Engine oil type?

[R65Singh]

I just came across this article on the internet.  It is getting harder and harder to find 20W50 oil here.  It used to come in a gallon jugs and now all they sell is one liter bottles for almost $10 at local Canadian Tire store and almost impossible to find in synthetic.  What most of you guys use?
http://www.wisegeek.com/can-i-put-oil-for-a-car-into-my-motorcycle.htm

Some even say that using Rotella Diesel Engine oil in motorcycles is another good option....what you guys think?

[Motu]

HDEO are hard to find in 20-50 too, although Penrite do a very good one....but probably not in Nth America.  A 15-40 HDEO would be ok for Canadian winters, depending on how cold is cold. Castrol GTX is a good standby, or a good standard. I'm using Valvoline XLD Classic 20-50 at the moment - made for pre '93 engines.

[Barry]

Some even say that using Rotella Diesel Engine oil in motorcycles is another good option....what you guys think?  

The old Shell Rotella was a 15W40 but Shell don't use the Rotella name in the UK domestic market so I can't buy it.  Instead I use any other decent 15W40 dual rated petrol/diesel oil that meets the European ACEA A3/B3  or A3/B4 specification.

There is a range of ACEA specifications. You don't want A1/B1 because that's too thin or A2/B2 because that's obsolete. A5/B5 is the top spec oil but that's also much too thin.

[Justin B.]

I have found that Valvoline Racing Oil has ZDDP and is available in the correct weight.  But, this is not a "pet oil" and I refuse to turn this into a DOT or I will be forced to move it and I'm basically lazy...  

[79beem]

I use Penrite HPR GAS10 Semi Synthetic, 10w50 Extra 10, rated at A3/B5. Ideal for 4stroke bikes according to the blurb on the back label. As recommended by the local BM mech.

[Barry]

Didn't know you could get Acea A3 spec combined with the top spec B5. That sounds like good stuff. A3 is a good petrol spec and  B5 means it's suitable for the most demanding diesel engines.

[79beem]

Ooops! Typo, A3/B4 [smiley=whistling.gif]

[Barry]

A3/B4 is still good stuff.

[Bob_Roller]

I think to put it simply, if you can avoid using automotive oils, do so,  use motorcycle specific oils instead, if reasonably available in your area .

Again, these are not high tech machines, don't get too obsessive about the fluids you use, just use a quality product, change it regularly and you shouldn't have any issues .