Fully synthetic or not. - Printable Version

Fully synthetic or not. - Printable Version

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Fully synthetic or not. - mvk24_imp - 01-27-2025

Once I went Motul I never went back.

I also have a write up on here for the Oil filter cross reference list If you need to find out what filter codes fit on the bike for various sizes and brands.

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - peterbaron - 01-28-2025

I use synthetic 7100 10W40 4T oil in all my CBs + OEM filter.

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - Tev62 - 01-28-2025

Fully Synthetic is fine but not a requirement by Honda for the CB1100. Semi by either of those brands is just fine, I have been using the Motul Semi.

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - Yata-Garasu_imp - 03-01-2025

Can't comment yes or no, only what I found that's working for me.

The first year I ran regular Honda GN4 and after 4k mile it came out looking like old coffee. Black as night, no transparency, and with the viscosity of water.

Year two I tried Rotella T6 15w40 full synthetic, but that lasted less than 1800 miles, as it caused the engine to make a ticking sound.

Halfway through year two I went with Rotella T5 10w30 semi synthetic on the advice of a member at the BITOG oil forum.

Like they say, "the third time's the charm."

The engine runs smooth and quiet, and the T5 still has both viscosity and transparecy left after 4k miles, my usual drain interval.

I'm not sure if Rotella is available in Ol' Blighty, but in response to your original question, I'm getting excellent results with a semisynthetic. I don't t see any reason to pay extra for a full synthetic.

I do believe that I am getting better performance from the semi synthetic compared to the old GN4 dino oil.

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - allhans4_imp - 03-01-2025

Just switched my newly acquired CB1100 from GN4 to synthetic. Runs beautifully.

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - the Ferret - 03-02-2025

Interesting.

I have used Honda GN4 10w 30, changed every 4,000 miles (per Honda's spec), for 76,000+ miles. Starts and runs fine, sounds quiet, shifts smoothly, no clutch slippage.

I have run GN4 10W30 changed every 8,000 miles (per Honda's spec) for 56,000+ miles in my NC 750. Again, starts and runs fine, sounds quiet, shifts smoothly, no DCT clutch slippage.

If you are changing oil every 4,000 miles I don't see where synthetic offers any benefit, but you should certainly run whatever oil makes you feel comfortable.

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - mattmcuomo@yahoo.com - 03-02-2025

(03-02-2025, 02:22 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Interesting.

I have used Honda GN4 10w 30, changed every 4,000 miles (per Honda's spec), for 76,000+ miles. Starts and runs fine, sounds quiet, shifts smoothly, no clutch slippage.

I have run GN4 10W30 changed every 8,000 miles (per Honda's spec) for 56,000+ miles in my NC 750. Again, starts and runs fine, sounds quiet, shifts smoothly, no DCT clutch slippage.

If you are changing oil every 4,000 miles I don't see where synthetic offers any benefit, but you should certainly run whatever oil makes you feel comfortable.

I've also used Honda dino oil every 4000 miles. Over 155,000 miles on it now. Never had a problem.....

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RE: Fully synthetic or not. - peterbaron - 03-02-2025

(03-02-2025, 04:33 AM)MMC_imp Wrote:
(03-02-2025, 02:22 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Interesting.

I have used Honda GN4 10w 30, changed every 4,000 miles (per Honda's spec), for 76,000+ miles. Starts and runs fine, sounds quiet, shifts smoothly, no clutch slippage.

I have run GN4 10W30 changed every 8,000 miles (per Honda's spec) for 56,000+ miles in my NC 750. Again, starts and runs fine, sounds quiet, shifts smoothly, no DCT clutch slippage.

If you are changing oil every 4,000 miles I don't see where synthetic offers any benefit, but you should certainly run whatever oil makes you feel comfortable.
I've also used Honda dino oil every 4000 miles. Over 155,000 miles on it now. Never had a problem.....

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RE: Fully synthetic or not. - the Ferret - 03-02-2025

wow 155K that's awesome MMC. Maybe I should quit babying mine lol

RE: Fully synthetic or not. - mattmcuomo@yahoo.com - 03-02-2025

(03-02-2025, 07:25 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: wow 155K that's awesome MMC. Maybe I should quit babying mine lol

[Image: 0e4abda95d1100dbb608a6fc21bb904d.png]

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