Can I Use 10W-40 Oil Instead of 10W-30 in My Honda Motorcycle?

If Honda recommends using 10W-30 engine oil for a motorcycle oil change, does that mean you can’t use 10W-40 engine oil instead? 

Partzilla’s Honda motorcycle expert John Talley hosts live Q&A sessions on our YouTube channel every Friday at 3pm Eastern. In this session, John was asked if it’s ok to use a full synthetic 10W-40 Honda oil instead of the recommended 10W-30 oil for a Honda CB500X motorcycle.

Honda Motorcycle 10W-40 vs 10W-30 Oil Q&A

I have a Honda CB500X that has low mileage. Mild winters and hot summers here in south Europe. Can I use a full synthetic 10W40 oil instead of the recommended 10W-30 oil?  

John Talley: The very short answer is yes. And if anything, I would recommend that because you are in a warmer environment. The manufacturer suggested a viscosity they want you to use because they’re aiming for, or they have to aim for the middle on everything. Especially if you’re in a warm environment like we are down here in southwest Georgia, I always lean toward bumping that number on the other side of W to the next number up. We actually did a video explaining that, where I compare a 10W-40 conventional oil to a 10W-30. I explain what the numbers actually mean, so if you would check it out … But short answer to your question is yes, and I would recommend going ahead with the 10W-40 for a warmer environment. 

Watch the video below to learn about the differences between 10W-30 and 10W-40 engine oils. 

Watch the video below to see a Honda motorcycle oil change, using 10W-40 engine oil.

Watch the video below to see a Honda motorcycle oil change, using 10W-30 engine oil.

Want to see more live repair questions answered? See more motorcycle and ATV repair questions answered here.