Since ALMOST all of today's oils with a label of "Synthetic", are actually severely hydrocracked petroleum, it doesn't matter. Furthermore, even some TRUE synthetics are provided as factory fill in some engines (Porsche, Corvette, at least this was true the last time I heard...if it's changed, please, someone that knows these cars correct this information). It's just not the problem (that seems to have at least some anecdotal truth to it) from back in the 70's and 80's.

Use what you want. Simply keep tabs on it's viscosity (even "synthetics" shear), OR, change it about every 1000 miles on these thumpers. This advice also goes for good old Rotella...that's the thing...doesn't matter if you use a proven Group III oil, or a "Synthetic", they last about the same amount of time in this application.

 

Just an FYI to any future new owners, it is generally thought that changing the oil after a hard break in at 40 miles and then at 100 or so, then 500 and finally every 1000 miles till full synthetic oil is added, has been pretty successful. The important thing is to get the oil out sooner rather than later will get rid of the metal from the breakin.

I've been running Amsoil full synthetic 10,000 mile oil in my Dodge Diesel truck and in the KLX, and recently in my Honda ST 1300 as well. Its $12.00 a quart. In the KLX I am now changing oil every 3500 miles.

 

Holy $144 oil changes batman!

 

My little powerstroke diesel only uses about 16 quarts and the chevron delo15-40 costs less than 10$ per gallon FYI.

Mobile 1 synthetic is cheap and available, even at walmart. It always has worked great in my off road bikes. Last I heard it was still a real, pure, honest, synthetic.

 

bought a used klx250s 2012 with 930 miles . noticed in the sight glass oil was getting low . i did everything by the book, but the oil sight glass is empty . is this normal? waited a while, drove it around a little bit . im unsure what to do now . i tightened up the drain plug bolt , added some more oil , still little to nothing in the sight glass. im guessing my only option now is to completely drain out the oil and start over again rather than assume there is a quart and a half of oil in the crankcase and ruin the engine.

 

Don't panic. There's bound to be enough oil or it would have let you know at this point. Let's look at how you're checking the oil in the first place. How are you orienting the bike?...what's the bike sitting on?...is the bike flat and level?

 

Are you reading the oil level while the bike is upright?

 

Did you know this thread is 3 years old ?

Well any time I buy a used bike the first thing I do is change the oil and filter ! Who knows whats in there and when the last time someone changed it, if they did at all.

Make sure the bike is straight up and down on a level surface and then check the sight glass.

 

Hey, give the guy credit for keeping his question oil change/oil level related even on an old post.

 

Yes sir he did !