Motorcycle Oil: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.

In this video I wanted to take some time to sit down and go over some fundamental principles that you can use when it comes to understanding your bikes need for that oil change you have been putting off.
Want your bike to last? Feed it oil and filters. It will be worth every dollar spent and every mile reached.
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[@bdrift107]

I recommend using "OIL". So far it has worked out for me as opposed to using "NO OIL".

[@matowixunplugged7927]

I use canola oil in my scooter to save money I can spend on beer

[@JCcanU]

Bdrift10 you are 100% right , never take advice from a guy wearing kitchen gloves and works on Handa .

[@disbsam333]

@@matowixunplugged7927 if you put some salt in the gas, it makes salad dressing come out the exhaust.

[@crupert23225]

Good call. That's advice I can USE!

[@brianx04]

I go with what the engine manufacturer recommends. Never listen to the oil manufacturer, or idiots in the youtube comment section....

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

BAM!

[@vinnyvdalidemonet8527]

TheMotorcycleMD I sure appreciate your time and effort and sharing the knowledge. Thank you very much Cody. You do a great job on these videos. I have learned so much from you and used the lessons with great success. You have helped give me the confidence to make sure my 93 F2 is going to be more reliable. My F2 is working the best it ever has since I bought a few years ago. I ride it almost every day at least long enough for a "love my bike run". True Story Man, Thanks.

[@msdlebeau]

Bought my first bike 2 months ago... Can't wait to start taking it apart and learning how to do maintenance on it myself. Until then, very grateful for these videos to teach me what I need to know. Glad I found a trustworthy source.

[@lucbos7516]

Valvoline Dura Blend The best 4T motorcycle oil

[@mkrajina17]

Great job cody!! Thank you for such informations. Watching every video. I got a vlx 600 1996, almost did the carb settings with your help now it runs like a beast!!

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

I use Rotella on my $50,000.00 500 Cat and if it is good enough for that it will work on anything. Mine lasted 500,00 miles not problem. Also we used diesel generators in the oil field and on marine applications that never shut off and life forever by just keeping the oil filters changed regularly without changing oil at all.

[@tylanway5450]

I would trust anyone that has a Cat that cost $50,000.00 because you watch every penny

[@andrewbecker3700]

The Rotella runners are a lost cause. "I run it in my earth mover so it must be the best oil for everything!" Frick'n hilarious!

[@richbashore7470]

Another great video, Cody. Thanks!

[@TWPeeps]

You r right on brother. I have a Suzuki DL 1000 with 180,000 on it. Have serviced it dead on to your video. Never been in the shop a DAY! If people would treat their cycle to your advice, it would seriously financially hurt the motorcycle industry. Bikes would last 200k plus. Great video and ABSOLUTELY correct!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks SID!! Your absolutely right! Unfortunately, people won’t listen. Budgets get tight and life gets busy. Keep up the great work brother! Ride safe!

[@niechcekanalu]

Great video, not only this one. Very helpful and clear to understand, I will keep watching your channel. Greetings from Poland.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man! Greetings from Norfolk, VA!

[@pabloh.5124]

Thanks for all the info and tips you share! Definitely a great help to make sure I do a great maintenance to my Honda Tornado XR250 ;) Greetings from Costa Rica buddy, keep it up!

[@ANEVOLOVER]

Good info. Never realized how dirt gets in the oil thru the intake valves. I ride alot of dirt roads. I will change my oil more often now. Thanks!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Absolutely!

[@MicJaguar]

Spacerider i would also keep a good quality and good seal around your airbox. Thats where most dirt gets in.

[@ANEVOLOVER]

Chris B thanks for that tip. I will check that.

[@BrandonLund]

You do a very good job teaching and explaining things. Happy New Year brother:)

[@Daniel-tj6mc]

Great video. Very insightful

[@chaddgostas6486]

Great job Cody! Thank you.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks Chadd! 🤙

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Great topic - important stuff for those who want to get the most out of bikes.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it

[@MikeFLHT]

Great video, Cody. Thank you.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man!

[@povlhalberg5361]

Thank you for this very good explanation. I ride a Honda Transalp XL 600 V, 1999. It has just passed 120.000km / 75.000 miles. Has never been opened other than valve adjustment and oil / filter change within specs. I use the specified oil as in the manual, shift brands now and then, whatever is on sale of known brands. Runs very good.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

As long as you keep the oil fresh, you are doing better than most! Keep it going man! Good job!

[@povlhalberg5361]

I promise to change the oil more often than specs. At minimum once a year or 4000km what comes first. It is so easy to do and the cost is low.

[@Weedweed811]

I love your videos. The knowledge you share is great. Thank you

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoy info! I enjoy sharing!

[@tndeere]

Stumbled onto your channel today......Great info,thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@charger19691]

One of the best informative videos on the effects of engine oil and motorcycle engine wear and tear. It also proves my point that you can never "over change" your engine oil and filters. I do not believe in extended oil drain intervals.

[@dericpajalla5980]

great, this video gives me lots of tips when it comes to maintaining my engine. thanks

[@noahsmyth357]

Hey! You're videos are great man! Super informational in a very straight forward and understandable way. I also like that you aren't trying to sell anything you're just givin the facts as they are🤘. I just found my passion for motor bikes this last summer as I bought a 74 Honda and now I am intrigued to work in a repair shop. I am curious to know what steps you made in order to get where you are today. I want to one day soon be in a shop working on old bikes, it seems like a rewarding career. Thanks again for your videos and info to keep my bike tip top. ✌️

[@cassandramckinney2638]

Any chance you would be willing to help someone with advice on an 87 Honda shadow 1100 I just got the bike and replaced the clutches but I used automotive oil being an automotive mechanic I readily have access to that oil what kind of damage could I be doing the bike did sit for 3 years before I got it

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

i have buddies that change their oil in the off season and thats it. Gets a phone call and they ask whats ya up to. I say doing an oil change on the bike. Them...didn't ya just do that last week or 2 weeks ago.... Me yep but we did that 6hr run the other day and I have been driving it back and forth to work and a few 50 k unwind runs lol. I give the used oil (from my cars and trucks as well) to a company that cuts the brush for powerlines and highways etc etc to use for chain oil. They appreciate it and every xmas I get a bottle of whisky and a case my gf's fav wine. Oil is cheap. I can do an oil change cheaper than a bottle of whisky or a case of beer and neither of those last as long as the oil change. So good money spent.

[@MrRoadrunnerman]

Very Good video Cody.. you explained exactly what dirty and long over-do oil change can do to the internal parts.

[@donovanlucibello379]

A great "Oil" video, Cody, without getting into an "oil thread" endless discussion. Great content, brother.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man!

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Great video, thanks for the info.

[@AKAMedRiderTunBiker]

Hello , i have 125cc bike it have 8000 mile i use mobil 1fully synthétic 0 w 40 as the recommandations of bike manual but the clutch keep slipping between gears on accelration even its a brand new bike what about motul 5100 any ideas ?

[@GPgman]

Won't use a grade other than the manual says but will not go 8k miles if it says so. Why?

[@claytons8263]

Great and informative video. Keep up the great. My first bike was a 1978 xs 400 o bought from my neighbor. I sold that and bought my 80s nighthawk and have had nothing but Honda's since Go Honda.

[@bikerjon153]

Just discovered your channel,wish I found it when I had my zrx1100. Those carbs gave me so much shit it had to go. You have me subscribed fella.

[@stevenfranklin7023]

thanks Cody , I'm a backyard motorcycle-mechanic-wannabe , taking in every tutorial you put out , awaiting your next lesson.

[@x1tekja]

Great info. Can't tell you how often I see people who want to ride those 8k on their oil. Agree with you 100% 4k should be the absolute most for a bike you love and sooner if you can. Here in cali those miles go by so quick .. had to do changes 4 times last year.

[@mikegermain7033]

Great video Cody I have a very basic thought process in life, listen to the professionals who you trust and go with it. I'm not a mechanic so grav knowledge where you can you are a great wealth of information!

[@razzberryscary]

My motorcycle service manual recommends oil change at 6000miles/10000km. So do I change at the recommended change or as ur recommendation at 4000miles?

[@toymurhossainnoyon8196]

Bajaj discover 100cc bike. Engine oil recommend 20w40 .but i used 20w50 winter time. Cold time used possible 10w30 semi synthetic.use 10w30 any problem piston rings?

[@danielmcgrath9369]

Excellent video mate.Ride safe and have fun.

[@inthenameofjustice8811]

Superb explantion of the types of oil and why changing it often is a very good idea.

[@paulacabbo466]

i can't understand how a multigrade viscosity index can rise as the oilheats up but at same time the oil is getting thinner, do you know what the best lubricant is ?

[@MegaPoxie]

What's your take on oil grade versus aged and rattly motor? Do you change to a thicker oil or add some oil additive or just let it rattle itself to bits? Engine is a K1 BMW so dry clutch and separate gearbox with nearly 200K on the clock.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

I would probably use a little thicker oil on an old clunker. Clearances are looser and such. It will possibly prolong the rattling itself to bits part lol

[@lawrencelimco]

Cody ur the best. I wish i could work with you. Im a former Toyota and Honda tech. But i work on scotters. And now sell Honda parts. Your info is so informative for the noobs out there.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Glad you enjoy the content man! 🙌 Thank you for your Kind words!

[@Para-ni5lx]

I finished this video. THANKS very informative.

[@akbarhussain1767]

Hi there Cody,thank you again, for a great explanation ,of why we need to take precautions, with our oil usage,a crucial part of maintenance, thank you friend,Extremely Important !!😊😊😊

[@Para-ni5lx]

Dear Sir. I just bought a 2003 gsxr my 1st bike. Didn’t have a manual and put a car engine oiL. Sir, What do you recommend the best way to flush out a wrong motorcycle oiL used aside from just draining it? And what oiL do you suggest for my bike. Many Thanks!!

[@DonMillerCET]

Great videos .. I've learned a lot. Thank you

[@adambakri7790]

Hi bro MotorcycleMD I'm from Singapore. Just bought a bike CB 125R 2019. The climate here in Singapore is hot and humid average temp Ard 30 deg/cel. What oil grade do you recommend as the manual stated 10w30 but I think in my country temp I don't think suitable. Should I get a thicker grade oil like 20w50? Thanks bro good video.

[@bakhtiarrashid9048]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@geraldcesena0158]

Thank you for this video

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Your welcome!

[@mahadeochateram514]

Hey I use motul 7100 on my air cool bike. Now my country temperature is 25 degree Celsius. Can you recommend a grade. Thank you

[@heartdeleon6594]

My Motorcycle manufacturer recomends 10w30 but unfortunately very hard to find here in my place. IT IS SAFE TO USE 10W40 OR IT WILL AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE? CLIMATE Temp. Is at 10-40 degrees celcius. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL THE ANSWERS.

[@samgonfle531]

Hello thanks for your work. I have a question: this oil can you advise me for my virago 1000. I live in the hot climate.e.

[@DCGULL01]

Informative & useful. Thanx!

[@georgemathiellis5486]

Does the synthetic oil gets bad after a year in the engine if the motorcycle does make the required mileage for the oil change?

[@NickHellings-zq8xt]

First time I have watched your channel.... very well explained, I subscribed and I’ll check in to watch more ! Very well done.

[@BasicPoke]

Thanks man, good advice

[@toddjacobs5660]

I knew already what you said, but you explained it very well...

[@DHealy91]

Hi Cody, What about my 1989 Honda Africa Twin, In the manual it says to use “good quality motor oil” rating SL/CF . It doesn’t mention motorcycle oil. Back in 1989 did motorcycle oil exists ? Is there a exception with car oils in older bikes ?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Back in 79 GN4 Honda motorcycle oil existed. No exceptions. Cars still used two different oils. Bikes still had clutches encased in the motor.

[@brianx04]

DHealy91 The "SL" standard has been replaced with the "SN" industry standard. And the "CF" has been replaced with the "CJ-4" industry standard. The new standards also meet the old standards. You need an oil that is API certified for both SN AND CJ-4 standards. Brand doesn't matter.

[@TheTedy1972]

In Australia, some Penrite oils can be used in both cars & bikes. You just have to look for the motorcycle symbol on the bottle. Motorcycle oils usually are a better quality oil than car oils because of the more extreme conditions inside a motorcycle engine compared to a car engine. However some car oils are of a high enough quality with the right additive package that they can be used in motorcycles. It is safer to buy motorcycle branded oils, but with a little research you could find a number of suitable car oils as well.

[@rickyg.1854]

Enjoyed your video. Since you work on Honda's i'm wondering if you can help me here. I have a 2000 honda magna and i just cleaned my carbs and synchronized them on a bench. After carb install and start up I fine tuned the carbs once more. However it still has a slightly noticeable rough idle. i have not adjusted my carb pilot screws since they use a D-shape tool in order to adjust. Can you he;p me by telling me what size D-tool screw driver my Honda would use and where can I get one.. I understand that not too many places sell these tools to just anyone. But knowing the size perhaps I can order one on the internet.

[@ArcolaBridge]

I want to use motul Factory line 5w 40 bike formula in my TDI... Maybe not safe for the DPF? But will the fact that it is made for wet Clutch mean more wear because of the lack of friction modifiers? It is a dual Ester oil oh, so you would pretty much think it can't get better. But I wonder...

[@clydeespinosa6286]

Thanks on a twin 88 05 Harley do you recommend synthetic 20/50 in all 3 holes or primary oil gear oil in trans. In 05 they recommended single oil in new motorcycles not so much thanks for the video

[@tatuksa]

great video thanks for sharing and big love from saudi arabia 🇸🇦.

[@vinnyvdalidemonet8527]

tatuksa Awesome to see the World wide love. Ride fast and ride safe my brother.

[@robertadams4415]

Thanks for the info there is always more I can learn 😃

[@bigpapa8152]

You recommend changing oil at 4000 miles. Is that for mineral, synthetic, or both? Cheers.

[@ernies3370]

This is a awesome video - great stuff!

[@ashithcalicut]

I love watching your videos and I'm from India. Recently i replaced my cylinder and piston. After this a ticking or taping noise is coming from the engine. This happens only after the engine become hot. When it is started from cold there is no noise and is running smooth. The noise is there only when engine become warm. Please help me with this

[@mtriderankush9877]

I use 300v2 10w50 on my mt15.company recommended 10w40 yamahalube.bt I use motul 300v2.is it safe for bike life?

[@mr.all-in-1753]

Always quality video with some deep extras

[@Dipshitgarage]

My book says SAE 10 40 or SAE 30 for my 1980 honda cb750k 4. Would you please do a video of the starter clutch. Thanks.

[@thewidower1]

whyte dub this is the best information you can get. SAE is what you need to know. Society of automotive engineers. They establish the standard for all oils. When you buy oil, it has an SAE rating. It doesn’t matter if it says it’s motorcycle oil or not. All the other marks tell you the additives and detergents the manufacturer has added to the oil. The viscosity is measured in two numbers. One is how it behaves when cold, the other when warm or hot. This guy is trying to sell motorcycle oil but there is no such thing.

[@shanepipkin4041]

what do you think about motul 300v that oil works better in my honda than any other I've used?

[@jj.296]

love the way you explain these concepts!

[@timgoodwin-uy3pc]

Great information

[@1911ang]

Is there such thing as changing oil to often on a motor bike like dose the oil have to neutralise for it to work better?

[@Linkonem]

So motorcycle burning oil is like a standard thing? I was using my CB500X till I got almost 1 liter missing I didn't know oil can burn as well

[@ukusagent]

Cody I hope you don't mind Me passing on some knowledge I got in the 80's , I raced motocross , and raced 4 strokes at a time 2 strokes dominated the sport . I was lucky enough to finish my racing on a Mitsui Works Yamaha TT-600 that had be converted from its Enduro trim into a full motocross bike , The Engine is just like a XT-600 but it had a lightweight crome liner and used soft rings and the XT- had a soft liner and used chrome rings , The problem was the Transmission would over heat Oil would break down and Third gear would go soft and explode, Mitsui Yamaha contracted a university to go through and test every available Oil on the market at the time , and they found the Only oil that stood upto pressure and temperature was Shell Rimula X Diesel Oil . they tested expensive oils like Bell Ray and they all broke down with the exception of the Shell, They Raced the Bike for 3 years before I got it and I raced it another 3 with no gearbox failures and virtually no Engine wear , I used too change the Oil after every 2 meetings and the filter every meeting . Excessive I know but the Oil I drained was used doing Oil changes in My families cars ;-) . Just thought I would pass this on , I know Oil Tech has moved on a lot since then

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Ryan, thank you so much for that input. The best information is tested and proven. Thank you for sharing that! Really love hearing info like this!

[@dalehumphrey8765]

I use Rotella t-4 15w40 diesel oil in my Yamaha Roadliner.It calls for 20w50, but it shifts better on the Rotella

[@donaldbougie694]

Shell Rotella T6 5W40 is the best oil on the markett,for bike tractor mower and all because i take some test with all synthetic oil and the T6 Rotella is the best in a World for me.

[@DMD81773]

Hi. I have a 2002 Honda Sabre vt1100 twin pin engine. How mush engine vibration is normal for those accelerating. When accelerating the front end shakes violently. I pull the clutch in when it happens and the shake is gone.If i rev the engine with the clutch still pulled in the engine vibrated pretty good. Maybe a direction to point me in. I synched the carbs they are perfect. Carbs are clean and properly adjusted. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[@colinbegg9337]

I have a 06 sabre. Vibration on acceleration enough to shake speedo, but thats it. I think you have a suspension or tire issue. just my 2 cents

[@SVwindsor]

Thanks for explaining

[@chipchaffee2416]

Thank you for the great no bullshit video. Have a brand new Honda xr 650 l . There are so many rumors and marketing B.s it nice just to see and hear the truth . Getting ready to do first change . Toughest decision for me is Honda full synthetic or conventional Honda 10w 30 . Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated. I’m in Florida and very hot in summer months . Leaning towards synthetic? Drive bike very conservatively . Oil will be changed regularly. Thank you

[@gosoku2771]

Pro Honda motorcycle oil (GN4, HP4 and HP4S) is made by IDEMITSU KOSAN. Head office is in Tokyo Japan. Idemitsu Lubricants America ( formerly known as Idemitsu Apollo) is located in Torrance CA. I called and spoke with their represetative and verified this. It's NOT made by Mobil 1 or anyone else. In fact, LCR Honda has a MotoGP Idemitsu sponsored bike that's riden by Takaaki Nakagami #30. Hope this clears up the myth about Pro Honda oil once and for all.

[@chetanpatel1464]

Excellent explaintion

[@tomtrahan8485]

Cody, I have trouble wrapping my head around a wet clutch system. Your thoughts?

[@jamesdecarlo6829]

86 Honda rebel 450 using Honda oil, However in maryland it's cold so I will switch to 5-20 for the winter synthetic oil till spring generally warm weather I go back to 10-40

[@pwrflapper9415]

This was a great video...

[@Altruistic00]

Almost all smaller Honda motorbikes (mopeds under 150cc) here in South East Asia lack the oil filter as I found out on my 110cc moped. What are your thoughts on it and how will it affect the engine in the long run (considering bikes are being used daily in hot and humid weather)? Does this mean the engine runs on much finer tolerance as to minimise wear, hence the need to use better engine oil (syn)?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

In cases with mopeds, and scooters 250cc and under without an oil filter, or even with one. I would recommend you half the normal interval for full size bikes. So 1500miles is a safe number. Honda uses a semi synthetic blend with a moly additive for their popular metropolitan. I stick with that stuff for all of my small motor and power equipment motors.

[@Altruistic00]

TheMotorcycleMD Thanks for the advice. I’m already doing a 1000km interval oil change considering how hot it gets here (37deg celcius avg) + plenty stop & go. Currently using Castrol Halvoline Supermatic 10w40. Manual recommend 10w30 but I’m taking extra chance by going for thicker oil.

[@threedoz]

Hi Cody! Is it normal for a Honda CBR 1000rr sc59 2009 to burn 0.8 to 1 liter of oil after 1000km (600 miles)? Cheers from Hungary

[@benson4u215]

Matters if your using synthetic and revving it out, conventional oil can "burn" if the rpms are high enough. Full synthetic stays clean without sludging aslong as you have it flowing throughout the whole rev range :) none of my motors burn oil and I have over 6 vehicles that rev from 4k - 12k rpm not including tools

[@tomb8430]

I used 15W-50 in my bike and there is tappet noise when it's cold, and disappeared when warm. I'm about to change it out to 10W-30 (as per manual), but the question is, would the 15W-50 have done any damage? I never rode off on the bike cold, and engine seemed smooth and no noise when warm.

[@dontdoxmebro]

Technically, but unlikely - the oil pump could struggle to circulate a thicker oil. Which oil is always thicker before heat is applied. I’d just go with the manual if I were you.

[@nickchialOG]

I'm with you Honda is awesome!

[@grider8344]

Better go change the oil ha, great stuff mate , you explained it in layman's terms. Most people should get it excellent.

[@sheriffhd7242]

worked in a car retail store, had a guy ask what oil he needed for his hybrid lexus told him the one he needed (didnt like the price) picked up a 5L bottle of minerial and told me its all the same. Never saw him again but still wonder if the engine shat itself half as much as i expected it to

[@digger8180]

It's called total base number of the oil, the number the new oil starts with is the good addition of additives which help your engine, towards the end of the oils life the "TBN" drops off, and when it starts to drop off it goes exponentially. Hence the old saying as you yourself pointing out change your oil early rather than late. Hope this helps.

[@Superplumberinc]

Awesome Brother Good show

[@egdcuyagecuysadgcuys]

15:52 does anyone know what kind of rider error leads to this problem? Want to make sure i don't make that mistake :)

[@esatd34]

my 2007 small bike suggests 1500 mile changes, if i was an unaware person listening to you id go through 4000 miles...

[@wesleywelch3043]

I use real salted butter in dirtbike. It wotks great. Also use veg or canola oil.

[@guitarplayerwannabee]

Very interesting!

[@matowixunplugged7927]

I agree with you on all that

[@tomtrahan8485]

Learned a bit……. Did not know engines burn a quart per thousand miles!!!! Explains several questions I had on my vt1100. Thanks

[@davidives7997]

Ram the point home. Good tutorials. 👍

[@rickyrapeseed2041]

good stuff.