oil too expensive

The oil that is recommended for the SD: Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W50 is outrageously expensive around here...about $90. for four liters....If you can recommend something else that is much cheaper and commonly available, and that you have good experience with, please let me know.

I've had good luck with Shell Rotella. They recently updated their formulation. I am using T6 full synthetic and will again. Only source I've found around here Walmart far from my favorite store but it's about 20 US Dollars per gallon. Good luck.
Stephan

As mentioned in other treads, just use a reputable brand full synthetic for motorcycles in the recommended grade and it's all good.
I use Total, other good ones are repsol, motul (also expensive), elf,silkolene, yamaha (yes the oil is very good) etc...
Not sure about stateside brands but I'm sure you find something suitable.
I'm not a fan of mobil but it's up to you.

Just read up on that in the service manual. If you notice, 5W40 oil is acceptable as well - something I'd definitely consider using at this time of year because it would offer better performance on cold starts. Can't be warm right now in your neck of the woods. These oils usually work out cheaper as well so its a double benefit. I've also always made sure that irrespective of branding I've used a JASO grade M-2 oil - that's the highest industry standard available for bikes as I understand it.

In my copy the info is in section 11-5 of the Repair Manual (2003-2007). To quote, "SAE 5W/40, 10W-50 (f.ex. Motorex Power Synt 4T)". Hope this helps.

Thanks for taking the trouble

The oil debate is forever long. I figure good oil equals good performance. I know some people think its all good as long as its changed regularly. I somewhat agree.
Examples of my habits with my different engines:

2008 KTM SD uses Motorex T4 changed once at end of each season, if riding year is under 4,000 miles.

2001 Suzuki sv650 uses Valvoline Dino oil changed every 3,000 miles

1986 Cutlass Built 406ci uses Mobil 1 changed a couple of times a year I only have 600 miles on it and only put 200 or so a year on it.

2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L switched to Amsoil XL at 2700 miles and will change filter after another 3000, go another 3000 and get the oil changed and analyzed to see if it could have gone more.

All are checked regular and topped off if needed.

Does anyone use Amsoil?

I use amsoil...that's all that I buy...

Dear RocketChicken,

What type do you buy? I am about to do my first oil change.

Thanks!

Ken

The only problem with Amsoil is that you can only get it in 10/40. If they made a 10/50, I'd be using Amsoil myself. It's a piece of mind thing for me to use 10/50 only.