Service - which oil and filters?

[paulkb1]

Hi Guys,

I am about to service my bike for the first time my self. I have done my car so have a fair idea what to be getting up to but just wanted to clear a few things up.

With regards to oil i read that i cant use fully synthetic oil as it could destroy or affect the clutch in some way. Is this true? I was going to go for Castol power - is this ok?

With regards to oil filters - is the make champion which halfords selling any good? i heard hi flow is good but i cant seem to find it locally. Can any one recommend a website that delivers to northern ireland and doesn't charge a fortune? Or even a shop in N.Ireland that is good?

Also with the air filters there seems to be alot of difference in price - is there any reason for this some are like 25 quid others around 50?

Any tips and help gratefully appreciated thanks.

[TamSV]

In terms of oil, I've used Castrol Power1 10w40 for the last couple of changes which is a semi-synth.

I'm due to carry out a service myself and got an SV "Service Kit" for £34 from ebay that included Hi Flo Oil and Air Filters, NGK spark plugs and a sump washer. I've used Hi Flo before with no problems.

Which service is it you're doing/what mileage you on?

[paulkb1]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. What about fully synthetic oils? are they ok to use?

Have you got a link for your ebay service kit?

This service is 6000 miles / end of year service. It had a detailed service by a guy who builds race bikes at 4000 miles. So i think it will just need a the above changed.

Paul

[hongman]

Hi flo/ champion / k&n are all fine IMO. Iv used k&n and champion.

[TamSV]

Sorry, no idea about the fully synth. The stuff I use meets the Suzuki spec so I haven't really thought about it any further than that. Someone who knows might come along with the lowdown on that one.

At that mileage I'm guessing your bike is the pointy, injected model. My bikes are of the curvy, carbed variety so the kit would be different.

There's this one on ebay for the pointy - NI seller too http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Service-Kit-Suzuki-SV650-SV-650-03-10-Filters-Plugs-/250713494052?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3a5fb05224

[TamSV]

Hi flo/ champion / k&n are all fine IMO. Iv used k&n and champion.

Yep, I'd be happy to give any of those a go.

[paulkb1]

Yup it's a pointy 2004

Hardly been used really.

I am debating on getting either castrol or motul oil I can get either locally both similar priced but again the question of fully or part synthetic

[yorkie_chris]

You don't need fully synth, just extra expense.
Important thing is it is bike oil that meets JASO MA spec and API SF/G. Those specs are really quite old now and pretty much any bike oil will use it. They aren't particularly fussy motors.

Castrol power1 10w40 is fine, as is motul 5100 (semi synth) 10w40.

[Jayneflakes]

I have a K3 and I gave her a service today, used a Silkoline Semi Synthetic 10 W 40 oil because that is the type Suzuki recommend in my dealers little book of engine oil!

Genuine Suzuki air and Oil filters and NGK plugs, was a pain getting to the front plug due to a rubber washer in there falling to bits,but otherwise a simple job. The difference after was almost like riding a different bike, she just felt so smooth and powerful, which is odd given that she is 33BHP Restricted.

The old air filter was nearly as black as the old engine oil that came out. Plugs were slightly discoloured, but in good order and the sump bolt magnet has no metal filings on it. Total millage is only 13 000, she will be needing her Valve clearance check soon I seem to recall. Just done the valves on the XJ550, that turned out to be a surprisingly interesting job!

[paulkb1]

Do u have a part number for the air filter. What price was it? Am sill worried about the difference in price between the air filters.

My bike is also 33bhp rstricted but that is comin out in this service. I have a FI international kit so not to sure how to removed it. But will have a good. Any advice on this would be great.

[SV650Racer]

OEM or pattern air filters which arent cleanable are the cheaper ones. The ones closer to £50 are cleanable "performance" ones so can be more cost effective in the long term.

Fully Synth oils are fine and wont wreak your clutch but a good quality ester based Semi will do the job for you.

[yorkie_chris]

Takes a while to pay for the cleanable ones but they are worth it. Probably not if you're the sort to chop and change bikes after only a few thousand miles though.

[paulkb1]

Cool folks cheers for the advice

I would like to change bike but between jobs at the min so not in the situation to change. So cheaper oem will do.

With regards to the oil I there is only a couple of quid between fully and semi oil would it just be better to go for fully?

[kaivalagi]

I don't think you'll gain anything from full synth and I would still wonder if there would be any issues with the clutch no matter what is said...in the dealership they'll use semi* so in my opinion just do the same for peace of mind...
edit: *make sure it's motorcycle specific oil to stop the clutch slippage issue

[yorkie_chris]

Use fully if you want, it'll last a little better toward the end of it's life. If it's bike specific and 10W40 it'll be right

[kaivalagi]

Use fully if you want, it'll last a little better toward the end of it's life. If it's bike specific and 10W40 it'll be right

That's what I was about to say, whatever used make sure it's bike specific...getting in a twist in my last post...full synth isn't the issue just car oil whatever grade is...

[paulkb1]

Cheers. Had already read loads of oil forums stating het bike oil lol so am well warned.

Last oil question castrol or motul?

[yorkie_chris]

Either are fine.


The whole bike oil thing is a long debate too, plenty of car oils are fine in them too.

[kerby]

I use Suzuki filters they are not a lot dearer,and keeps the flows as close to factory spec as possible.Unless your fitted air filter is already cleanable.NGK plugs are hard to beat,I usually change them at about 30,000 miles but have had 45,000 out of a set in a car,changed them as the electrodes started to go ,not because they were failing.A good named brand of mineral oil is enough.I use valvoline changed every 4,000 miles or 6 months along with filter.Change the oil more often of you do a lot of short journeys.