Am I wise or a fool?

[n9iz]

A question I've been recently pondering...I just dropped $140 to AF1 Racing for my recent Norge service items.  It included the MG recommended Agip/ENI motor oil and filter for big block engines and also the recommended gear lubes for the transmission and CARC.  I used the package deals they have so I also received the correct washers and copper gaskets, etc.  Figured I should do the job right.  My thinking is that I should just use the lubes specified by MG as they're readily available by internet sales, even if a little spendy.  Maybe it should also help resale someday should I decided I need a new Guzzi.  The old "why second guess the manufacturer" dilemma, I guess.  Is this wise thinking or a fool wasting his money?

In previous bikes I've used everything from Redline, Spectro Golden, Belray, even regular car engine oil (which I now understand is not such a good idea for most bikes).  I figure I can get any one of these cheaper in the same grade and, theoretically, the same specification as the Agip which is $16/liter.  I don't mind paying for good quality oils/lubes, but am I unwittingly falling into a case of lubricant snobbery?  I really just want to take good care of the Norge so it lasts me a lot of miles.  I also understand that money unnecessarily spent on high $$$ oil could be spend on cool stuff like driving lights, saddle, silencer....  What do you all think.  I can take a beat-down if needed, I have broad shoulders.  Best regards.

Jeff

[Kiwi_Roy]

Oh boy, it's a while since we had a good oil thread, let alone one I can add some value to
I run Shell Rotella in most of my bikes but the 2001 VII Sport has only ever had Agip.
I noticed after draining the bottles there was a whitish sludge remaining at the bottom so I contacted the company and asked about it.
(no it wasn't the sludge you see from moisture in the oil)

Here's the response I got from Agip head office in NY.

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/uploads/post-7430-0-40860400-1361274412.jpg

Here's a link to the topic on another forum
http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17263&hl=%2Bshake+%2Byour+%2Bagip

[Noguzznoglory]

I find the Agip products at my local (100 miles away) dealer for no more than I see the the other brands not the Internet. And like you, I tend not to second guess the engineers. They're not always right but they know the product better than most.
There's a mentality that the large online sellers are less expensive arhat causes consumers to shy away from brick and mortar. Bought three sets of tires at my local multi-line dealer cuz they were within a couple of bucks of the online retailers

[Wayne Orwig]

I don't mind paying for good quality oils/lubes, but am I unwittingly falling into a case of lubricant snobbery? 

I'll bet you drink Starbucks coffee too.

Yep, snob.
Get it over with, get a Beemer.

[Guzzibrat]

$140 vs Value of the bike and the experience?
Wise man.
Enjoy the bike
Steve

[Lcarlson]

The manual specifies any 10-60 weight oil that meets or exceeds CCMC G4 A.P.I. SG spec. I use Motorex Powersynth, about $20/liter at my dealer.

[Idontwantapickle]

You got it right Jeff, ride without worry.
I use the AGIP in my Norge along with (GASP) a UFI filter. The stuff is available and it is known to be correct. People use other stuff and if they are sure that the ratings are correct then there shouldn't be a problem. But why spend the brain power or time on all that?
Does that make me an oil snob? Maybe, but that sword cuts both ways, eh?

Hunter
 

[ITSec]

My Norge now has 107,000 on it (2008, new in 2011). For the vast majority of that span, I have used Internet-purchased Elf/TOTAL 10w60 4T oil, since not a single dealer in my area would stock 10w60 motorcycle oil. Since any oil filter also had to be special-ordered, I did some research and switched to the Mobil1 M1-102, which matched the factory filter on all fitment specs as well as the return spring tension.

Most of the money I saved on the oil was due to purchasing 18 litres case lots over the Internet, rather than the oil being much cheaper at retail. I haven't saved money on the filters at all, though when I cut open a factory filter and a Mobil1, I thought the filter media and construction of the Mobil1 were superior. Plus, if I forget to keep one on the shelf, I can get them at any of several major auto store chains.

Recently, I started using LiquiMoly 10w60. It meets API SL or higher (Guzzi calls for SG as a minimum) and is, like the oil recommended in your manual, also used in BMW M-Series and some Porsche products. Quality is not the question here, but whether the additives used are appropriate to the engine. Again, the primary driver for me using something other than what the factory suggests is not cost, but easy availability. The LiquiMoly is somewhat cheaper, especially because I buy it in a 5-litre jug - and it's available at most NAPA stores either same day or next day.

For me, doing the research was worth it - partly to save money, but mostly to be sure I could get what I need quickly and easily without chasing around or waiting for a ground shipment of an Internet order. I change my oil between 3 and 6 times a year, so it was worth the trouble.

[Mark111]

Wise,
$140 spent to properly service your $xxxx.00 motorcycle.
Surely you jest,any of the tight arses who think that is dumb are not worth listening to.

[n9iz]

Well, thanks so much for all your responses...all opinions have validity.  When it comes to motor oil, my dad always says,"pay it now or pay it later."  I think that might have actually been from a Fram commercial back in the day, but he still says it.  There are various motor oils available at bike shops around me, just no Aguip.  Not even a Guzzi dealer less that 150 miles from home.  I'll just keep ordering from AF1 and be content to know that everything is kosher with the bike.  In the future I might investigate the actual oil specifications for the bike and make a switch to a locally available alternative that is equivalent.  Maybe one of those mentioned in replies above.  Only real reason for that would just be to support the independent businesses near me (which I try to do when I can afford it).  Mmmm, maybe a Starbucks would taste good now.  It's cold and dreary here today.  All the best.

Jeff

[n9iz]

I forgot to mention it, so...I paid $6950 cash for the red 2007 Norge 1200 with 1643 miles.  It had incurred shipping damage from the freight company so it also came with a brand new, in the box, top box and right side panier.  The originals are just scraped up.  I hope to install the new ones when I get around to it and sell the others to offset the price a little more.  Not bragging or anything...I hope I did well on this purchase.  I did try to investigate going prices before making the deal.  I think I did okay.

Jeff