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December 21st, 2010, 03:53 PM
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#1 |
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ninjette.org guru
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331
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Lower viscosity oil for winter months?
 In Jan/Feb, the temps here drop down to negative teens (deg C) so I'm thinking of switching to a lower viscosity oil. Right now, I'm using 10W-40. Would I be doing damage to the engine if I switch to something like 5W-20 or 5W-30, seeing how it's not listed on the chart? |
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December 21st, 2010, 07:17 PM
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#2 |
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ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Spooph
Location: Golden, CO
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Oct '15
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lol, no, I doubt it. I think manu's don't think we'd be riding in that cold of weather, so no bother in publishing it...
I however have run 10-w40 as cold as -5F, and the cam chain starts clicking. For those same months I'm trying to find some 5-w30. My local moto shop doesn't carry it, and I haven't gone out looking for it yet, so if you find some moto-specific 5-w30 dyno juice (hold the synthetic please), post up a link.
__________________________________________________
 My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar. |
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December 21st, 2010, 08:19 PM
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#3 |
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ninjette.org sage
Name: Jon
Location: Usa
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): magHitVE Posts: 649
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where in Canada do you live that makes it is legal to ride a motorcycle after dec. 15th?
Jon |
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December 21st, 2010, 10:17 PM
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#4 |
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ninjette.org guru
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331
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Ontario. Toronto area.
AFAIK, Quebec is the only province that's got laws against riding in the winter. At least once a day, I mentally express my gratitude for not living there. I sincerely feel sorry for you. |
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December 22nd, 2010, 09:26 AM
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#5 |
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Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Maxima Maxum 4 Premium 5w30 is a petro blend.
http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1...=TUC_53-0649_G http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...eeok32i31eeij2 http://www.kneedraggers.com/product/...mium-Blend-Oil |
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December 22nd, 2010, 09:49 AM
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#6 |
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ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Spooph
Location: Golden, CO
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Oct '15
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cool, I might have to give that a shot.
__________________________________________________
My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar. |
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December 22nd, 2010, 10:43 AM
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#7 |
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‘94 Rider
Name: Colin
Location: Lewis Center, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1994 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F Posts: 81
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On N250RC, a long-time member attemped using 5W-30 on his new replacement engine, and it ended up damaging the engine in pretty short order. I remember reading the specific thread, and I can't remember exactly what kind of damage was done, but I know it wasn't good.
If you are looking for an oil that is exellent in winter and won't damage your bike, use 5W-40. The 5 number gives it excellent cold start properties, and the 40 weight is what the owners manual calls for (xW-30 is just too thin to protect this engine). I've used Mobil 1 5W-40 in winter before, and I know there is Rotella T 5W-40 which seems to be even more popular than the Mobil. |
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December 22nd, 2010, 11:13 AM
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#8 | |
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.
Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
__________________________________________________
Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up 
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December 22nd, 2010, 05:34 PM
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#9 | |
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Bad-ass 250 racer
Name: Neal
Location: Minnesnowta
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r, ATK 605, Honda CR250R Posts: 91
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Quote:
doesn't the attached picture show that 10-30 is acceptable?
__________________________________________________
CRA #28. Just wave as you go by!
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December 22nd, 2010, 06:28 PM
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#10 |
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Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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I believe both Indrish and Spooph are talking about riding in some serious negative # temps. It is highly unlikely at those temps that the Ninja will reach a high enough temp that a lower weight oil will not protect it, especially on short rides. 10w 30 is only good for -10 degrees cel. / 14 degrees faren.
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December 22nd, 2010, 07:49 PM
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#11 |
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ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Spooph
Location: Golden, CO
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Oct '15
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excellent, good to know!
__________________________________________________
My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar. |
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December 24th, 2010, 05:05 PM
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#12 |
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ninjette.org guru
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331
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Ended up with:
  Full synthetic (i know). No energy conserving additives. |
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December 24th, 2010, 06:20 PM
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#13 |
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ninjette.org sage
Name: J
Location: Oklahoma
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Posts: 771
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My cam chain started ticking from running 30 for a couple of oiil changes (didnt realize I had the wrong stuff). I switched to 40 and the ticking went away.
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