I use HPR 50 in the A12 in the race car. 40w60. I just warm it up before I give it a hard time. It would be costing some power, but I've had cam and follower wear issues in the past.

Yes, thats exactly the same issue that I have had in days gone by.
Franklins in Auckland who did my latest cam were adamant -use an oil with zinc in it as the modern oils are causing excessive cam/ follower wear on older engines.
So unfortunatley the synthetic looks a no go.
Cheers
Dave

On 2 stroke race bikes there used to be a debate about the heavier oil adding ring seal leading to more power.

On the 1200 I use a heavier oil because the few extra ponies is not worth the risk to the lifters as mentioned.

I used Motul in the Showroom Stock Miata, one of the most noticeable things was the mileage increased nearly 2 mpg (in street driving) so I would think the horsepower increased as well.

Tom

A thicker oil does help with older engines no doubt yet I found
by 3 fills of Mobil 1 on a low km suzuki gti engine it became noisier
yet revved freer than the hpr30 however I tried HPR5 and by the
second fill the engine ran very quiet and revved just as nicely.
HPR5 is full synth but also full zinc and 60% cheaper than Mobil 1
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onli ... pid=14911#Recommendations

Thanks for that D- that looks like it may well be a goer for the 1200.
Cheers
Dave