85 Honda 350X

[14U2NV]

I just purchased an 85 Honda 350X, fixing to change the oil and filter and need to know what is the best oil to run.

[DohcBikes]

The search function will provide hours of entertainment on this subject.

I use Rotella Triple Protection in my wet clutched bikes.

Valvoline ATV is also a popular choice of members on the forum.

[JasonB]

whatever you use, make sure it is set up for ATV use. our older motors need oil with OUT detergents in them because the modern oils will damage the top end components

[sh68cobra]

I run castrol T4 in mine. It works well for me.

[BOB MARLIN]

Rotella or Honda motorcyle oil. Don't put synthetic in a old motor. I did , it lead to a rebuild in one week end.

[six]

I have been running the valvoline atv oil for as long as it's been on the shelf and i have never had a problem with any of my 350x and i have 4 of them.

[86125m]

I agree honda motor cycle oil made for wet clutch systems.

[14U2NV]

Thank you very much for the information guys, this will help me make a wise decision.

[wonderboy]

Just a heads up (sorry, no oil recommendation here) on your oil filter. Make sure to pay attention to which way the filter goes. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the rubber seal / hole in the filter goes to the outside against the cover. There have been stories on the forum here about people putting it in backwards (without thinking, it makes sense to put it in the other way). Backwards is bad.

Also, a little dab of sticky grease will help hold the spring in place while you install the filter.

Just wanted to give you a heads-up in case this filter system is new to you.

[dmfaulks85]

I use Honda HP4, good stuff

[tvpierce]

Don't put synthetic in a old motor. I did , it lead to a rebuild in one week end.

What brand of oil? What weight. Rebuild of what? (engine?... transmission?)

Synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil in every respect. There may be additives in a brand/weight of oil that make it incompatible with a wet clutch system... but given the same additive package, in the same weight oil; a synthetic oil will always outperform a conventional oil.

What you want to stay away from is oil labeled "Energy Conserving". These oils contain an additive package that is not compatible with wet clutches. Most Energy Conserving oils have a viscosity rating at or below 30 weight (0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30) -- at least I've never seen one with a viscosity rating higher than 30. I've never seen a 15W-40 or a 20W-50 with an Energy Conserving rating.

EDIT TO ADD: Energy Conserving oils come in both conventional and synthetic versions my most/all manufacturers.

[BOB MARLIN]

It was MOTUL synthetic. The rebuild had nothing to do the synthetic oil not performing, but rather OVER performing. High end synthetics like MOTUL are very good at cleaning gunk and deposits out of an engine. My engine was still all original and the synthetic oil washed out whatever was stil keeping the valve seals sealed and turned it into a oil burning smoke monster. So I guess my point is (and it is just my opinion) if it is an old motor and it doesnt burn oil now, then stick with a coventional oil.

[DohcBikes]

I dont know about all this synthetic talk, all i know is that you better be right, cuz barnetts back soon

This thread will be nice little welcome back gift for him.

[dougspcs]

I dont know about all this synthetic talk, all i know is that you better be right, cuz barnetts back soon

This thread will be nice little welcome back gift for him.

I guess I haven't been around much lately..did Barnett get a little involuntary vacation time??


On the oil question..I personally love to keep all my trikes OEM. Factory filters and oil all the way..

Rocky Mountain is where I shop and Honda GN4 is $20/gal and the OEM filters are about $5 each, plugs are $3 each..about $100 spring and fall gets all my rides freshened and ready..

If Honda feels its good enough to put their name on it and it's a cheap as any other quality oil then why go shopping for alternates?

Buy the Honda stuff!!

[DohcBikes]

Just want to say for those that just saw that, my edit button is still working flawlessly.

Yes Doug, he was banned.

Honda makes great products for their own machines, can't go wrong there!