ASK THE MXPERTS:
SYNTHETIC OIL OR DYNOSAUR REMAINS?
Dear MXA,
I own a 2006 YZ450F and I've been told that I should run the more expensive synthetic oils for their superior pressure and antiwear properties as opposed to normal mineral oils. What do you think?
In MXA's opinion, on an oil-by-oil comparison, you would be much better off running the best synthetic oil possible as opposed to mineral oil. synthetic oils are awesome. But, high-quality synthetic oil costs twice as much as mineral oil (we are talking about the difference between $7.50 an oil change versus $15). And, on the YZ450F, in particular, we don't recommend synthetic oils.
Other brands don't have the clutch issues that Yamaha has with synthetic oil and certainly benefit from syn-oil. we must admit that we haven't tested every synthetic oil (or synthetic blend in our YZ450F, but enough to have doubts about it. By the same token, we don't have any issues with synthetic oil on the KX-F, RM-Z or CRF).
There is a cheaper solution that full-synthetic. For only about 15 percent increase in cost (over mineral oil) you could run a blended synthetic/mineral oil mix. That way you would be willing to change your oil more often, which is almost more important than the oil you choose to run.
If you have a question, send it to mxa@hi-torque.com
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