crank over than the dino bikes ..sold me there.
Even in a 350 motor I have when I pulled the heads the hone marks where still prevalent in the cylinders on a life of Synthetic..sold me again.

Synthetics are better able to handle the extreme conditions ..extra insurance.

Even in the 2 strokes ...would not use anything but a full Synthetic(Belray H1R)...just no wear at all ..at least oil related.

just my opinion:hb:
 
Jeckyll

Jeckyll

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First, if you really want to know about oil got to bobistheyoilguy.com

Second, run different kinds of oil for a 'stint' and send them in for analysis. That will really tell you.

Third, running in a 'dirty environment', you're probably going to see more silica in the oil. Meaning, more change = better. And once you've got abrasives in the oil, I personally don't give a damn if it's syn or dino.

My $0.02: I run the Castrol dino from Crappy Tire and I do changes at decent intervals.

I also find that my KLR _uses_ oil, but I'm not convinced that it burns oil. I.E. it's a big thumper without a PCV valve. So if you do a lot of higher speed long runs, it'll probably use some oil. Check here for more details of getting a PCV valve for you KLR
http://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22662

Just my $0.02 :)

Bjorn
 
TW_rider

TW_rider

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FWIW, I have run synthetic EXCLUSIVELY in my TW since the day I bought it. I haven't had to adjust the valves in over a year (although I do check them every 2000 miles). I have a tendency to change it more often than I should, if that's possible....
When Joe's Sporting Goods in Bellingham closed down, I bought a load of Mobil MX4T for $8/qt. I also found some at the old Walmart in Mt. Vernon, just before they closed down to move across the highway...got 4 qts there for HALF price ($4).

I now have over 20,000 MILES on this bike...don't know if that's "exceptional" or not for a single...especially one so small. What I do know is that synthetic runs cooler, starts easier and promotes less wear...all of these have been proven and that's good enough for me.
I am not trying to convert anybody...just stating my opinion! You can run Mazola if you want...I don't care, it's not MY bike!

:D
 
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Lars

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Ijust can't believe the amazing response to my question about oils! Youriders are an unbelievableresource and wealth of knowledge. :clap:

Thanks for taking the timeto reply withadvice from your years of experience! I have plenty to go on.

Thanks again.

Best regards and safe trails to All! :hb:

Lars
 
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Lars

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Ijust can't believe the amazing response to my question about oils! Youriders are an unbelievableresource and wealth of knowledge. :clap:

Thanks for taking the timeto reply withadvice from your years of experience! I have plenty to go on.

Thanks again.

Best regards and safe trails to All! :hb:

Lars
 
Buck

Buck

Moderator
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Lars I thought you were talking about your old KLR with a million miles on it!
A new motor would've fixed it!
But you now own a 08! Sounds like a warranty issue, even if it expired worth a try.
How many K on this bike?
No way a two year old bike should burn oil. (not even a KLR!) ;)
 
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zoo

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08 klr, I never use a drop of oil. Did I mention I used a 1/2 ltr in 4 hours on the freeway at 130km/h.

Everyone knows KLR's use oil when at high RPM's for extended period. If you dont you got a very special KLR.

I wouldnt waste $$$ on syn oil for a klr.

Its not a motor that works its ass off and runs at max RPM's.

I do run it in my KTM 450, but smaller engine and higher RPM, temp and abuse.
 
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