The Honda Goldwing 1800 is a legendary touring motorcycle known for its reliability, performance, and comfort.
To ensure the best performance and longevity of your Goldwing, it’s essential to use the right engine oil.
Contents
Importance of the Right Engine Oil
The engine oil you use plays a critical role in keeping your motorcycle running smoothly. It serves as a lubricant to reduce friction, wear, and heat, preventing engine components from damaging each other.
It also acts as a coolant, transferring heat away from vital parts, and helps to keep your engine clean by suspending contaminants and preventing them from accumulating on internal surfaces.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the right oil for your Honda Goldwing 1800, consider the following factors:
Type of Oil
There are three main types of oil: mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic. Mineral oils are made from crude oil and are the least expensive, but they may not provide the best performance or protection for modern engines.
Semi-synthetic oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, offering better performance and protection than mineral oils.
Fully synthetic oils provide the best performance and protection, but they are also the most expensive option.
Viscosity
Viscosity refers to the oil’s resistance to flow. The right viscosity is crucial for optimal engine performance, and the Honda Goldwing 1800 requires 10W-40 or 10W-50 oil.
The numbers refer to the oil’s performance at different temperatures, with the first number (10W) representing cold temperature performance and the second number (40 or 50) indicating high-temperature performance.
Additives
Additives are chemicals added to the oil to improve its performance and protection. Look for oils with additives that help reduce friction, resist oxidation, and control foam and sludge formation.
Brand Reputation
Choose a reputable brand with a proven track record of providing high-quality engine oils for motorcycles.
Top 5 Engine Oils
Based on the factors mentioned above, here are our top 5 recommendations for the best oil for your Honda Goldwing 1800:
Mobil 1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Mobil 1’s synthetic motorcycle oil is a popular choice for Honda Goldwing 1800 owners due to its excellent performance and protection.
This fully synthetic oil is formulated with high-quality base stocks and advanced additives to provide excellent wear protection, improved engine cleanliness, and extended drain intervals.
Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel Oil
While primarily designed for diesel engines, Shell Rotella T6 is a versatile oil suitable for the Goldwing 1800.
Its fully synthetic formula offers outstanding wear protection, improved fuel economy, and exceptional high- and low-temperature performance. The low ash content also helps to keep your engine clean and reduce emissions.
Motul 7100 Synthetic Ester Motorcycle Oil
Motul 7100 is a fully synthetic ester-based motorcycle oil designed for high-performance engines like the Goldwing 1800.
It offers excellent protection against wear, oxidation, and corrosion while providing smooth shifting and improved clutch performance.
Castrol POWER1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Castrol POWER1 is a fully synthetic motorcycle oil formulated for high-performance engines. It provides excellent wear protection, superior high- and low-temperature performance, and improved fuel efficiency.
Its Trizone Technology™ also ensures optimal protection for your engine, gearbox, and clutch.
Liqui Moly Motorbike 4T Synth 10W-50
This fully synthetic motorcycle oil from Liqui Moly is designed for high-performance engines and offers excellent wear protection, reduced oil consumption, and improved clutch performance. Its formula helps to maintain engine cleanliness and ensures smooth gear shifting.
Comparison Table
| Oil | Type | Viscosity | Additives | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil 1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil | Fully Synthetic | 10W-40 | Advanced wear protection, engine cleanliness | $$ |
| Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel Oil | Fully Synthetic | 10W-40 | Low ash content, improved fuel economy | $ |
| Motul 7100 Synthetic Ester Motorcycle Oil | Fully Synthetic | 10W-40 | Wear protection, oxidation resistance | $$$ |
| Castrol POWER1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil | Fully Synthetic | 10W-40 | Trizone Technology™, fuel efficiency | $$ |
| Liqui Moly Motorbike 4T Synth 10W-50 | Fully Synthetic | 10W-50 | Wear protection, reduced oil consumption | $$ |
How to Change Engine Oil
To change the engine oil on your Honda Goldwing 1800, follow these steps:
Tools Needed
- Wrench or socket set
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Clean rags
Step-by-Step Guide
- Warm up the engine by running it for a few minutes, then turn it off and let it cool down slightly. This will ensure the oil flows out more easily.
- Place the oil drain pan under the engine’s drain plug.
- Remove the drain plug using a wrench or socket set and allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
- While the oil is draining, remove the old oil filter using an oil filter wrench.
- Apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the gasket of the new oil filter and install it onto the engine, tightening it by hand.
- Replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Pour the recommended amount of new engine oil into the engine through the oil filler cap using a funnel.
- Check the oil level using the dipstick to ensure it is within the recommended range.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. Turn off the engine and check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
- Recheck the oil level using the dipstick and top it off if necessary.
- Dispose of the used oil and oil filter responsibly by taking them to a local recycling facility or auto parts store that accepts used oil and filters.
Conclusion
Choosing the best oil for your Honda Goldwing 1800 is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. Considering factors like the type of oil, viscosity, additives, and brand reputation will help you make the right choice.
Our top 5 recommendations, including Mobil 1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel Oil, Motul 7100 Synthetic Ester Motorcycle Oil, Castrol POWER1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, and Liqui Moly Motorbike 4T Synth 10W-50, are all excellent options for your Goldwing 1800.
FAQs
- How often should I change the oil on my Honda Goldwing 1800?
Honda recommends changing the oil every 8,000 miles or 12,000 km, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. However, if you ride in extreme conditions or use your motorcycle for frequent short trips, you may need to change the oil more frequently.
- Can I use car engine oil in my Honda Goldwing 1800?
It’s not recommended to use car engine oil in your motorcycle, as motorcycle-specific oils have additives that provide better protection for your engine, gearbox, and clutch. Always use high-quality motorcycle oil that meets the specifications recommended by Honda.
- What is the oil capacity of the Honda Goldwing 1800?
The oil capacity of the Honda Goldwing 1800 is approximately 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters) when changing both the oil and filter.
- Does the type of oil affect the performance of my Honda Goldwing 1800?
Yes, using the right type of oil can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your motorcycle’s engine.
High-quality synthetic oils provide better protection against wear, improved high- and low-temperature performance, and extended drain intervals compared to mineral or semi-synthetic oils.
- Do I need to use a specific oil filter for my Honda Goldwing 1800?
It’s essential to use a high-quality oil filter designed for your Honda Goldwing 1800. Using a cheap or low-quality filter may not provide adequate filtration, leading to premature engine wear and reduced performance.
Check your motorcycle owner’s manual for the recommended oil filter part number or consult with a Honda dealer or motorcycle specialist.
