Preferred Brands

Are there preferred brands of oil for motorcycle use?

Oils $5.00 or less that rate above average at a discount price: Belray EXP Blend M/C $4.99, Motul 3100 Blend M/C $5.00, Golden Spectro Blend M/C $4.95, Mobil 1 Tri-Syn Auto $4.29, Shell Rotella 15w/50 Auto $1.39.

• Golden Spectro ranks highest in anti-wear additives with Shell Rotella second, the others rated well.
• Best in Extended Oil Changes is Mobil 1 Tri-Syn, second Motul 3100, others rated well.
• Best in Low Mileage Extended Sit Time is Shell Rotella, second Motul 3100, others rated well.
• Best in Hot Running Evaporative Losses is Mobil 1 Tri-Syn, second Belray EXP, others rated well.
• Best in Viscosity Retention is Shell Rotella, second Belray EXP, others rated well.

This doesn't include all the data, but most of it. Remember, this list is of oils $5.00 or less; there may be better oils, but you will have to pay $7.95 to $9.95 a quart, and the difference in protection is not that much greater if any at all.

Please remember rule #1 when it comes to oil: The most important thing is that the oil is changed regularly. What you change it with or what specific change interval is used are secondary.

A club favorite synthetic is Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5W-40. It's made for turbo-diesel trucks, but works great in the Ninjette. You can find it at Wal-Mart, truck supply stores, and tractor/farm stores. Be sure to do your research before you switch to synthetic.

Make sure to read this oil article, too.