Engine oil

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dero

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Jan 22, 2010
Messages
229
Country flag
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 said:
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
Click to expand...

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 said:
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
Click to expand...

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
 
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
 
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
 
I use only Fish oil, rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
only downside: it smells like fish and chips.
 
Orsonoce said:
I use only Fish oil, rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
only downside: it smells like fish and chips.
Click to expand...


Right -let me amend this before somebody takes me seriously and transform a Norton in a fishmobile:

I used to use Morris sae 50, after reading a few articles I now moved to Multigrade sae 20-50 and am happy.
 
Seems there are as many favorite oils as Norton owners. The personal testimonials from Norton owners are pretty much subjective. Most of us lack the knowledge that an oil analysis and a complete tear down would provide. That being said, there are some pretty objective tests that have been performed using different oils in the same engine (Commando 750) and an analysis of each. I think the main thing to look for in an oil for our old timers is one with a high zinc content. I stay away from oils that are so-called clean burning. I interpret that to mean little or no zinc to clog up a catalytic converter. The other thing I look for is an oil that doesn't lose its viscosity with hard running. I notice with some of the oils I've tried, the oil pressure drops to zero, or near so, after a fifty miles stint at high freeway speeds. After some oil tank temperature reading I decided to install an oil cooler. High zinc content synthetic with a cooler. That's the way I roll.
 
PLEASE READ THIS .........
Google..... Real Classics.com.uk. The Oil Truth. Which oil should I run in my classic motor cycle.
It relates specifically to Nortons, etc.
Viscosities at high temp etc.
AC.
 
That article is by the famous (late) Gerry Bristow, of the old NOC email chat list.

It was discussed here recently that the oil he swore by - 15w/50 Mobil 1 - is no longer available.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

jimbo
Found engine oil in primary, suspected leaky main seal.
Replies
5
Views
196
jimbo
jimbo
Bonzo
  • Poll Poll
How often do you change your engine oil?
2
Replies
31
Views
1,292
Starvingphotog
Starvingphotog
gearguy2012
Bronze Glitter in Engine Oil
2
Replies
38
Views
2,553
Lineslinger
Lineslinger
MS850
Engine oil getting into primary case, MK3
Replies
4
Views
434
MS850
MS850
ozcruiser
Engine voltage warning light
Replies
6
Views
268
kerinorton
K
Back
Top