Here’s the official language from the June 2005 edition of the LS650K6 (2006 model) Owner’s Manual, p2-3
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Use SF/SG or SH/SJ in API classification with MA in JASO (Japanese Automobile Standards Association).
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If you dig deeper in the Factory Service Manuals you find:
Models 650G, H, J, S = Years 86, 87, 88, 95 oil 10W/40 API SE or SF
Model 650T = Year 96 - oil 10W/40 SE, SF or SG
Models 650V, W, X, Y = Years 97, 98, 99, 00 - oil 10W/40 SF or SG
Models 650V, W, X, Y = Years 97, 98, 99, 00 - oil 10W/40 SF or SG
Models 650K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 = Years 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 - oil 10W/40 SF or SG
Model 650K6 = Year 06 - oil 10W/40 SF/SG or SH/SJ with MA
What’s interesting is the MA specification is required for the SH/SJ oils as, if I remember correctly, the “Energy Conserving” additives only started being used for the API SJ classification (and later). That’s why you don’t see it in the manuals for ’04 and earlier models, as perhaps JASO hadn’t yet recognized the API SJ potential problem meeting the MA wet-clutch requirement. SJ auto oils were introduced in 1996 so it took 10 years for Suzuki to update their recommendation.
No wonder there’s some confusion. Problem is, most auto gasoline-engine oils have the energy conserving friction modifier these days, so it’s hard finding the older SF/SG (max) oils. Also, these older oils had more anti-wear additives (zinc phosphates or similar) that are now cut back in the latest formulations due to issues with catalytic converters. In fact, BMW do not approve SJ oils in their bikes:
http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling/reviews/sj_oil/index.htmlSame old story - newer is not necessarily better.