[Jbray]

Hey all,
I was just wondering what everyone was using for oil type/brand in the newer Honda quads, particularly the new Rancher 420. I just ordered 2 K&N oil filters and will be ready for my first o/c change soon. I would be fine using the Honda GN4 but it is a huge pain to get and I wont pay 20.00+ dollars to ship it to me. I don't mind paying top $$$ for good oil I would just like to be able to get oil from somewhere like Autozone or Advance which is about 10 times closer than the dealer. I've read some of the threads but I have not found one that compares oils in relation to the fuel delivery system.
My main concern is I know that there is a difference in the combustion chamber between FI and Carb and I would like the best I can get for my FI Rancher.

 

[Pain]

I think your choices will be limited if you want to buy locally, and just look for oil approved for motorcycle/ATV wet clutches.

I know there are the high end oils that a lot of people will swear by, and there will always be opinions about this oil or that oil being the best or the worst, etc. I sort of think that as long as you keep oil in the machine and change it regularly then you're OK.

I think you said you were not going to be doing any high-performance riding or anything, so I wouldn't be too concerned. Just buy a brand name rated for wet clutches.

 

[Jbray]

Thanks for the advice. I'm very strict on my maintainence for vehicles and you are correct that I won't be doing any hard riding or mudding on my quad. Mostly dry trails, yard, and mowing. It is hot in the NC summer though, not that I ride much or at all in the 100+ degree days we have had here lately.

 

[Pain]

I use the Honda oil but I have dealer 1/4 mile up the road. Valvoline and Castrol both have ATV oils that you could probably find in Autozone. Just look that its for wet clutches in motocycles and ATVs and you should be fine.

I don't think the heat is a big deal. The difference between 80 and 100 when you compare that to how hot the engine gets, I don't think it's going to change the transfer rate all that much to be honest with you.

 

[Helmut]

None of the local auto parts stores near me sell ATV oil, but it might be different in your area. Personally, I have used regular automotive Castrol without any problems, but I don't know that I would use it in a new machine. I have heard a lot of people say they use Shell Rotella oil too. Like Pain said, whatever kind you use, make sure it's for wet clutches or your clutch will start slipping. If at all possible, I would use Honda GN4 in a new machine.

 

[Jbray]

Kinda my thought too Helmut, I would prefer the Honda but I don't want a bunch of it sitting around and I don't want to make an hour long trip when I need it. I've got some time to burn though so I'll stop by Autobone on the way home and see what they have available. If I don't like what I see I will probably just go grab 6-7 quarts of GN4 and call it a day.

 

[temmorg]

i know the walmart around here sells castrol for wet clutches so maybe check in your area if it close

 

[Jbray]

I'll probably end up getting the Honda stuff. There was only one or two I found at the Auto Store that might work and neither were specifically designed for motorcycle/ATV use.
Is the GN4 a full Synthetic?

 

[Pain]

I don't think the GN4 is synthetic, but Honda has a synth I'm pretty sure.

 

[Jbray]

I'll see what they can get me. I love Synthetic oils, have had very good luck with them.

 

[Helmut]

No, GN4 isn't synthetic. HP4S is their synthetic oil.

 

[Jbray]

Thanks Helmut. Do you know anyone whom has used the Honda Syn and if they liked it? I know this is all relative info but I like to hear others' opinion and forums are great for that!

 

[Helmut]

Thanks Helmut. Do you know anyone whom has used the Honda Syn and if they liked it? I know this is all relative info but I like to hear others' opinion and forums are great for that!

No, I don't know of anyone that's used it.

 

[capone2591]

I use the honda full synthetic 10w-30 in my 400ex. Great so far, just expensive!

 

[rancher11]

i have a friend of mine who has a rincon at. the person he bought it off of went to the dealer to get the oil changed. he does it himself. he put the honda gn4 and the trans. was slipping. before, he could get the machine to do 72 mph, after he put the honda oil, he would only do 50. he went down to the dealer and they told them they put some different kind of oil that has a purple tint to it. ill try in find the name of the oil he uses now.

 

[rancher11]

i think the name if royal purple......he and i always thought oil was oil, but there is a difference

 

[hwood94]

Nice thread guys. I to have an 09 Rancher AT and my first oil change is coming up and I have been wondering the same about which oil to use. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. Does anyone know what type of exhaust would be the best to put on? Not looking for an overpowering sound that wakes the neighbors but something that will add some power and a nice bold sound.

 

[MLR Synthetics]

No, GN4 isn't synthetic. HP4S is their synthetic oil.

Helmut is correct. HP4S is fully synthetic and only recommended in 2006 or newer ATV, motorcycles, PWC.

HP4 is Hondas Synthetic/Dino blend that is approved in all powersports products.

And GN4 is not synthetic.

I would recommend AMSOIL Formula 4 Stroke Full Synthetic. It withstands the high temperatures of ATV's - resisting heat and thermal breakdown, keeps engines clean and controls oil thickening to provide excellent operating efficiency, and is also wet clutch compatible. I run this in both my 250r and 400ex.

i think the name if royal purple......he and i always thought oil was oil, but there is a difference

Check out "A Study of Motorcycle Oils". There is a powerpoint presentation and also an interactive graph that you can play with and see the results of a couple of the tests. In all they tested 32 of the most popular motorcycle oils.

 

[Jbray]

Thanks for the help and suggestions. After deciding to stick with the Honda oil I made the order last week.
I went with K&N Oil filters, as I have nothing but good experiences with the K&N products, and also I bought enough oil for two changes. I purchased the regular GN4 which I plan to use on my first o/c and I also bought the HP4S to use on the second o/c which I plan on doing before the recommended interval.
I have read and heard good things about most all ATV specific oils but I decided to go the safe route and use Honda brand oils anyway.
I really wanted to try the dealer for the purchase but after being on hold for over 10 minutes when I only asked for a price on GN4 I said **** it and went to amazon.com as usual.
Rocky mountain ATV was the seller and I got 3 Q of GN4 and 4 Q of HP4S for under 70.00 shipped. The filters were direct purchased from K&N and were about 14.00 shipped. Had all of it in under a week.
Approximately 84.00 for two oil changes is waaaaay under what the dealership wanted for even 1 o/c.

Given the prices I was quoted from the dealership for 1st and 2nd o/c and scheduled maintainence (valve clearance, etc.), I am saving well over 500.00 dollars doing my own work.

 

[shadetree]

Thanks for the help and suggestions. After deciding to stick with the Honda oil I made the order last week.
I went with K&N Oil filters, as I have nothing but good experiences with the K&N products, and also I bought enough oil for two changes. I purchased the regular GN4 which I plan to use on my first o/c and I also bought the HP4S to use on the second o/c which I plan on doing before the recommended interval.
I have read and heard good things about most all ATV specific oils but I decided to go the safe route and use Honda brand oils anyway.
I really wanted to try the dealer for the purchase but after being on hold for over 10 minutes when I only asked for a price on GN4 I said **** it and went to amazon.com as usual.
Rocky mountain ATV was the seller and I got 3 Q of GN4 and 4 Q of HP4S for under 70.00 shipped. The filters were direct purchased from K&N and were about 14.00 shipped. Had all of it in under a week.
Approximately 84.00 for two oil changes is waaaaay under what the dealership wanted for even 1 o/c.

Given the prices I was quoted from the dealership for 1st and 2nd o/c and scheduled maintainence (valve clearance, etc.), I am saving well over 500.00 dollars doing my own work.

anytime you do any work on your own ride..you save money !!..there is no better fealing than turning a wrench..and doing the same thing they ( dealers ) are going to do..only difference..your not getting charged 60 or more bucks an hour doing yourself.