What oil does the 2003 Buell XB9S needs?

[Raymend]

I've recently purchased a used 03 XB9S but I have no idea what oil to use on it.

I'm thinking of emptying the oil it has and replacing it with a new one. The only thing that I know is that the previous owner used synthetic oil.

 

[Enemy Zero]

I just replaced mine with 20w50 Amsoil and it runs amazingly well compared to before. I'm not sure what oil the previous guy used (or if it had even been changed in quite some time) but she's purring right now. Even made the shifting super smooth in the primary.

 

[go cytocis]

Welcome!

This topic has been discussed ad nauseum on every motorcycle forum I have ever belonged to, including this one. If you search you'll find lots of good, bad & ugly info.

It really comes down to starting with what the manufacturer recommends (HD 10w40 or 20w50) as a baseline, then find alternates as your own local climate, riding conditions, budget, maintenance schedule, and preferences dictate.

The BEST oil is the one that gives YOU piece of mind after you've informed yourself of the options.

 

[Raymend]

I ride in NY and the weather gets cold after September. But thanks for the replies.

 

[go cytocis]

So if you plan to ride in the winter, it'd be best to use 10w10, then switch to 20w50 in the spring. Beyond that, as long as you check you're buying an API SJ through SM oil, it really doesn't matter if you choose to spend $25/L or $1/L. Just change the oil per the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and you'll be fine...

 

[thuren67]

I run snake oil

 

[user_deleted]

raymend: i recommend downloading service manual for your 03 XB as it's available free of charge on this site. if you drain both the swingarm(engine oil) and primary fluids, be sure to thoroughly clean the magnetic tip of each plug and inspect the captive O-ring as that ring is the sealing surface. all the above great info and if you plan on regularly riding in colder temps such as 30 degree mornings and 40 degree afternoons i would run a 10-40 or 15-40 quality oil in the motor. my personal fav or the primary/clutch/trans assembly is amsoil 20-50 motorcycle oil but to each his own. whatever you choose to run in the primary just be sure it is NOT energy-conserving rated and IS cycle trans/wet clutch specific.

 

[Raymend]

Thank you very much lunaticfringe. Thankfully I have the service manual in book form.

 

[user_deleted]

my pleasure raymend. these are very simple bikes to perform routine maintenance on including fluids, filters, wheel removal, etc. leave your primary and swingarm assemblies drain for at least an hour if you can which assures complete drainage. and when reinstalling the drainplugs....which are interchangeable between swingarm and primary, closely inspect and thoroughly clean the O-ring. if nicked, crimpled or rough looking in any form, replace it. and when reinstalling i like to use a 5/8th hex socket on a 3/8th inch socket driver with short handle...snug up the plug, then 1/4 more turn. watch your service manual torque specs for these 2 bolts as manuals FALSELY showed a torque setting in the vicinity of 50 ft.lbs. which will strip the threads.

 

[Kiwibuell]

Lunaticfringe is the man! I am only new on here but have taken a few handy hints by reading his posts. If i can put my two cents worth in on this post,, i used Motul syn twin 20/50 in my xb12 for both engine and prinary (mainly because ams oil isnt available where im from!). It runs great and shifts abit better than before

 

[user_deleted]

Lunaticfringe is the man! I am only new on here but have taken a few handy hints by reading his posts. If i can put my two cents worth in on this post,, i used Motul syn twin 20/50 in my xb12 for both engine and prinary (mainly because ams oil isnt available where im from!). It runs great and shifts abit better than before

i appreciate the kind words kiwi...very thoughtful of you. i'm one of the few geezers on this board so have had plenty of years to accrue some generalized cycle knowledge. Motul makes some fabulous lubricants so you've chosen wisely.

 

[Matteson]

+1 for the snake oil[up]