Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

  • 79MKII
  • 79MKII's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Love Them Kaws!
  • Posts: 2478
  • Thanks: 44

Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

07 May 2012 15:48
#520511
Hello All,

After a complete rebuild on my MKII, I now have about 1200 miles on it. I would like to switch over to synthetic oil but I don't want to switch before the engine is completely broken in.

I'm currently due for an oil change so I was wondering, when is it safe to make the switch? Any recommendations as to brand of oil? I've never run synthetic in anything but it sure sounds like it works well.

Thanks
The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Medina
  • Medina's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 271
  • Thanks: 8

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

07 May 2012 15:53
#520515
dunno about this, but the small block marine motors I built, I'd run 500 miles or so, then switch. I'm guessing its ready.
1981 KZ1100 Vetter "Luminous Navy Blue" DAMN YOU COLOR CODES!
Medina, Oh
My Bike Thread
www.kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/469298-from-ohio

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • bountyhunter
  • bountyhunter's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 7245
  • Thanks: 338

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

07 May 2012 16:02
#520517
You can switch anytime, you can run syn from the start. It's a myth that engines won't break in using synthetic oil.
1979 KZ-750 Twin

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 79MKII
  • 79MKII's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Love Them Kaws!
  • Posts: 2478
  • Thanks: 44

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

25 May 2012 23:53
#524847
Any other opinions on this? My bike will hopefully be ready to go soon and I'll have to think about changing the oil...
The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 650ed
  • 650ed's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 15334
  • Thanks: 2831

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 00:08
#524854
I believe you can put synthetic in right away. Many new cars come with it in the crankcase from day-1. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 0Z.Z1R Mk2
  • 0Z.Z1R Mk2's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 309
  • Thanks: 31

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 08:56
#524896
I recently added "Motul5100 10W50" to the Z1R... and was pleasantly surprised by the difference it made to the overall running and smoothness of the gear box. ;)
1976 KH 500 triple
1978 Z1R D1
1980 Z1R MK2
1983 Gpz750 turbo
2007 ZRX 1200r
1982 GSX 1000S Katana
1983 GSX 1000S Katana
Don't knock my turbo lag - it gives your naturally aspirated a chance..
[IMG

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • kaw-a-holic
  • kaw-a-holic's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 1808
  • Thanks: 249

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 09:02
#524897
It ready. Break-in is personal preference. I perfer 500 miles on standard. Then switch to synthetic.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Old Man Rock
  • Old Man Rock's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 6071
  • Thanks: 225

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 09:56
#524906
As provided to me, ~ 1500 miles so you're good.
1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 79MKII
  • 79MKII's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Love Them Kaws!
  • Posts: 2478
  • Thanks: 44

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 11:56
#524924
There's a lot of into out there stating that the synthetic won't allow a proper break in...maybe that has since been proven wrong. I was still under that impression, but I think I'm safe now either way. I think I'll go with the synthetic now then.

Any opinions on brands? Do they make synthetic oil "specially formulated for high revving motorcycle engines" or anything like that? :lol:
The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 650ed
  • 650ed's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 15334
  • Thanks: 2831

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 12:03 - 26 May 2012 12:04
#524926
Yes, there are synthetic oils that meet the JASO-MA standard for motorcycles with wet clutches. Make sure whatever oil you buy states on the container that it meets that standard. Here's what I have been using for the past 5 years and I highly recommend it. It is formulated specifically for bikes like ours.

www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oi...acing_4T_10W-40.aspx
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 26 May 2012 12:04 by 650ed.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Old Man Rock
  • Old Man Rock's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 6071
  • Thanks: 225

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 12:20
#524934
I'm with Ed on this one... :kiss: :ohmy: :laugh:

Designed for wet clutch systems... ;)
1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 79MKII
  • 79MKII's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Love Them Kaws!
  • Posts: 2478
  • Thanks: 44

Re: Sufficient Break-In Mileage For Synthetic Oil???

26 May 2012 12:21
#524935
Awesome, thanks for the info. I was wondering about the clutch. I used Slick 50 when it first came out and it ruined my clutch....wasn't made for wet clutches back then.

Mobile 1 is a very well know synthetic oil...I'd be pretty comfortable using that. I didn't realize they made a specific motorcycle oil so that's great.
The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
Powered by Kunena Forum