First oil change, what oil to use question

super_g · Post by **super_g** » Sun May 20, 2012 9:43 am

I was changing the oil this weekend and not sure what oil to use. The manual mentioned 10w30/10w40 but not energy saving and then it recommends 10w40 motorcycle oil. The only 10w03 non energy oil is the high mileage oil. What oil does everyone use hear?

Thanks in advance

ps. The oil drain plug is a pain, must it be right next to the center stand.

Fiah · Post by **Fiah** » Sun May 20, 2012 10:24 am

10W30 is fine and I'd recommend it over 10W40 if you do not live in a hot climate.

As for energy saving oil vs motorcycle oil, that's a recommendation that stems from the wet (oil-bathed) clutches in most motorcycles. The PCX does not have a wet clutch and therefore does not care whether an oil is energy conserving or not. In fact, a good energy conserving 0W30 full synthetic could make a measurable impact in fuel consumption vs. the ubiquitous motorcycle 10W40,

ericpcx · Post by **ericpcx** » Sun May 20, 2012 1:22 pm

I also see that they specify MB oil for a refill,went to look at motorcycle oils this weekend and could not find oil with "MB" specification

JGC · Post by **JGC** » Mon May 21, 2012 1:08 pm

ericpcx wrote:I also see that they specify MB oil for a refill,went to look at motorcycle oils this weekend and could not find oil with "MB" specification

MB = Motor Bike perhaps, so any oil in Motor Bike section is how I would interpret that.

Fiah · Post by **Fiah** » Mon May 21, 2012 3:48 pm

JGC wrote:
ericpcx wrote:I also see that they specify MB oil for a refill,went to look at motorcycle oils this weekend and could not find oil with "MB" specification
MB = Motor Bike perhaps, so any oil in Motor Bike section is how I would interpret that.

False.

Oil with the JASO MA certificate is your classic motorcycle oil, meant for motorcycles with wet clutches. JASO MB oil (which is what Honda recommends) is motorcycle oil for motorcycles that do not have wet clutches. Think scooters, many BMWs, Ducatis, Harleys, you name it. Curious that it's a Japanese standard but all I can think about is European bikes.

What the difference between a regular car oil and a JASO MB oil is, I couldn't tell you. Just know that there have been several oils marketed as car engine oils that also were also tested for the JASO MA standard. So the fact that an oil is marketed as being for car engines doesn't mean it's automatically bad for your scooter!

Anyway, if you want to play it ultra-safe, any 10W40 motorcycle oil will do, and you can get those just about anywhere. Otherwise, I'd recommend a 5W30 'full' synthetic 'economy' oil.

maddiedog · Post by **maddiedog** » Mon May 21, 2012 6:13 pm

Fiah knows his stuff, his advise is all good.

Honda recommends running synthetic only, so make sure you use a synhetic 10w30. Like Fiah said, we have a dry clutch in the CVT, so standard automotive motor oil will work just as well as motorcycle oil.

ese12105 · Post by **ese12105** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:51 am

I use the Honda brand HP4 10w40. It is certified JASO MB an is one of the only oils I have found available with this certification. Supposed to be one of the top certifications as far as slipperiness goes. It has a chemical additive called "moly." supposed to make it super slick. I like the stuff. About $8 or 9 a quart , but you only need one lol. Oh and the 10w40 cuz it's hot where I live.

ese12105 · Post by **ese12105** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:19 pm

Forgot the m. HP4M. This is the one with the moly additive and MB certified.

Cascanciu · Post by **Cascanciu** » Sat May 26, 2012 11:00 am

What about this?:

http://www.redlineoil-europe.com/motoro ... il%5F00084

Looks like it's fully synthetic (ester based, AFAIK, all ester based engine oils are fully synthetic) and JASO MB compliant. To me, it looks like a better option than the other one available around here, which is the Castrol Xtra Scooter 5w-40, which is synthetic based. In fact, Castrol defines it as a semisynthetic.

Alibally · Post by **Alibally** » Sat May 26, 2012 11:58 am

The garage that services mine uses this.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165507

Cascanciu · Post by **Cascanciu** » Sun May 27, 2012 9:14 am

Alibally wrote:The garage that services mine uses this.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165507

Looks fine as far as viscosity is concerned, but I couldn't see if it's JASO MB compliant. AFAIK, the difference between MA and MB is that MA is designed for bikes with wet clutches, whereas MB is meant for dry ones. Difference between the two is the lack of anti-friction aditives in the MA ones, therefore, MB should be more efficient at protecting the engine from wear. Feel free to correct me if this information isn't exactly right.

The Honda PCX / Forza / ADV150 / SH Forums