Steve G.

Sorry to keep on this subject. I find discussions on oil use to be a very personal thing, for me and other proud Moto Guzzi owners. With regard to consumption, I think you will find that oil consumption will rise as the oil gets miles on it, as the shear viscosity breaks down from use. Synthetic has an added advantage over dino oil in that it has the abilty to remain thinner when cool, [during cold startup] helping in quicker lubrication to vital bearings, and also retains it's thickness during extreme heat. In other words, it is far less affected by ambient temperature than dino oil. So, those out there that feel [correctly] that a change to thinner oil may be needed during winter months, well this is not nesessary with full synthetic. In my opinion, as also the case for cars, recent trends to thinner oil specs have alot to do with internal engine efficiency, to reduce drag and thereby increase fuel economy. My mom just got herself an '04 Honda Civic, and when looking through the manual for her, noticed oil specs of 5w-20. I've seen some cars out there needing 0w20. That said, I will repeat my self, 15w50 or 20-50 synthetic will more than cover any situation an air cooled angine should encounter. I'd rather have to thick rather than too thin oil. It is after all THE barrier between moving metal parts. Ciao, Steve G.

My owners manual reccommends 20-50 weight, which would make sense considering it is an air cooled engine we are talking about, with all the associated air cooled engine clearances. 5-40 makes sense in a liquid cooled engine. Ciao, Steve G.

I just got a call today about the gearbox recall. My '01 V11 may be part of it. You should check your dealer about the other recall involving big end cap bolts and nuts failing. Last I checked there is no shrapnel covers on the Guzzi engine. Taking the bike in for warranty work is a nervous experience, thinking about other problems which may crop up with the bike. But, not responding to a recall request is worse, it would really leave you hanging out to dry legally if you get a gearbox or engine lockup which chucks you down the road. Ciao, Steve G.

I think 1000kms is to soon to go to synthetic. I went to 8000kms, then went full synthetic. And don't bother with semi synthetic, it's just an expensive gimick. Go full synthetic, or go good non synthetic. I've got 22,000kms in 9 months on my V11, and it is just now starting to loosen up, much like my old airhead beemer. BTW, I use either Agip 15-50 4T full synth., Mobil 1 15-50 full synth, or Kawasaki Canada 15-50 full synth, which ever I can get cheaper. All are JASO, and API spec SG specification. And in the owners manual, it says change engine oil every 10,000kms. Ah, I don't think so. With full synthetic change at 5,000 kms, and non synthetic 2,000kms. Full synthetic has a higher shear viscosity, therefore retains it's original viscosity longer. Ciao, Steve G.