What brand and type of oil do you use in your Wing and why?

[85GL1200I]

I have used Shell Rotella Synthetic that past few oil changes. Didn't notice a big difference in shifting or motor noise, but I did need to lower my idle speed a bit since I started using the synthetic. Seems things are slip-slidin away pretty smoothly inside my motor.

[rcmatt007]

I used to use castrols synthetic, but now I use Mobil 1.... not for any particular reason... Mobil 1 is SUPPOSED to make a "big twin" oil for my harley, but I have never seen it on any shelves.... so for that bike I use HD's syn 3. I bet that the syn 3 would be a good wing oil, but it is $9 a qt, so a bit stiff

[William_86]

Running Castrol GP

[Skymajic]

OK, so it seems that we cannot come up with a general consensus on a preferred motor oil for the GL1200.
So lets try another tact.....



Which motor oil would you NOT use in your Wing, and why?
Also, which oil additives would you not use and why?

[Guest]

If you use "cooking" oil, you'll "fry" the motor! hock:

[Skymajic]

Yeah yeah, I know.
If ya want the good comedy, there's a 3 drink minimum! :lol:

[Ranch55]

Golden Spectro Synthetic Blend ----- Manufactured specifically for motorcycles with wet clutches.
Been using it for 20 years.

[silverfoxwing]

Castrol GTX 20W50 motorcycle specific oil.

Howard 8) 8)

[rcmatt007]

OK, so it seems that we cannot come up with a general consensus on a preferred motor oil for the GL1200.
So lets try another tact.....
Which motor oil would you NOT use in your Wing, and why?
Also, which oil additives would you not use and why?

I wouldn't use an "off-brand" oil unless it were an emergency and then I would change it quickly

[pappy]

What would be considered an "off-brand"? Something that didnt meet the same API service spec, or a store brand oil? I ran Castrol 20W50 and now run the Wal-mart 20W50. The Wally world container says it meets API service symbol SM, same as the Castrol container. I cant tell the difference in shifting with either one of those oils, I can tell a difference in my wallet however. I have never seen an engine tore down that had run the Wally brand to see if it build up deposits or sludge or anything. I personally think the frequency of oil changes is more important than the brand of oil assuming the oil meets the API specs.

[rcmatt007]

yes I meant store brand.... but remember oil does not equal oil.... all oils have lots of additives, polymers to effect viscosity, detergents, anti-foaming agents etc etc etc... generally it is the case that you get what you pay for.... 15 years ago I knew an engineer form amoco products, he said that they made a lot of the additives, and that in his opinion (at that time) penzoil was the best

you are right, though, regular oil changes are the best, then the question is how well the individual oil holds up bewteen those changes

[bluewing]

I have been using BelRay EXP Semi-Synthetic and I have had good luck with it. I was going to use Moble one synthetic but I cant find it.

[murchison]

Hi Guys I am about ready to switch to Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil . What would you all recommend for flushing if at all the engine with before I load it with synthetic.....

Chris

[rcmatt007]

I wouldn't worry about flushing it.... synthetic oils are compatble with dyno's....

[Guest]

OK, after reading ALL the posts about oil, here is what my situation is:

My wing (1987 gl1200 47k miles) sat in a garage for 1 1/2 years before I bought it. I took off the carbs and cleaned them, and had to replace the pulse generators (another fine example of how this forum can help), but not much else. It started smoking during startup. I read that since wings have horizontal cylinders, a little oil might seep past the guides and cause this. Well, recently it started smoking worse. It used to stop smoking after it warmed up a little. Not lately.

So I bought some seafoam, oil and a filter. I changed the oil and filter and put 1/2 pint of seafoam in the crankcase. NO MORE SMOKING!!!!! Is that cool or what! I know alot of you are going to say that I should take the whole thing apart and repair whatever was causing it to smoke in the first place, but I am happy with the way things have turned out. Just wanted you guys to know you helped me again!