what kind of oil are you using ?

I run Bel Ray semi-synthetic in my 77 kz650. Been running it in every bike since my 94 FZR600R 10 years ago. Made a world of difference in shifting quality over car oil (which is what was being run in the FZR when I bought it).
 
It's been a long time since I've used anything else. I finally convinced my dad to quit using Castrol and to try Bel Ray in his 78 Goldwing and he's a believer now too.
 
I used to use cheap store brand oil but I used Motul 5100 for my last oil change. Yes, there's a big difference. Smoother shifting, easier to find neutral, quicker reving and better fuel mileage.
 
I use Rotella 15w40 most of the time in my GSs. If were in the middle of a REALLY hot summer, I might put a quart or two of 20w50 in it. I NEVER use car oils, most are "Energy conserving" or whatever they call it, and are HORRIBLE for our wet clutch systems. Slipping, and unusually quick fibre wear are to follow if you use that crap. I have honestly lately been bouncing around on oils, trying synthetic vs dino oil, and I have honestly found no real difference. I even tried stupidly expensive Royal Purple, which, while it felt no different, seemed to hold up a bit longer between changes before it looked wattery when i drained it. Rotella is actually a diesel oil, and as such is supposedly blended to withstand higher temps and pressures, which is great for an air cooled motor. I have also used Castrol, but I personally prefer the reaction my bike seems to have when running a slightly higher than called for weight, and the shifting seems a bit less clunky with it. Could be my imagination, but It works for me :)
 
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Motorcycle usage

Though marketed as an engine oil for diesel trucks, Rotella oil has found popularity with motorcyclists as well. The properties of heavy duty engine oils tend to map to the same requirements of motorcycle oils, particularly those whose engine and transmission share the same oil. (This is called a "shared sump" design, which is unlike automobiles which maintain separate oil reservoirs - one for the engine and one for the transmission). The chemical additives found in heavy duty engine oils work well with motorcycles. In addition, the lack of "friction modifiers" in truck oils such as Rotella means they do not interfere with proper wet clutch operations.

Though not yet officially announced by Shell, posts in various motorcycle-related forums cite e-mail confirmation from Shell that Rotella 15W-40 CJ-4 has been tested and shown to meet the JASO-MA friction test. This particular certification is important for motorcycles because of the clutch design which is bathed in the engine oil. This is known as a "wet clutch." Oils that have excessive "friction modifiers" tend to make wet clutches slip. Indication that Rotella T Triple Protection passes the JASO-MA friction test offers one more reason to seriously consider Rotella T for motorcycle use.

Motorcycle specific oils tend to cost between $8 and $10 per quart. Shell Rotella T 15W-40 costs about $10 per gallon (or about $2.50/quart). The price economy of Shell Rotella T allows a motorcycle owner to change oil more frequently, thus matching the "extended change interval" value of motorcycle specific synthetics.
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I use Castrol GTX in my BMW. It's one of the more highly regarded oils for the airhead engine. I was running synthetic, but didn't find it was worth the extra cost (BMW has a dry clutch so no issues there).
 
I'm with tonupsoldier; I use rotella synthetic in my cb. Most of the modern automotive oils are missing the high pressure additives due to all the rollerized internal components. Our vintage bikes don't use these friction reducing components and potential accelerated wear with regular oils is lilely.
 
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