A lot of talk about engine oil

[bigrnm]

I have a 2008 GL1800 with about 7800 miles on it now. I actually bought it at the end of 2009. Don't drive it too often unless I am going out of town with my peeps, as I drive another bike to work and back and my truck for other jobs. But, I was recently approached by an Amsoil distributor/salesman when coming back from lunch, and he suggested that I change my oil to Amsoil. I have since done some research on the subject, and like a lot of things out there, there is a lot of information/misinformation about what is best for your situation and driving habits. I have taken my bike twice to the dealership for my oil changes, but I want to do my own now. (that's just the way I roll). Lol. I just don't feel I should drive 65 miles each way and pay $100 for an oil change on my goldwing.
It gets very hot here in El Paso. Right now it is 104 degrees out. During the early spring, we get really bad dust storms until summer hits. I don't race my bike unless I am on the freeway with no one around, I then sometimes take up to 90 or 100 mph. But not for too long.
I was thinking about putting Castrol 10W-40 in there on my next oil change, but still using a honda filter. What do you guys think about what I should put into my bike.
Thanks,
"R"

[Viking]

Make sure it is a motorcycle specific oil, that is 10W40 or 15W40 because of the heat where you live, and that it is JASO MA certified so that it agrees with the clutch plates in your bike. Other than that, any manufacturer's product is probably okay, as long as they are reputable. I have heard of some less than reputable bottlers of oil who just do not have inside, what they advertise outside. Amsoil is a superior product. I use it myself. That does not mean you should. You should choose what you are most comfortable with. I am not a Castrol fan, but some are. Shell Rotella T is known to be a very good product, readily available, and not as costly as some others. I have heard prices as low as $18 a gallon at Walmart, but have never seen this price for the 100% pure synthetic formulation. Not saying it ain't so - just that I ain't seen it.

All that said, if you do go with a non synthetic, change your oil in accordance with your bike manufacturer's recommendations. You are safe with Honda oil filters for warrantee purposes. Any filter that you locate that is at the final stage, made by Donaldson, will be equivalent or better than the filters you can find at a Honda dealership. Wix are excellent, Amsoil are excellent, Pure One are excellent. Those are the only ones I use. I would not put a Fram filter on my trailer, and it does not have an engine,

[bigrnm]

Thanks Viking,
Which are the oils that you have heard that don't have in the inside what they advertise they have on the outside, so that I can avoid those oils like cancer.