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Lubricants

Engine oil - 10W-40SAE. It is best to run in a re-built engine with a quality standard mineral oil to allow the pistons & rings to become conditioned. I would recommend its continued use, changing regularly at 1,500 miles for engine longevity. Change more often if used for short journeys only. Always choose a motorcycle oil to keep the gearbox nice and smooth, it has additives not found in car oils. In the 1970's I used Castrol GTX 10W40SAE in winter and Duckhams Q 20W50SAE in summer, that engine did at least 45,000 miles without trouble. Both these oils are still available today at less than half the price of the modern day oils.

NOTE: Do not use synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oils on this machine. Under hard acceleration the clutch will slip unless 100%. That said I'm using Motul Semi Synthetic 3100 Technosythese SAE10W-40SAE without trouble. Many other brands have caused clutch slip under acceleration.

    Super lube grease (PTFE) is recommended for the swinging arm, calliper bracket and other chassis bearings. It has excellent dielectric properties and should not seize!

    Adjust and oil the chain every 500 miles or sooner. Every 3,000 miles or at least once a year I clean the chain with white spirit and re-lubricate in a hot chain wax bath made by Putoline.

Known problems:-

    Major oil leaks have been found on the oil pump pressure switch. Replacing the switch is the only cure.

    Always use a new aluminium sump plug washer when changing the engine oil. A used (crushed) washer has little give when tightening and can result in a cracked sump pan!. The last "Genuine Honda" washers I bought were only 18p each so why take the risk.