Curious about the JASO MA standard. Is it that important that the oil we use has that standardization? I bought Castrol Synthetic 10W-40 that meets all the recommendations but the JASO. From the research that I've done, this shouldn't matter as the JASO is just the Japanese standardization for motor oil. Isn't the good old American API just as good? [sm=americanasmiley.gif]

 

I have used Kawi-Chem from the dealer, that way they can't say anything about the oil versus warranty issue that might come up. And I keep good records in my owner's manual. 1400 miles and getting ready to do my 4th or 5th oil change not sure as I am still at work and don't have my records here.

deej

 

after intial break in i use amsoil motorcycle oil. its a full synthetic and on my cbr600rr i noticed it ran a consistant 10 degrees or so cooler and shifted a little smoother. and its cheap for a full synthetic at around $5.80 a quart

 

Well the API is more for cars and the environment. When the API went to the SH grade, it was more for economy and emissions for cars, and the oil was actually a downgrade from the previous SG oil for the friction modifiers for motorcycles.

The JASO MA is a standard specifically created for Japanese 4-stroke motorcycle engines.

This is the way I look at it. The KLX only uses 1.5qt of oil. Since it is a hard working little engine, I think it deserves the best synthetic motorcycle oil. And yes, with the MA rating.

 

Hey Iowaguy. I thought the same thing, but I think that Thumpers advice is good advice. I did a little more research and found that while regular automotive oil is ok for the engine, it is hard on the clutches.

 

Decided to go with the Spectro Golden 4. I've always used Spectro 2-stroke oil and have been very pleased with it. It's also better to spend a couple more $$ and support a local motorcycle shop, rather than support a mega corp. like Wal-Mart.

 

Kona I have Golden Spectro in my KLX right now. The shifts are soooo much smoother, it runs cooler, quieter, and smoother.

You are right about what you said that the motorcycle oil matters more for the clutch and the tranny. On my BMW R1150R, I dump in Castrol car oil since the tranny is separate from the engine.

 

Hey Thumper. Just started it up after the oil change, and the engine is waayy quieter. The dealer has done the other oil changes and they didn't specify what oil they used, but after the last oil change shifting hasn't been as smooth, and the engine was noisier. I'm hoping this oil change clears that up, and then I'll stick w/the Spectro from now on.

 

Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but what is special about the Golden Spectro synthetic vs, say, Mobil1 synthetic? Are the car synthetics too slick? Will they cause clutch slippage on our bikes? Please let me know - I just bought 2 quarts of Mobil1 premium synthetic but I haven't put it in yet, so it's not too late.