API rating of oil?

[Josh]

How.... important is it.
The stuff I have at the moment says "exceeds API SG" but the bikes manual recommends "SE/SF" (I think) although the bike is 10 years old, I was just wondering if I should find some that fits the SE/SF recommendation or if I could use the one I have at the moment, that fits the 4 Stroke/10W-40 motorcycle oil recommendations but not the S* one...?
Any advice/general info on the API ratings?
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
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[Kickstart]

Hi

SG superceeded SF oil, and neither are that current.

The only thing you really probably should avoid is the latest rating. These now have a limit on the amount of some additive in them. This additive gives a good level of protection to the engine but also damages catalytic converters. As your bike doesn't have a cat then you are gaining nothing from this rating but you would be loosing a tiny amount of engine protection.

As a crude listing:-

SL ? Current ? For all automotive engines presently in use.

SJ ? Current ? For 2001 and older automotive engines.

SH ? Obsolete ? For 1996 and older engines.

SG ? Obsolete ? For 1993 and older engines.

SF ? Obsolete ? For 1988 and older engines.

SE ? Obsolete ? For 1979 and older engines.

SD ? Obsolete ? For 1971 and older engines.

SC ? Obsolete ? For 1967 and older engines.

SB ? Obsolete ? For older engines.

SA ? Obsolete ? For older engines.

All the best

Keith
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