Oil weight and capacity question

[Jason and Amber (Ga)]

I know I know I know, this has been asked and answered numerous times and I apologize for yet asking again. I just don't know how to navigate the new site.

Anyhow, I have a 1997 Valk CT. I am planning a mountain trip this week and need to change my oil. I know I used synthetic Mobil 1 in my last few changes but don't recall the weight or amount. I think it was just under 4 qts. but want to be sure.

Also, would you change the coolant? I have owned her for just over a year and have not changed it. My uncle owned it prior to me since new and did a good job at having it serviced each year.

I just can't pay Honda to do something that I am able to do...

Once again, sorry for posing a frequently asked question and I will spend more time on here and become acustomed to the new site.

Thanks,
Jason

[Valker]

An even gallon jug of whatever oil in the recommended range of 10/40 or 20/50. If synthetic, I run the 15/50 weight or 15/40. Change the filter.

[Bone]

Honda recommends every 2 years on the coolant. I will check the book later to make sure. I try and not change much before a trip unless there is a problem or mileage says it's due. Sometimes we create our own troubles.

[MP]

Non silicate antifreeze only.

[sugerbear]

use whatever oil your want. just make sure the bottom of the ring(on the back) does NOT say energy conserving.
i prefer mobil 1 15-50. just pour in 4 qts. it'll be fine.
3.9 something according to the book.

[Jason and Amber (Ga)]

Thanks guys! I used Mobile 1 (car oil) in the last oil change and everyone at the bike shops were like "YOU DID WHAT". However, I have 3,000 miles on this oil and no problems. I did get some Honda Gold (Semi-Synthetic blend) 10w-40 last night and plan on running that in this change.
I have also heard that once you use a full synthetic oil that you should never use a conventional oil again. Any thoughts on this???

[Valker]

My only thoughts are my experiences. I have switched back and forth between oil brands, weights, types (syn and dino) many times on my Valk in the past 110,000 miles. It still uses no oil between changes. I change it between 3000 and 10,000 miles.

[Jason and Amber (Ga)]

Thanks guys! I ended up using the Honda Golden Blend 10W40 (Synthetic/Conventional Blend). I can tell a huge difference in my shifting. Seems to be much smoother. Also I got a little over 30 mpg and usually only get 29 to just over 30 mpg. Nothing huge but a small difference. I won' tbe using car oil any longer. The Honda Gold was only $8 per quart so it didn't break the bank!

Had an awesome ride in the North Georgia Mountains and even had a burger at T.W.O. (Two Wheels Only) in Suchess, Ga.
We rode on Hwy 180 which is like a baby dragon tail. Light traffic and no one around us riding like fools! Can't wait to go to the Tail!

[fudgie]

Why do you go with 'heavier' weight with synthetc then reg oil? I been using Mobil 1 high mileage 10w-40 for 2 years now with no prob. Gets around 80-90 deg here in Ind and 100 in in SD when we go. Never a prob. Is this ok?

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I would never spend $8 per quart for some marketing bs.
I will pay a little more for synthetic oil,but I've never known anyone who killed an engine that didn't have a few hundred thousand miles on them.
I use supertech synthetic from wally world,about $15 per gallon.

My bike runs silently,and when I adjust my valves,you can practically eat off the valve train.