oil
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kmrcstintn
- Member
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- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2011 4:23 pm
it's NOT a simple answer, but this article (several parts) can enlighten you about conventional vs synthetic (and the different base groups that are labeled 'synthetic'): http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/whats-in-your-motor-oil/
in MY understanding, most 'synthetic blends' sold in the U.S. will contain a majority of group II or group IIa conventional basestocks with a minority of group III 'synthetic' basestocks (non PAO & non ester); group III hydrocracked basestocks can be labeled 'synthetic' because their characteristics 'mimick' those of PAO and ester basestocks over the majority of the temperature range and unfortunately creates alot of confusion over what you are really paying for...
currently I am using Pro Honda HP4M synthetic blend 10w-40 with moly motorcycle oil...my guess is that it is a blend of group IIa with group III basestocks with moly added as an antiwear additive...a good oil since the Buddy engines don't have a wet clutch system that can get messed up with moly (can cause clutch slippage);
then there's the whole motorcycle oil vs heavy duty engine oil vs passenger car oil debate...I have NO problem using a 15w-40 hdeo (which the Buddy manual calls for), but I already have several quarts of the Honda motorcycle oil on hand so that is what the scooter gets (the moly negates using it in my Yamaha V Star since it has a wet clutch system)
like I said...NOT a simple answer; if you want a good full synthetic product that won't break the bank I have several recommendations for you...
Amsoil 10w-40 scooter oil...my Buddy dealer (BMA Cycles) carries it for @ $8 to $9 per quart depending upon market price; not sure if group III basestocks or group IV, but great price
Suzuki 4-cycle 10w-40 synthetic racing oil...my Yamaha dealer (Lebanon Valley Cycles) carries it for @ $9 per quart and the lead service writer uses it in his bikes; this is made for Suzuki by SOPUS (Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker State) which uses group III basestocks
Valvoline 4T Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil...can be found at AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts for $9 to $10 per quart; most likely group III basestocks
in MY understanding, most 'synthetic blends' sold in the U.S. will contain a majority of group II or group IIa conventional basestocks with a minority of group III 'synthetic' basestocks (non PAO & non ester); group III hydrocracked basestocks can be labeled 'synthetic' because their characteristics 'mimick' those of PAO and ester basestocks over the majority of the temperature range and unfortunately creates alot of confusion over what you are really paying for...
currently I am using Pro Honda HP4M synthetic blend 10w-40 with moly motorcycle oil...my guess is that it is a blend of group IIa with group III basestocks with moly added as an antiwear additive...a good oil since the Buddy engines don't have a wet clutch system that can get messed up with moly (can cause clutch slippage);
then there's the whole motorcycle oil vs heavy duty engine oil vs passenger car oil debate...I have NO problem using a 15w-40 hdeo (which the Buddy manual calls for), but I already have several quarts of the Honda motorcycle oil on hand so that is what the scooter gets (the moly negates using it in my Yamaha V Star since it has a wet clutch system)
like I said...NOT a simple answer; if you want a good full synthetic product that won't break the bank I have several recommendations for you...
Amsoil 10w-40 scooter oil...my Buddy dealer (BMA Cycles) carries it for @ $8 to $9 per quart depending upon market price; not sure if group III basestocks or group IV, but great price
Suzuki 4-cycle 10w-40 synthetic racing oil...my Yamaha dealer (Lebanon Valley Cycles) carries it for @ $9 per quart and the lead service writer uses it in his bikes; this is made for Suzuki by SOPUS (Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker State) which uses group III basestocks
Valvoline 4T Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil...can be found at AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts for $9 to $10 per quart; most likely group III basestocks