Triumph Newbie Oil Question.

M1Tommy · May 31, 2020

I know about oil threads, and am just looking for any red flags I might be raising.

'09 I recently bought has oil of uncertain age. At 477 miles, I reckon that the motor is not broken in.
I found Castrol synthetic blend 20W50 motorcycle oil on sale. My thoughts are to run that briefly, say 500 miles, give the motor a bit of a flushing, then change to a good all synthetic oil.
Any GOTCHAs in my thinking?
Tommy

Munchen · May 31, 2020

Hi Tommy.
477 miles in 11 years if pretty low. Unless you know different, I would expect the oil to be 11 years old and drain it all out and put some fresh 10W40 in there. I doubt it's dirty but it will be old enough to have lost some of its viscous properties.
I wouldn't waste time and money to flush it unless it's dirty. I would run it for a year or a few thousand miles and then change it if compelled to.
Why would you choose 20W oil? Is it really hot where you live?

Wire-Wheels · May 31, 2020

I run a synthetic 20/w50 in my America as recommended by the manual. Make sure it is rated for motorcycle use. Oil for automobiles is not the same. ...J.D.

MyEvilTwin · Jun 1, 2020

Mobil 20-50 V Twin here on my Thruxton 865. Actually runs smoother, less notchy shifting, and probably runs a lil cooler but I cant prove that. Been using it for years with no problems.

Wire-Wheels · Jun 1, 2020

I have to deal with ambient temperature here of well over 100°f. all summer long. Oil temps. get pretty high in stop and go traffic. I have also seen it below 20°f. here in the winter. Of course I am not out riding in that kind of cold, but the multi-viscosity oil helps get oil flowing quicker on cold mornings. I use 20/w40 in my water cooled bikes. Use what the engineers recommend. That is what they went to school for. ...J.D.

M1Tommy · Jun 1, 2020

Munchen said: ↑

Hi Tommy.
477 miles in 11 years if pretty low. Unless you know different, I would expect the oil to be 11 years old and drain it all out and put some fresh 10W40 in there. I doubt it's dirty but it will be old enough to have lost some of its viscous properties.
I wouldn't waste time and money to flush it unless it's dirty. I would run it for a year or a few thousand miles and then change it if compelled to.
Why would you choose 20W oil? Is it really hot where you live?
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree about the old oil.
I reckon my post wasn't clear.
I intend to drain and refill now, run that oil a little while, then do a drain/refill with another oil. That is my "flush", just to remove ALL of the old oil and whatever has accumulated.

This, is the oil I was thinking to use, not a straight 20W.
Tommy