engine oil question

Just looking for an opinion. I am breaking in a new bike, and want to use non-synthetic engine oil. The bike calls for 10w50 oil. I can't find any that is not synthetic, but I can find 20w50. Any reason I shouldn't run that? It should be 50 or 60 degrees out when I break it in. Thanks.

 

It's a KTM RC8. I was told by my engine builder (car engine, 10 years ago) to not use synthetic when breaking in the engine because it would prolong the break-in period. Something about a wear pattern in the cam lobes, I think?
My plan was to run the engine for a day at open practice, then dump out the oil and put in synthetic. It's a new bike out of the crate, maybe I'm overthinking this or being paranoid. The voices in my head are pretty divided on this one.

 

Run the oil you're gonna run in it all the time.

Don't over think.

 

Just make sure its full.....

 

Ten years ago was a l-o-n-g time ago in technology/machining/manufacturing/oil refining.

 

Find 10W-50 oil and run that, synthetic will be fine. It's more important that you stick to the type of oil KTM wants you to run. I've found that twins are especially picky about oil viscosities at racing rpms.

 

Thanks guys. I have two gallons of the stuff KTM wants me to use, so I'll just use that.

 

Why not run the oil that's in it ? Should be what KTM wants in it for break in.

 

Exactly.

Break the bike in with the oil currently in the bike during the morning sessions, then at lunch change the oil and filter. Job done.

 

:wow:

I don't think he meant that full. :tut:

 

This isen't a car engine with a flat tappet cam, in which case he would be correct.