Why Synthetic oil?

[Prgrmerror]

 This might sound foolish; IDK.   I bought my Valkyrie used ITS AT 7k miles and it's been a year since an oil change.  It's time for an oil change it has 10 W 30 synthetic Honda oil in it.   I've always used conventional oil and wanted to know if switching back is a bad idea.  I average 2K miles a season and change oil once a year.  I just can't see the benefit of synthetic and never had an engine issue with Rotela or GN4.  Any comments?

[PAVALKER]

You can go back to conventional with no problems.....      I plan on using Rotella T6 and PL14610 or 12 filters like I do on my Supervalk.

[Hooter]

Oil thread:  it is said gear whine and engine noise / heat are reduced with synthetic?  Honestly,  if you only ride that amount of miles I wouldn't go for the expense of synthetic, but that's up to any bike owner.  I use Rotella  "T"  15 x 40 in all 3 of my bikes and notice no difference in noises.  I've run both. I just run OEM filters with the Rotella in each bike.

You can go back to dino (or dyno)  oil without a problem.

[Verismo]

Synthetic retains its viscosity longer under use, but I don't know if that holds true when you're talking just shelf life, or storage time, which is what you're dealing with when you don't ride often.  However, I will say if you ever want to sell it, there are many like me that would prefer a bike that's had synthetic in it for it's whole life due to the slower engine degradation associated with it.

[Pete]

Most Syn-oils are slicker, i.e. less friction = probably less wear.

[Prgrmerror]

We are talking GN4 vs HP45?  ??? Both are 10w 30.  I'm really not asking what is the best oil to use;  that's my call.  I don't mind buying Honda oil for an infrequent oil change I just want to know if these are the two that Honda offers or are there others from Honda

[bscrive]

Regular oil will break down over time and turn acidic after just a few months.  This will eat away at your crank bearings over time.  I would stick with the synthetic for just that reason.  Synthetic lasts a long time and won't create an acid so quickly.  I only do an oil change as well once a year and I have never had any issues using synthetic.  With the added benefit of quieter gears it is worth the extra money.  Rotella T6 is not that much more than the Honda oil.

[goldstar903]

Not another oil thread!!    I've read that synthetic oil clings to engine parts creating a film that protects against dry starts. Rotella T6 5/40 Synthetic is my oil of choice! $21 (gal) at Walmart. Mobil One is another. Where the hell is Carmen Sandiego (Adrian)? ???  

[Jess from VA]

Shell T6 (full synthetic) is probably cheaper than Honda branded dino.

And you know Honda doesn't refine their own oil.

[Prgrmerror]

 All great points I'm going to stick with synthetic because it's only one oil change a year and the transmission is quiet so I see no reason to take any risk.   I have used  Rotella Dino on my VTX1800 for almost 9 years never had an issue.   I guess all I really need is a trip to Wally world to get everything I'm looking for. thanks

[Shrubbo]

I did the last 3 oil changes on mine with the Honda brand oil because I got them all on special at one point. Last time I went fully synthetic. About 30 more then normal and a lot more then the special deal.

All I will say is from now on I am spending the extra. Right, wrong, full of it, zero stats, whatever. I am much happier.

[Adirondack Bill]

I used regular oil at first but experienced some minor shifting issues- chunks especially first to second gear. I switched to full synthetic, shifts fine now.

[Robert]

Just another point synthetic oils usually have more rust and corrosion inhibitors in them also.

[AdrianR]

Synthetic oil is far superior to conventional oil...in many categories...it like many things, is an evolved, BETTER engine lubricant.

The best oil for the new Valk?  Lucas Oil 10w30 full synthetic.  Blows everything else away.  However, I have not tried Rotella...I know the older Valks guys like using that truck oil in their bike.

Synthetic oil = better lubrication thus longevity, faster, cooler, smoother operation.

Conventional oils have improved immensely, but good synthetic oil is still far better.

[bscrive]

Adrien,

I used Rosella T6 5W40 for two oil changes and then I tried the Lucas 10W30 synthetic that you mentioned and the Lucas works so much better.  The shifting is better and the engine seems to run better.  Stick with the Lucas.  I will be.