Here's what my 96 Owners manual sez:



My oil filler plug has "10W-40" embossed on it.
I use Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil  (Part No. VV740)
JASO MA SAE 10W-40 API SF/SG/SJ
I change oil at 1500mi, oil and filter at 3000mi.

But do a search on "oil"
you will find many MANY different opinions...

Savage = HD eater wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:12:


that my friend is the multi billion dollar a year question.

it's much like asking "what type of bath soap, deoderant, toothpaste, shampoo  is needed to stay clean.  those choices are what drive our everday economy.    

don't buy the hype, any quality 10-40 is sufficiet. don't use tephlon addiidives as they cause clutch difficulites. other than that, go crazy, sky's the limit, what every makes you feel good.  

i use, delco 400 10-40 in every machine i use (and that's alot of them), arrid extra dry spray, crest, and flex shampoo  . since we've done the oil disscuion i thought i would expand the catergory.  8) 8)  

finally got the ole tounge loose from the dumpster.

geo wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:12:



really,  ,  i guess the 98,000 miles i got out of my last thumper using just average 10-40's mean nothing. that and i've never had an engine related failure ever with delco 400  in any machine.
like i said  don't buy the hype, a website devoted to sales will always show their product in the best light, it's call  sales.  

the key to reducing slude, friction, and engine wear is regular changes with filter, and preventive maintance.

i prefer to spend my extral pennines on whats really important.   FUEL

I use Putoline off road 4+ in KLX, should work in a Savage too.
It says on the bottle:- 10w/40, 100% synthetic 4 stroke competition off road oil (jaso ma / api sg).

Clive W  

It is chevron RPM 'Delo' not Delco. It is always in truck stops as many Diesel Engines operators use it. It was the leader of the pack in its time and is still a fine product, Max

Oil is always a spot of contention for riders, it seems.  We all hold to our own ideas and preferences.  As long as you don't get too crazy with your oil choices, you'll probably be all right (as I prepare for disagreements from folks ).

"Clean oil is better than dirty oil, and any oil is better than no oil."

The recommended Dino (petroleum) oils work fine, just stick to the recommended change interval. Synthetics don't really lube any better but they do tolerate heat much better and may flow better cold. If you're one that doesn't always stick to the change intervals the synthetics may be for you as they tend to hold their viscocity better as they age. I always use synthetics for their additional heat protection.