From synthetic to SAE
 

Hello,

Just acquired a 2010 Ten, previous owner tells me he used synthetic only. I have never been a big fan as I am never sure if the stuff will be available on the bush or the Mongolian plains, should I need it.

What is the recommended practice for changing from synthetic to SAE? Also, I noticed in Oz that when I asked for 20/50 oil I get a strange look...seems like every one runs 10/40. Sine I ride in hot weather, any reason you think no one goes for the thick stuff?

~CW

Clutch drag, clunky first gear selection and poor cold start lubrication? 20/50 dedicated motorcycle oils are also much harder to come by, in fact 20/50 car oil is increasingly hard to find for that matter.

You're right in my opinion to move to a semi synthetic. I guess just a full oil and filter change should to the trick as the old oil will blend in anyway. If you're worried then just do a few hundred miles and change oil/filter again.

A lot of motorcycle owners use SHELL rotella engine oil.:dentist:

Apart from the first 1000 km, I have used nothing but full synthetic oils in my bikes ever since I could get them.

Imo the rumours of sythetic-caused clutch slip are just that, rumours. My work TTR250 now has 65000km and about 4000hrs on the clock with no problems and the original clutch pack.

My 96 Tenere ran Mobil 1 4T or shell full synthetic for its 43000km. Again, no issues. etc, etc.

So mate, imo you can run whatever you like in your Tenere. It will tolerate any reasonable oil from mineral to full synthetic, heavy or light (as long as it's not too hot).

I use Penrite 5w-60, and have done for some years now.

From synthetic to SAE
 

Penrite?

Isn't that a non motorcycle specific oil?

Feels like I am re opening an old debate ...

No, they make several grades/weights of MA approved oil ie non friction modified. Seems to work ok for me.