I simply go by what the maker requires. They recommend their own brand of oil of course. However, they require certain oil ratings. Use them. The 2009 Hondas (and later) require the use of an oil rated for motorcycle, wet-clutch engines. The Yamahas and Suzukis (and some of the older Hondas) only require an automotive rated oil. I've run almost nothing but regular Pennzoil 10W-30 in my older, 98 TRX. I use similar ordinary oils in all our more recent Ys and Ss. But I've watched way too many folks ruin top ends in their newer Hondas. I suspect the oils they use are often the culprit. Ordinary Honda brand oil is good, and it won't break the bank. Skip the fancy stuff. The benefit may or may not be there, but damage is a real possibility.
This is what I do also. I just go to the dealer & buy their recommended Honda branded oil. That way I'm guaranteed to get the right stuff with the right additives, and it's good quality oil. Doing it that way I've never had an oil related problem. The same thinking applies to vehicles, just use what the manufacturer recommends. If you'll do that then you'll rarely have any oil related problem. Far too many people try to over think it with the snake oil additives & going outside the recommended viscosity, not to mention those that think you have to run synthetic in everything. Just read the owners manual & use what they recommend, it'll keep you out of trouble.
