Oil addatives

[achilles1]

It's oil change time at 618 mi. on my 05 1800f and I was wondering if anyone has used any oil addatives or would even reccomend using one at all.
I've heard some horror stories about some addatives causing serious damage.
I was thinking of adding Pro-long.
Any opinions. Thanks

[Retro Rocket]

Just go with Amsoil or Mobil 1 and you can't go wrong. I would stay away from additives that are designed for automotive use. How much better wear protection can you get than using Amsoil or Mobil 1?

[Outlaw1800]

The operative word here is "NO" on the additives. You don't need them.
Change the oil & filter every 3K with a semi-syn or a good 4-stroke full-sym Motorcycle oil and you don't have to worry about it. If you are trying to push 5K between oil changes, I guess the question is "WHY". A semi or full synthetic tends to make the trans work a little smoother but the standard Honda HP4 works just fine too as long as you change it regularly.

[H20 Man]

Hi,
Just joined and appreciate all of the info. here. I wanted to ask what Mobil-1 is everyone using for their bikes? Bike specific or ? I don't see the Mobil-1 Redcap anymore so what are you using. Not knocking the Amsoil but it's not on the shelf...Thanks for any info...

[Captain X]

Mobil 1 has "V-Twin" synthetic motorcycle oil available now.

[Retro Rocket]

The only thing is that the Mobil 1 for V twins is really designed for "AIR COOLED" motors and it a little on the high side in viscosity for our water cooled bikes. I believe the gold cap is the one people are using now, but double check on that I'm not positive on that.

[FL_VTX_GA]

Mobil V-Twin oil works great for my lawnmower, air-cooled generator, etc., and it's available at Wal-Mart.
I wouldn't put it in any liquid-cooled motor, though.

Jay

[wifebeater]

don't use any additives
use Amsoil Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W40
change the oil every 8000 miles
change the oil fitler every 4000 miles and add just enough of new Amsoil to make up what you lost changing the filter, about 1/2 quart
use only the Honda brand, Amsoil brand, or Mobil 1 brand oil filters

[Okie Bob]

DO NOT USE OIL ADDITIVES.
You have a wet clutch, oil additives well cause major clutch slippage.

[Steven Walter]

Check out Militec.com or Microlon.com. These are supposed to be metal conditioners. From Microlon, for example, the cost is about $200.00 dollars for a kit to do an 1800 cc bike. It coats the metal after collecting any migrating metal and after a number of miles it bakes in. The only way to remove the coating is to grind it off or heat it in excess of 425 degrees F. These items were supposedly designed for military applications including aircraft. I know the people that ran the initial and subsequent testing on both products and both do as advertised. Aftre the Microlon treatment I use 10w40 Amsoil in the winter and 20W50 in the summer. Engine noise is low and shift noise is also reduced quite a bit. Since using these products on all my vehicles, I have not had any faults because of mechanical failure. On gasoline I use 44K gas additive every 3rd tank full. Everything runs cool stays in tune and just plain performs better....and no I do not sell or represent any of these companies. (44K is almost pure Techron).
My $.02.
Steven

[Caballo de Acero]

No to oil add. Yes to Amsoil and Mobil-1 for hi-performance motorcycles (10W-40) you do not need anting else... :P

[Steven Walter]

Cabalo e Acero,
I agree about some oil additives. However I was talking about metal conditioners. At first it was fossil oil or nothing, then it was blends are better, now it's synthetic rule. Synthetics do rule, however some metal conditioners and some oil additives can help. With Amsoil I feel completely protected when it come to what the oil is supposed to do but, the metal conditioners make it even better. I use it in my oil sump....no clutch slippage, in fact some metal additives work specifically to prevent this, I use it in my final drive and also where grease is needed. The people I know that test this stuff let me know what is and what isn't. However it just boils down to what we each think is best for our ride.
Best Regards,
Steven

[Caballo de Acero]

Cabalo e Acero,
I agree about some oil additives. However I was talking about metal conditioners. At first it was fossil oil or nothing, then it was blends are better, now it's synthetic rule. Synthetics do rule, however some metal conditioners and some oil additives can help. With Amsoil I feel completely protected when it come to what the oil is supposed to do but, the metal conditioners make it even better. I use it in my oil sump....no clutch slippage, in fact some metal additives work specifically to prevent this, I use it in my final drive and also where grease is needed. The people I know that test this stuff let me know what is and what isn't. However it just boils down to what we each think is best for our ride.
Best Regards,
Steven
Nothing personal, I just was expressing my position towards oil additives, nothing more :icon_roll

[fisher]

okie bob is rite, no oil additives. can cause problems with clutch

[Steven Walter]

Any oil additives or for that mater any oil with molybdenum or graphite will cause clutch slippage. But, these are metal condoitioners I was talking about. Big difference. And they are made specifically for bikes that use the same sump for trany and engine. The testing done on Microlon and Militec conditioners is quite extensive. This stuff keeps my bikes running cool and smooth. Here in San Antonio, summer can kill an engine. With road temps at 135 degrees or more the less friction the engine and tranny have to fight the better. I respect everyones' opinion on this board. Some may have had a bad experience in the past with certain additives. I just thought that a bit of 21st century technology in metal conditioners might be given a chance. You may like what it does for your ride.
Thanks,Steven

[coopi]

Been running mobil 1 v-twin oil in my 1800 for 5000 miles, no problem, ran it in my 04 1800 for 30000 no problem.
My son uses it in his 1300 ,no problem
Of course thats running in the south, where the AM temps are not too low
You can use 10-50 with , no problem
Coopi

[Steven Walter]

Got that Coopi. I run Amsoil 20W-50 all year round. Some time I'll go to 10W40 if it looks like we'll have a month or so of below 40 temps. My responce to the additive question was leaning towards protection of the engine and transmission. The products I mentioned do this. Microlon is a one time application. I've done it to my 1300, 1800, pick-up and '75 Corvette. For years I have run motors with no additives. Some are "snakeoil". There are some that are very benefitial. And the good ones have engine warranties.
Microlon also make good products for firearms such as "Gun Juice". It seems that many of the new additives are geared towards protection of the metal and not adding chemicals to our own oil. I'm also a southern rider, if your ever in the San Antonio Area let me know....we'll show each other what Southern Hospitality is. The same for all of you planning a southern cruise.
Steven