What Oil

[barney 66]

Im sure this has been done or asked a load of times but I can’t seem to find a definitive answer, I am looking to change the oil on my 1976 350 Strada, I have read about people saying don’t use fully synthetic as it doesn’t mist, also detergents disturb deposits so not to use unless cleaning sludge trap and others seem to swear by it
So what do people recommend on here, mineral semi or fully synthetic and recommended grade please ? summer use only 38,000 Km and will be ridden in the upper half of rev range, won’t say thrashed
Thanks barney

[bigred]

Hi I have a 500 and as the clutch is dry use VALVOLINE VR1 20w/50 Racing Oil. it has High zinc / phosphorus which provides extreme wear protection, including flat tappet applications. Ideal for older motors. Its a car oil not reccomended for bikes but a lot of brit bike owners use it.

[Steve Brown]

Sorry Barney but there is no definitive answer. For every recommendation there will be a well argued case for and against. All supported by evidence from noted experts. There will then usually follow insults to intelligence and or parentage.
Best I can say is none of what I have used over the last 40 odd years has proven wrong and I have dabbled in most theories apart from castor oil (in a Morini at least)
And if you are not thrashing your Morini then why aren't you?

[barney 66]

Thanks for the replies, so may I ask what you do use Steve, and answer to your question being new I didn’t want to be seen as a hooligan, but yes your right of course I will thrash it, the plus side is oil will be changed regular whatever I decide to use
Thanks again

[MickeyMoto]

Ooh, a new oil thread, I'll draw up a chair...

Please ask about tyres, too!

[Steve Brown]

Thanks for the replies, so may I ask what you do use Steve, and answer to your question being new I didn’t want to be seen as a hooligan, but yes your right of course I will thrash it, the plus side is oil will be changed regular whatever I decide to use
Thanks again

Currently I have a stock of 4 ltr cans of 20w/50 semi synth that is on offer at a well known German firm with a name that sounds like Louis. Also spelt the same. I always look at the JASO spec etc and take into account I don't need a 'bike specific' oil as the 350/500 has a dry clutch. I change it annually as having a couple of bikes to choose from my mileage is not an issue now. I also buy Duckhams classic 20w/50 when I see it and have also bought and used 10w/40 semi from Putoline, Morris and Silkolene. They all meet specs that were high by the standards of the day these bikes were made and I don't believe any of us do the mileage on the air cooled bikes anymore. I do try to avoid short trips and get the engine properly warm to reduce or avoid mayonnaise build up. So if the can has the right specs and it's a brand I've heard of I'll use it. Ref branding, supermarkets or bike retailers like Louis/Gericke etc do own brands supplied by the main oil firms and labelled to suit, they should still have the recognised specs on the labels.
So the definitive answer is Extra Virgin Olive oil, it's all I use and an expert told me.

[barney 66]

Great thanks for the reply, I happen to have morris 20/50 in stock as I also use in my Mg Td so that will do the job nicely,
Thanks

[MickeyMoto]

I used Morris v twin in my Laverda. Good for roller bearing cranks. Not sure what is best for plain bearings.