Oil - can you mix different types?

[RichardC]

The oil in my 1050 ST is Mobil 1 15W/50 Racing 4T Fully Synthetic . I also have some Motorex Power Synt 10W/50 4T Fully Synthetic in my garage.

Does anyone know if it is safe to mix the two types?

Trying to cut down on stocks

[Granty]

There's nothing to stop you mixing oils as long as all meet the specification of the bike.

[OneShot]

Just curious, why don't you just drain the old oil and put what you want in there? I am far from mechanical but changing the oil is the easiest thing to do.

[Calliway]

You can mix it as long as you salt the rim and use a blender. Make sure you have one of those little umbrella's sticking out and add a cherry.

I wouldnt worry to much about mixing brands but I wouldnt mix weights.

[Granty]

Originally Posted by OneShot

Just curious, why don't you just drain the old oil and put what you want in there? I am far from mechanical but changing the oil is the easiest thing to do.

Four litres of oil will cost best part of £30 or $60 over here so if it doesn't need changing it doesn't get changed

[RichardC]

Originally Posted by OneShot

Just curious, why don't you just drain the old oil and put what you want in there? I am far from mechanical but changing the oil is the easiest thing to do.

It's more of a case of topping up the oil level - we know how much these 1050's like to drink their oil

[oldndumb]

The answer to this question can be found by anyone on most oil company sites.

This is an example of one company's answer.

Myth: You can't mix brands of motor oil.
Fact: Mixing brands is not the best practice because the additive systems in each may be different and when mixed may not function as efficiently as desired. However, no serious problems will occur if you must add a different brand of equivalent quality between oil changes. It is very important to maintain proper oil level.

[4N099]

From what I've read it doesn't really matter whether it's synth or fossil or even the same weight but I kind of take that with a grain of salt so I try to top it off with the same thing it's running.

Took the bike for it's first long four lane extended run this weekend, about 150 miles. Mostly since new it's been two lane curves and work riding with occasional stretching of the rpms for about 2400 miles. Ran an average of 80 - 95 mph with a few spurts of 110 to 115 thrown in there. It sipped it's first oil since the change to synth at around 1200 miles and used about an 1/8th inch off the stick.

[DaveM]

Sprint's are not like BMW boxers, normally they do not drink oil.

4N, your useage would most likely be due to condensation in the oil from your shorter runs.

When you mostly do shortish trips without working an engine hard it is normal for some condensation to build up.
When you go for a decent distance run at higher speeds this gets burnt off and appears to be oil useage.

DaveM