Re: Engine braking: To do or not?

Posted by sgtslag on Dec 11, 2012; 1:11pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Engine-braking-To-do-or-not-tp4033337p4033444.html

Your '76 will be fine (circled Lake Superior, two up, with full bags and trunk, in 2009, on our '79 CB750K, with a Vetter fairing -- no issues worth mentioning, bike ran superbly!).  Just be sure to change all fluids prior to the trip:  brake fluid, oil and filter, and fork fluid (Dexron ATF is affordable, at around $5/quart, clocks in at around 8W).

I would recommend a synthetic oil, as well, one with a winter weight of either 0, or 5, as 90% of engine wear takes place when the oil is cold (at start-up, it is thick, and flows poorly, causing wear).  The synthetics typically have a wider viscosity range, which means they will be thin enough to flow normally, at start-up, but they will thicken to the proper viscosity when warmed to operating temperatures.  Shell Rotella T6 is inexpensive, full synthetic (at least, close enough for government work...), and rated for motorcycle use by the Japanese folks who know, rated SM for cars, and 5W-40 (Mobil makes a synthetic 0W-40, but it is more money).  Cheers!