Engine oil question..

[95SaxonTour]

I have been running Havoline motorcycle oil (20-50w)in my MZ for years. I was wondering what others may be using that is serving them well. I've got biker friends who use car oil all the time in their bikes with no problems, But I always used the manufacturers brand in all my Japanese bikes without exception.

What is the exact brand and weight oil that was recommended by MZ for these bikes?

Thanks,
Ryan

[metric]

For once my German and English language versions of the Silver Star owner's manual are in agreement. Both indicate that the oil should be "at least API SF, SAE 15W-40". No brand is specified. At least in the USA 15W-40 oils are generally specified for Diesel applications and my opinion is that this is not appropriate for our engines. In the past I have used Lubro-Moly Voll-Synthese 5W-40; the oil pressure light illuminates at idle when the engine is warm. The owner's manual indicates that this is acceptable as long as the light is extinguished at about 1500 rpm, so I'm not concerned.

But I'm interested in others' experiences.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i have used Shell ROTELLA T SAE 15W-40 in both the Saxon tour and MZ RT125 for 10 years
the rt125 clutches lasted 10 years and 20,000 miles
after a 500 mile road trip the oil is weak and the oil light flickers (idle is 1800 rpm +/- a bit)
so i change it and the filter were talking about a motor that runs 9,000 to 10,500 rpm
at 65 to 70 mph for 6 to 8 hours 1 way on this road trip the bike has made this trip 4 times
that's about 2000 miles of very hard use. once i did 230 miles in 5 hours and it was running 10,200rpm
most of the trip this is one strong motor

have not road the Saxon Tour enough to give a report
i also use it in my 98 nissan truck

dave

[MZCountryRider]

I use Shell Rotella T 15w40 in all of my bikes and most of those I maintain for customers as well. These include several that are Rotax powered. If it was "not appropriate" for any of them, I'd know it by now. I run my '77 Yamaha XT500 hard in all sorts of temps and have yet to notice any ill effects related to the Shell. YMMV.

[Bertram]

Listers: I apologize for posting on this old thread. But I have a question about oil to run in my 1994 Silverstar Gespann. The owners manual recomends Shell Rotella 15/40. When looking to purchase this oil, all they sell is T3 orT4 which appears to be for Diesel application. Is this oil correct for the bike? Any advise would be most appreciated. I have other bikes in which I run either BMW 20/50, or Amsoil semi synthetic.

Regards Clark Bertram