Anyone used Halfords Bike Oil...semi-synthetic?

[Commander]

I apologise if this has been asked or covered in another thread. I haven't yet mastered the search command properly...it didn't show up anything, which is hard to believe really as oil is a big topic. Anyhoo, with regard to the topic...has anyone used Halfords 10-40 semi-synthetic oil for bikes? If so, what do you think of it? If you don't like it and reckon something else is better, what? Comments appreciated.

[longman]

hi
I have been using halfords oil for about 4 years now (bike and car) car mileage-125000 miles and bike mileage about 10000 miles. never had a problem with it. Great oil and the price is an extra bonus.

[Oldie]

I used it on my bikes since reading plenty of good reviews although I change my oil fairly frequently and I guess any old oil would do. Anyway, it's a reasonable price.

[2112]

Yes, used it a few times if I couldn't get hold of Hein Gericke's stuff. As good as anything out there and not a bad price.

[Cyberglass]

halfords own brand is just mobil1 re-branded. find somebody with a trade card and its £20 a bottle.  

[Commander]

Thanks bloke...I'm looking to save a bit of wonga on this but I don't want to compromise quality. So very good to hear your views. After I had the ecu fuel injection map flash upgraded she ran rather too rich in the first one third of it's throttle setting. As most of my riding at the time was in urban conditions she dirtied the oil amazingly quickly, so much so it's gone a dark rich black in just 800 miles. My dealer has re-flashed the ecu with another map that has leaned the first one third throttle and she is running like a champ again. I'm told it's just slightly richer than the factory standard map in that region of throttle setting and it prevents any surging or stutter under 3k rpm. It does! Pull like a train in any gear any revs and very clean exhausts. Thought I'd drop the oil to make a proper job.

Again, thanks...

[Commander]

Hi blokes,

Just a quick update. In the end I bought Shell Advanced Ultra 10-40 Fully Sympathetic Oil, instead of semi-synthetic.
What caused this change of direction on oil then?  I was surfing the net and ended up on Ebay...somewhere I don't go normally. However, I did a search for motorcycle specific oils and found a site run by Smith & Allan of Darlington. I've Got to say it was an eye opener. They have the lot concerning any oil for cars or bikes, industrial or whatever. For the bike they had Shell Advance Ultra Motorcycle fully synthetic 10-40 in 4 litre cans at just £27.06 with FREE DELIVERY! (£36 at my local dealer). Semi was the same price so it was a no brainer for me. So ordered it and it arrived within 3 days. It's in the bike now with a new filter. Gearbox as smooth as smooth. Fully syn has made a difference. Reckon I'll leave it in for 5k or more before the next oil change.

So Smith & Allan...buy with confidence.

[putbinoot]

5ltr Halfords=£5ltr with trade card £4ltr rockoil 25ltr =£3.8ltr.
http://www.whitedogbikes.com/item--Rock-Oil-Motorcycle-Semi-Synthetic-10w40-25-Litre-Drum--Rock_Oil_Motorcycle_25_Litre.html=£3.24 an oil change cheaper.

[Commander]

Putbinoot, thanks for that info. It very good stuff too. However, I decided on the fully syn after a number of conversations with some techs and from stuff I've read recently. Having bought the Shell fully syn and 'fitted it' I can easily go 5k or 6k without an oil change. I spoke to Shell to confirm this and they said 6k is the norm for fully syn if the bike is being used normally. So...if I do that the cost comes down to around £18 per 4 litres with the savings I make and I've still then pretty much got the best protection an engine can have. One thing I will reiterate is that the gearbox is definitely much smoother with the fully syn in. I'm told it should maintain that throughout the life cycle of the oil unlike some semi's which tend to break down much earlier, making the gearchange that much clunkier again.

[putbinoot]

The main thing is your happy. Go ride.

[Juvecu]

I've been using the Shell 10W40 fully synth for a while now, happy with it, but changing to Silkolene 20W50 fully synth soon for some experimenting.

[Commander]

I've been using the Shell 10W40 fully synth for a while now, happy with it, but changing to Silkolene 20W50 fully synth soon for some experimenting.

Great! Do post back with your experience with this Silkolene stuff when you eventually go that way. I think quite a few of us would like to know what effect it has on the 'box'.