[desmobob]

I picked up a 5-quart jug of Mobil 1 5W-40 oil for doing the first oil change on my 2025 CF500.  The oil is marketed as "European Car Formula."   It has the highest current API rating of SP.  The CF500 manual says to use a 5w-40 oil recommended for 1-cylinder 4-stroke engines. 

I know a lot of oil naming is marketing and the API rating is the specification that means the most.  SP is the current highest rating.   Is this oil OK for my new CF500 or is there actually a special rating for "1-cylinder 4-stroke" engine oil?

I can return the Mobil 1 5W-40 (my full-size vehicle, a 2022 Ford Maverick, uses 5W-20) and look for the CF Moto synthetic oil at the local dealers if necessary.

Maybe a bit overly concerned,
Bob

[NMKawierider]

I'm sure it will be fine ...the only thing is.. in my mind the first oil change is something less then 300 miles. I hope it is completely broke in because if not a full synthetic will slow the process enough that things like the skirts won't finish before the hash marks are wore down enough to stop the break-in. If over 300 miles I think you are OK. For me I just make t a habit to wait until the second oil change before going with a full synthetic.

[desmobob]

I'm sure it will be fine ...the only thing is.. in my mind the first oil change is something less then 300 miles. I hope it is completely broke in because if not a full synthetic will slow the process enough that things like the skirts won't finish before the hash marks are wore down enough to stop the break-in. If over 300 miles I think you are OK. For me I just make t a habit to wait until the second oil change before going with a full synthetic.

Using conventional oil for the first oil change would be easy enough (and affordable) to do. 

[Grandmaster Splash]

Hi Bob,
As usual an immense choice of engine oils out there for ones ride, yes the rating and specifications can initially sound/look overwhelming but when you get into to it as always it becomes easier.
Non synthetic, semi or full synthetic are amongst those choices, what’s best is a difficult to answer as it depends on how you use your ride and most definitely the ambient temps you are operating in. The viscosity consideration is paramount. Thinner oils for cold climates and thicker oils for warmer climates.
For my fleet of X8’s I use Fuchs Silkolene Quad ATV 10W-40 Semi Synthetic 4T engine oil. Why. it is a bespoke oil for quad bikes especially if one has a wet clutch working in combination with the CVT belt. Its viscosity range is wider accommodation for hot and cold climates although not the extremes of heat and cold. Here is the link FYI:- htpps:/www.silkolene.com/en/products/quad-utv-10w-40/
GMSAHFR

[desmobob]

For my fleet of X8’s I use Fuchs Silkolene Quad ATV 10W-40 Semi Synthetic 4T engine oil. Why. it is a bespoke oil for quad bikes especially if one has a wet clutch working in combination with the CVT belt. Its viscosity range is wider accommodation for hot and cold climates although not the extremes of heat and cold. Here is the link FYI:- htpps:/www.silkolene.com/en/products/quad-utv-10w-40/
GMSAHFR

I did use specialized motorcycle motor oils in my bikes that had wet clutches.  I can appreciate their particular requirements due to that feature.  My current bike is a "vintage" (1995 - 30 years old now!) Ducati with a dry clutch; no special needs.  My CForce500 does not have a wet clutch.  Temperatures in the part of NY where I live range from -25˚ to 95˚F (-32˚ - 35˚C).  I doubt I'll be riding in the extremes of that range but I will use the machine for ice fishing in winter and trail riding in the summer.

Exxon-Mobil has a tech/consumer hot line and I plan to call them during the week to discuss recommendations for single cylinder four-cycle engines.  I'm interested in hearing what they have to say...

[desmobob]

I spent a bunch of time researching motor oils and oil performance standards.  It turns out that there are big advantages to using "motorcycle" motor oils; it's not just a marketing name.

Motorcycle oils are rated by JASO, a Japanese standards organization.  JASO MA and MA2 rated oils are designed to be used in most motorcycles in which the engine oil also lubricates the transmission and wet clutch.  For optimum performance, a motorcycle oil has to resist the much greater shearing forces existing in the transmission.  This shearing prematurely breaks down the viscosity of automotive type motor oils.  Motorcycle motor oil also has to provide the best friction reduction in the engine while still allowing proper friction in the wet clutch that is also bathed in the motorcycle's engine oil.  Specialized additive packages for motorcycle oils optimize its ability to handle these special needs.

Most ATVs and UTVs with belt CVT transmissions lack a wet clutch and don't really need special additives to optimize wet clutch performance.  There is a specific JASO rating for power sports engines that do not have a wet clutch (like my CF500 or my 30-year-old Ducati 900SS SP motorcycle with a dry clutch)... that is the JASO MB rating. But, I have not been able to find a single JASO MB rated motor oil available here in the US. 

So, I returned my Mobil 1 5W-40 automotive oil and swapped it for some Castrol motorcycle oil (JASO MA2 rated).

[NMKawierider]

I spent a bunch of time researching motor oils and oil performance standards.  It turns out that there are big advantages to using "motorcycle" motor oils; it's not just a marketing name.

Motorcycle oils are rated by JASO, a Japanese standards organization.  JASO MA and MA2 rated oils are designed to be used in most motorcycles in which the engine oil also lubricates the transmission and wet clutch.  For optimum performance, a motorcycle oil has to resist the much greater shearing forces existing in the transmission.  This shearing prematurely breaks down the viscosity of automotive type motor oils.  Motorcycle motor oil also has to provide the best friction reduction in the engine while still allowing proper friction in the wet clutch that is also bathed in the motorcycle's engine oil.  Specialized additive packages for motorcycle oils optimize its ability to handle these special needs.

Most ATVs and UTVs with belt CVT transmissions lack a wet clutch and don't really need special additives to optimize wet clutch performance.  There is a specific JASO rating for power sports engines that do not have a wet clutch (like my CF500 or my 30-year-old Ducati 900SS SP motorcycle with a dry clutch)... that is the JASO MB rating. But, I have not been able to find a single JASO MB rated motor oil available here in the US. 

So, I returned my Mobil 1 5W-40 automotive oil and swapped it for some Castrol motorcycle oil (JASO MA2 rated).

Smart man. Yeah I found out all that a while back when in my bike-phase of life. As my 2015 Z800 does have a wet clutch and shared sump.. and heat is always an issue, I use my trusted Castrol Power-1 or Power RS 10W40 Motorcycle Racing oil. I change my oil every 600-800 miles and it always comes out almost exactly as clear as it went in. Thinking about extending that interval a bit farther...although no more then I use it these days sometimes several years go by between changes. Anyway my engine...is still like brand new. I won't use anything else in it.

[Grandmaster Splash]

Hi Bob,

Congratulations on the research in to lubrication, it is worth it in the long run as have a better understanding of lubricating oils, their specifications and requirements.

I do not think you will go wrong with Mobil lubricants, they have been in the industry for decades including the race industries, since the 1860's, a well respected USA brand which is very popular with French race fraternity.

A superb choice over the cheap and nasty choices of garbage oils available on Ebay and Amazon, expensive stuff but worth every dollar to prolong the life expectancy of your ride.

GMSAHFR

[desmobob]

I purchased 10W-40 Castrol Power 1.  I would have as easily chosen Mobil Racing 4T, Mobil's MA/MA2-rated oil, but they only had two quarts in stock.  They only had 10W-40 in the the Power 1 but I'll order some 5W-40 for the next oil change.  10W-40 should cover the temperature ranges I expect to operate in (its rated for use in 14˚F to 104˚F) but since I'll be using the CF500 for ice fishing, I'll go with the 5W-40s for its lower temperature range, just in case.

The CF Moto branded 5W-40 oil in the oil change kits they sell is rated JASO MA2, by the way.

Back in my motorcycle road racing days (mid-1980s WERA C and D Production, D Superbike), I used BelRay lubricants.  They were one of the first companies to promote four-cycle motorcycle-specific motor oils: BelRay EXP, if I remember correctly.  I remember mail-ordering it to put it in my new 1979 Triumph Bonneville.