07-12-2021, 11:07 AM
When I had my KZ550 Ltd I changed the oil every 2000 miles with Golden Spectro syn-blend oil. At 20K miles the shop did a compression test and I had a minimum of 190psi in each cylinder. Typical was 150psi (even in review in a bike magazine that only changed the oil at 10K after the initial break in oil change - what they deemed a typical owner would do.
For years I swore on syn-blended oil but looking back I suspect frequent oil changes had more to do with it so I stand behind Frulk on this one.
So I use syn-blend on the XR650L, the CB's (and other bikes) get full syn. From what I've seen in tests, these choices give me better protection in the Phoenix heat and gives higher mileage. So that drives my choice. When I lived in Duluth, MN full syn oil made starting an engine in the cold easier.
Now a fellow I met on Facebook that is nationally known for his builds of Vincent V twins (and others I don't recall) had had engine failures going from full synthetic back to dino oil. I don't understand it, don't have any experience with it but raise it in case others have seen it - and as a cautionary tale for folks considering switch back.
For years I swore on syn-blended oil but looking back I suspect frequent oil changes had more to do with it so I stand behind Frulk on this one.
So I use syn-blend on the XR650L, the CB's (and other bikes) get full syn. From what I've seen in tests, these choices give me better protection in the Phoenix heat and gives higher mileage. So that drives my choice. When I lived in Duluth, MN full syn oil made starting an engine in the cold easier.
Now a fellow I met on Facebook that is nationally known for his builds of Vincent V twins (and others I don't recall) had had engine failures going from full synthetic back to dino oil. I don't understand it, don't have any experience with it but raise it in case others have seen it - and as a cautionary tale for folks considering switch back.