Its oil change time, pretend I'm a n00b....

The bike is an 82 XJ750J Maxim with 18,000 miles. The place is Houston TX where the temps are starting to get into the 90s. I'm going to change my oil and filter next weekend.

Recommend me an oil (brand, weight) for my riding environment. And how much should I put in? The manual I have is not in quarts but I buy oil in quarts...if I do the conversions it would appear that I should but just under 3 quarts? (2.80 litres, or 5.9 Pints)

 

For the 90's you should be just fine with Castrol 20/50, Golden Spectro 20/50, Shell Rotella 30 weight, the list goes on. Find what you like or have researched to your satisfaction and run it.
Your sump holds 2,400 ml, about 2.5 quarts. Just fill up with 2.2 quarts, turn the engine over for a few seconds (between 15 to 20 seconds) and top off.
Good luck!

 

Taken from the XJCD:

XJ750J Oil Capacity

Periodic Oil Change.................. 2.5L ..... 3.81 US qt
With Oil Filter Replacement....... 2.8L ..... 2.64 US qt
Total Amount........................... 3.5L ..... 3.81 US qt

Engine Oil Type or Grade

Yamalube 4 cycle oil or SAE 20W40 type SE motor oil ( if temperature does not go below 5 C or 40 F )

If you do a search for oil type on this site you will see it's like talking politics or religion, you won't get one answer for the type to use.

 

But you will get a pile of opinions and start a small riot if you ask!

 

Don't forget to use a torque wrench when replacing the filter cover, 11 ft lb.

Conversion scripts:

http://www.taylormade.com.au/billspages ... table.html

 

you mention 2 different 20/50 and then the Rotella 30. Why a 30weight instead of a 20/50? I have been using the YamaLube but all the talk of the Rotella has me interested in trying that.

I know a have a couple of small leaks (seepage) would I have a problem going Synthetic? I have been considering that as well.

 

Just use a non energy saving 50 weight oil. Don't worry about whatever's the low temp visicosity, unless you plan to be riding it below freezing.