Engine oil API ratings?

[Geodude]

Trying to figure this out as 5l semi 10w40 api sl automotive oil is £8 in a local cheap store and the halfords equivalent (In a Motorcycle branded bottle) is £20 plus, so using the statement below (found online here (http://www.vfrworld.com/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm)) is there any difference apart from price?

"By consensus of the API and the manufacturers, the current SL classification meet all requirements of SF, SG, SH, and SJ plus all earlier API gasoline categories. The current SL actually offers some additional benefits over the older classifications. So, if the motorcycle requirement says "SG", be confident that "SL" indeed meets that requirement."

I read that SF and SG are now obsolete so would any 10w40 api rated SL oil do?

Sorry if my stupidity offends :confused:

[Bibio]

i've thought about this recently as it seems more and more cheaper oils are containing higher concentrations of base stock synthetic which in theory should replace a lot of the friction modifiers. but i still would not trust it on my clutch plates just in case.

ooohhh and it's more expensive for bikes as bikers will pay it without question.

[Geodude]

Yeah clutch plates were my worry aswell but still a big price difference and the halfords bike stuff says api sl as does the cheap stuff, hmm proper confusing.

[Bibio]

yes it will say it meets the specification but it's the content of the modifiers that they don't tell you about. if it don't say 'safe for wet clutch' then i wont use it.

[Geodude]

As usual Bibster you are a font of knowledge, ta matey tea and scones on me one day :)

[Bibio]

i'll just add that most cheaper oils contain less modifiers as they are expensive and i think a lot of people have used the cheaper oils with great effect.

personally i wouldn't for the sake of a few bucks. BTW i only use Miller oils as that's my preference due to the fact they only do oil products which they blend themselves.

[Bibio]

the stuff i use and from the same company as i have been getting it from for a good few years. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MILLERS-ZSS-10W40-SEMI-SYNTHETIC-MOTORBIKE-OIL-5LTR-/160646929987?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleani ng&hash=item25674d9e43

[Geodude]

I shall look into that thanks for the extra info :)

[Bibio]

hhhmmm tea and scones.....

[Geodude]

And your extra info has earned you a dollop of jam on the side ;)

[aesmith]

Which oils ARE known to cause problems with wet clutches? I'm a bit sceptical because over the years I've used all sorts, from unbranded 20/50 to Agricastrol when needs must. Back in the day you wouldn't find motorcycle specific oil on sale in any case.

[NTECUK]

Mobil 1.
Control magnateck

[Geodude]

Mobil 1.
Control magnateck
They cause problems in wet clutches?

[aesmith]

They cause problems in wet clutches?
No problems with Mobil 1, not in my CBR600 to be specific. I think I only used it once though and only because it was to hand. Worth avoiding though if others have had problems, and it's not as if it's cheap stuff.

[NTECUK]

used it in a gpx 600 winter hack in the 90's .
only 200 miles it slipped like mad.
took it to bits and new oil easy fix.
put magnatec in a xv 750 oh wow starter sprag jammed . clutch groaned ???.
over 15 years on that's still in my garage...

[Geodude]

Experience noted, ta both.

[NTECUK]

I stooped borrowing works oil for the old banngers and use cheap stuff from euro car parts.
Seams ok in the Zx6

[Geodude]

It was this stuff that is only £8 in my local cheapy store that had me wondering?

http://www.jakiolej.pl/upload/10w40_tec_plus_full.jpg

I would still rather use bike specific oils but still made me think.

[NTECUK]

Well don't let on to the garage I px my sv too . but last oil change on that was Tesco oil. £8 for 5 lts . I did +4,000 miles no problems ...so far.
ps
I uses proper H G oil in the RSV though.It cost more to buy the bike so not chancing it.

[Geodude]

Tidy :)

[NTECUK]

You have to think the oil we put in the Nissan has to last 18,000 miles .
My bikes only do 3- 4,000 miles .then u Chuck it !!!