[kpress]

I'm new to riding and I just bought my first bike. It's a 2007 V-Star 1100 classic. It's getting time to change the oil and I'm not sure what to use. The manual suggests Yamalube, however the closest place to get that is over 60 miles and ordering online will get pricey! Anyone know any alternatives I can use for oil?

 

[HTMNKYLVE]

60 miles sounds like a nice little trip on the bike, thats what you got it for. Before you know it you will be riding 100 miles just for a cheeseburger. Throw on a backpack and go get some oil.

 

[Sugar Bear]

Ridin for oil

I totally agree, anything for a ride! That being said, of course Yamaha will say use Yamalube, be assured it is not the elixir of the gods for V-Stars or other Yamahas, good oil yes. There are many good to great oils out there for your bike. I like Castrol, some other folks go for Amsoil, others Mobil and on and on. But the idea to ride for your oil ain't bad at all

 

[linerdave]

I agree

I agree but here is some more info.

http://www.sloneservices.com/SilverBack/VStar1100-FAQ-01.htm#Which-Oil

Dave

 

[kpress]

No it wouldn't be a bad ride at all but seems like everytime I get ready to take a good ride, here comes the rain! Which means I then have to get in my Dodge pickup, that gets about 15 miles to the gallon, and make the trip instead!

 

[busterrm]

Hey Kpress I have a 05 V Star 1100 midnight custom, and I use Mobil One. What I do is put in 3 quarts of mobil one and the remaining 6.5 oz I put in Lucas oil treatment, and I don't change the oil but every 5,000 miles. Lucas oil treatment has never let me down. I do change the oil filter every time though.
busterrm

 

[busterrm]

oops excuse me the remaining 9.5 oz is Lucas oil treatment. Sorry bout that

 

[linerdave]

Wet clutch

There always seems to be some debate about friction reducers, synthetic oil, and oil additives. My first thought about the Lucas oil treatment is. The warning in our oweners manuals about oils and addatives containing friction reducers. The wet clutch is the problem.

Busterm, you are evidently not having any clutch problems? Wonder if the clutch is stock and if you have had any sign of slipping?

I have in the past used one ounce of Lucas Oil Treatment to an oil change. Even that small amount made a noticable improvement in shifting. I don't push my clutch as hard as some. I never noticed any sign of a problem. But I did stop using Lucas after reading up on oil additives.

If anyone uses addatives or non motorcycle oil you should at least be aware of this. It could affect warrenty.

Dave

 

[busterrm]

No problems shifting at all, or clutch slippage!

There always seems to be some debate about friction reducers, synthetic oil, and oil additives. My first thought about the Lucas oil treatment is. The warning in our oweners manuals about oils and addatives containing friction reducers. The wet clutch is the problem.

Busterm, you are evidently not having any clutch problems? Wonder if the clutch is stock and if you have had any sign of slipping?

I have in the past used one ounce of Lucas Oil Treatment to an oil change. Even that small amount made a noticable improvement in shifting. I don't push my clutch as hard as some. I never noticed any sign of a problem. But I did stop using Lucas after reading up on oil additives.

If anyone uses addatives or non motorcycle oil you should at least be aware of this. It could affect warrenty.

Dave

I do appreciate your wisdom on the subject. I am not having any clutch or shifting problems whatsoever. But like you said, mine also does shift better since adding the Lucas treatment. I will stop if it affects warranty though. I have only used it in the crankcase once with my current bike. But I do buy Mobil One designed for motorcycles so that should not affect my warranty. I am not hard on my clutch either. The transmission in my V Star must have good synchronizers, because I shift without the clutch and it shifts rather smoothly. I have been a bike rider for years and this V Star shifts very nicely without the clutch. OH Yeah, the clutch is stock!
Thanks for the comments on warranty Dave!
Bob aka busterrm

 

[Vermonstah]

I've used Amsoil in my 1100 Custom for 25,000 miles and have used it for years in other bikes I've owned. I swear by it. Always change the filter every oil change. Amsoil costs about $10/quart but you're only buying 4 qt. You'll have about 1/2 a qt left over for the next oil change. I've also used it for years in my cars, pickups, and snowmobiles. It's my brand of choice but ther are lots of good oils out there, that's the most important thing is to use a GOOD oil. I prefer a full synthetic oil because of it's superior lubrication and protection for the engine and on an air cooled bike you need all the help you can get