Ive got a new motor in the commando , and been running Penrite running in oil for the last 500km .
In the past I have run BP 50W , what is the best oil to use ?
Average rideing day temps between 15 - 40 deg C

OH, NO, another oil thread. It's your personal preference. Mine is Valvoline Racing Oil VR-1 SAE50. Should be good especially at your temps. I only find it hard to kick over when it gets below 50F or 10C. It tends to keep the oil pressure up too, but that's just my opinion. Others will have their opinion too. Your mileage may vary.

Dave
69S

Diesel rated oil in 15-40 or 20-50 grade for its hi detergent and zn phos content. If already using specialty purpose labeled oil then why break the habit just buy more specialty brands labeled for old motorcycles.
I already got my winter oil thread *heat* using last change dunked on a rag to start fire place, many times.

I am no expert, but my local cycle dealer (Who was a Norton Dealer in the 60's and 70's & who owns several Nortons) recommends Morris Golden Film SAE 50. My only advise is be sure not to over fill. My Commando likes the oil level on the "Low" end of the dipstick.

I have heard that diesel eng oil is good if used from new in cars ,I guess the same holds true for bikes .
Have previously been advised to only use 50W .

dero wrote:Ive got a new motor in the commando , and been running Penrite running in oil for the last 500km .
In the past I have run BP 50W , what is the best oil to use ?
Average rideing day temps between 15 - 40 deg C

Penrite HPR30 20w - 60 great for our temps

Castrol EDGE 25W 50.
A mate runs it in his two Norton Motocross outfits, all season.
Another mate runs it in his 500 and 750 Dommi, racers.
I am useing it now and looks to be a good one.
AC.

Cyclecraft Murray also recommends the Castrol Edge. So that's what I'm using.
I'm running the Penrite HPR30 in my BSA. Others recommend that.

dero wrote:Ive got a new motor in the commando , and been running Penrite running in oil for the last 500km .
In the past I have run BP 50W , what is the best oil to use ?
Average rideing day temps between 15 - 40 deg C

Due to the type of engine the Norton is, the manufactures recommend a thick treacle type of oil.
If you use a modern muti-grade oil the pistons start sounding like cans in a dustbin because this type of oil does not retain on the piston skirts.
I got round that by getting the piston skirts bead blasted and thoroughly cleaned, but wet stumping will result due to the thinner oil, so needs an inline oil valve

depends upon sparkplugs

mikegray660 wrote:depends upon sparkplugs

Of course .
also very important :
NEVER change the oil !
It only gets better over time :

http://www.krimineel.com/oud-directeur- ... n-onnodig/

The article is in Dutch , but a few reactions down is an ( poor) English translation .

the man is an engineer , ex director of Castrol Oil in the Netherlands .
He claims the whole oil change ritual is one big scam .
He develloped a dipstick with an incorporated chip that tells you when really need to change the oil , = practically never .

Ludwig, I hope you don't take this guy (mr de Groot ) serious, but from reading your postings I think you will probably know better.
He only hopes to sell his gadgets. :evil

here you go.

http://www.nortonclub.com/docs/OilTemp.pdf

I use the Penrite HPR40 (25W70) for New Zealand conditions, engine loves it
Regards Mike
http://www.penriteoil.com.au/

I use Spectro Heavy Duty Motorcycle Oil (20/50). Here is the info I had from the company some time ago:

"Comments : Hi, Could you please tell me what amount of ZDDP in SPECTRO HEAVY DUTY MOTORCYCLE OIL 20W50? (For TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 1975 and NORTON COMMANDO 1973) Thanks"


"Hello Serge,

All Spectro motorcycle oils contain 1800ppm of zinc (zddp) and phosphorus and are perfect for use in vintage and classic bikes.

Thanks for choosing Spectro!

Rollin "

Rollin Karoll
Vice President of Sales
Spectro Oils
993 Federal Rd
Brookfield, CT 06804
800-243-8645