I keep my Roadstar out in AZ, but I live in NJ. This past week I was out there, but had limited time and the bike needed an oil change. The only 20-50 I could find locally was Valvoline full synthetic. I did the change, and put about 200 miles on the bike and it seems fine. I do remember years ago putting automotive synthetic into an R6 and killed the clutch. What do you guys think? Anyone use regular automotice 20/50 snthetic in their bike?

It should be fine, as long as it doesn't contain friction modifiers. A good number of folks use syn auto motor oil in their scoots without a problem.

That's actually what I was worried about. From Valvoline's website:

16.How does Valvoline's SynPower formula protect against wear?

SynPower full synthetic motor oil is formulated with a balance of high quality ingredients such as detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, friction modifiers, anti-wear additives and premium base oils that work together to provide exceptional protection against engine stress and wear. It provides four times better wear protection than Mobil 1.

Valvoline's proprietary formulation includes special anti-wear chemistry. Valvoline's low impact ZDDP allows phosphorus in the anti-wear additive to stay in the oil longer than other leading synthetic motor oils. Phosphorous bonds to metal parts in the engine to form a "sacrificial" layer that helps protect against friction and metal wear in the engine.

SynPower uses premium detergents and dispersants that protect against deposits and sludge to keep engines clean. SynPower's premium full synthetic base oils and additives hold up to extreme temperatures to provide increased protection for your engine.

I think (I'm not 100% sure) that only 5W-30 & 10W-30 would contain friction modifiers. Check the bottle, if it says "Energy Conserving" it does have friction modifiers.

Also, I don't think any oil that registers a 50 viscosity carries an Energy Conserving rating. If that is so, you're good.

I just got an email back from Valvoline, and they say it contains friction modifiers and is not compatable with wet clutches. Oh, well, looks like I threw $40 into my oil drain pan.

I just looked it up on Valvolines site; you're right, Questcap, any oils with a "40" or "50" viscosity do not contain friction modifiers. I also remember from my General Motors training that any oil with friction modifiers have a "Starburst" symbol on the bottle:

I've been using Valvoline Syn-power 20/50 for a couple of years now and experience no problem. My engine runs quiet and runs cooler with no clutch slippage.

Ekon you're running the full synthetic automotive 20/50 in the silver bottle? I've been running it in my chopper but I've got a dry clutch so no problem. I guess I'll leave it in and see what happens. Thanks!

I think you'll be just fine, as long as you stay away from any thing that has a summer weight (2nd number) of "20" or "30" (i.e. ?W-20 or ?W-30).