What is the correct oil for my bike?

Hello all.

With a jammed float dumping fuel into the crankcase I have to change the oil. Previously I used Shell Advance SX4 20W-50 but this is expensive. Not being to sure if I've fixed the float issue I wanted to put some cheaper oil in to flush and then put the expensive stuff back in.
The Valvoline website suggests XLD Engine Armour 15W-40 for the Yamaha XJ750 so I purchased some of that (5 litres). I also purchased some Penrite Enduru 25W-70 ("for larger capacity older US and European motorcycles"). I purchased 9 litres of oil for a little over what 4 litres of the Shell would normally cost. But I know that cheapest often isn't best, but conversely is the most expensive always best?

Does anyone have any experience with any of these oils?

Are they all compatible with a wet clutch system? (The Penrite and Shell say as much on the label, but not the Valvoline)

I live and ride in a pretty warm climate (30 degrees centigrade +)

Thanks.

 

1. Avoid synthetics unless they are for motorcycles. most synthetics have ptfe which is a teflon suspended in oil. this teflon coats the clutch plates and you will find your bike does not move like it should.

2. many people recommend many types and weights of oils, my xs400j recommends I put in 10w30, but other use 20w50 , 10w40.

The xj750 haynes manual I have says the following:

2.5 liters / 4.7pints when just changing the oil

2.8 liters /4.9 pints of oil with filter

now it also says

20w40 when temps do not go below 40°f

10w30 when temps do not get above 59°f

hope this helps you out

 

In your climate I'd run 20W50 for sure. Castrol GTX ("car" oil) or Castrol 4T ("motorcyle" oil) both come in 20W50. Any good, non-synthetic oil that DOES NOT contain friction modifiers (usually labeled "fuel saving") is fine.
I've run exclusively Castrol GTX 20W50 in my Norton for 35 years without issue. I use 20W40 in my XJs most of the time but switch to 20W50 in the hottest part of the summer, which is probably about like your climate. {rude comment deleted}

 

Thanks Flash1259 & bigfitz52.

Yes, it gets hot here. 100 degrees farenheit yesterday. But cooler today so good for shed work.

I have plenty of Castrol GTX 20W50 lying around for the car. I had no idea you could use a "standard" car oil (with no friction modifiers). Anyway, carbs back on today, fresh oil and I'm off on another ride! Faaaantastic!

 

no problem , thats why we are all here , to help each other.

happy trails.

 

TriHard, I'll second the Castrol GTX20/50 recommendation. Sounds perfect for your environment. I've used it for 15+ years in my bikes without a single oil related failure. In fact, tear-down on my 81 Maxim 650 revealed that the lower end bearing showed almost no wear to speak of, a testament to good oil!

 

Thanks Gentlemen.

The Valvoline oil I purchased is synthetic so I'll keep that for the car. My clutch is going just fine and I don't want to stuff it up. I'll check out the auto parts store this week for the Castrol GTX20W/50. The stuff I thought I had was GTX2 20W/50, but this turned out to be full of used engine oil!

Without this website I'd just be stumbling around in the dark.