Honda ATVs are Alaskans' "cars" in many rural areas. Most folks seem to run regular auto engine oil in their's although some do use the Honda branded oil. Typically those who feel that they need to buy an OEM oil product for their engines tend to be folks who are less informed in many ways. They are also the folks who have more junk vehicles parked in their yards and need to buy new more often. Those who put the many thousands of miles on their machines every year use regular motor oil and change it regularly. My old 300 TRX has had a constant diet of 10W-30, usually Pennzoil or Chevron, and, while the machine is wearing out, the engine is still running well and going strong. Buy oil rated as the manufacturer requires (or better: further along in the alphabet) and you'll be fine. The whole wet clutch argument sounds good but experience does not back it up. Certain types of equipment do require special lubricants. Just make sure you are using the right type and rated product. Brand does not matter. Besides, ATV makers do not make oil - they just market it with their name on it.
