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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Oil Question: SG, SL?
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Message started by Digger on 12/17/05 at 09:45:17

Title: Oil Question: SG, SL?
Post by Digger on 12/17/05 at 09:45:17

A question about API oil ratings:

I currently use Mobil Clean 5000 motor oil in my Savage. FYI, it is a petro-based oil. Yes, I'm fully aware of the advantages of synth oil, however, my strategy is to buy oil cheap and change it often.

The Mobil Clean 5000 oil label reads: "API SM/CF, SL, SJ, SH, SG."

The SG rating is a good thing, according to my Owner's Manual.

I have bottle of TropArtic (for my cage) that reads: "API Service SL, SJ." Note that it does not say "SG."

Neither of the bottles features the API "Starburst."

QUESTION: Is the TropArtic oil "worse" for my bike than the Mobil oil?

Title: Re: Oil Question: SG, SL?
Post by bentwheel on 12/17/05 at 11:55:19

Always go by the highest rating on the label. The SM rating supersedes SL; SJ, SH, and SG. Oil technology is advancing at a tremendous pace with five year old technology already being obsolete. Unfortunately motorcycle specific oil is not a high (or medium) priority for refineries. Finding an appropriate oil for an air cooled motorcycle with a traditional wet clutch is becoming more difficult every passing year. The sad part is, old technology works best for our Savage. An oil with a SG high rating is a good match for us. I can recall years ago, when it was not recommended to use SJ oils in a motorcycle. Unfortunately we can't stop advancements so the newer upgraded ratings are what we have to deal with and not always the best solution for our bikes. The higher API ratings generally mean more lubricious which is good for the automotive industry and not necessarily so good for us. That being said, I personally believe Mobile refines the best oil in the Industry, but they are not doing Savage owners any favours.

Title: Re: Oil Question: SG, SL?
Post by rokrover on 12/17/05 at 16:05:44

Bentwheel is right - oil technology is advancing rapidly but not necessarily in the right direction for air-cooled motorcycles with a wet clutch and common transmission / engine lubrication. Auto oils are evolving wityh additives for reduced friction for higher mileage (energy conserving II) that are BAD for wet clutches. Also, the phosphorous-based anti-wear additives are being reduced to avoid harming catalytic converters but sacrificing some antiwear capabilities. That's why JASO (Japanese Auto Standards Association) specified the "MA" standard specifically for motorcycles and this is what you need, not necessarily the best automotive oil. Suzuki recommends the earlier SF/SG grade or SH/SJ with the MA designation. SL and higher may not be advisable.

Title: Re: Oil Question: SG, SL?
Post by klx650sm2002 on 12/18/05 at 01:42:26

I was under the impression there were no motorcycle specific oils later than SG.

Clive W :D