Bubbajbi Posted September 7, 2007 #1 Posted September 7, 2007 I know I will get a great deal of varying oppinions on this subject, but I would like some input on real experiences. I changed the oil on my bike when I first got it back in April and just used the brand-X from the local motorcycle shop and a Fram filter. I am going to stick with the Fram filter but would like some input on what types of oil are good to use. Is there any oil that has improved performance, fuel mileage or just seemed to make the bike run smoother altogether? I need to change the oil next weekend (Sept. 15) so if anyone wants to chime in, now is the time. I appreciate any input.
flb_78 Posted September 7, 2007 #2 Posted September 7, 2007 There is no "best" oil. The responses will vary from YamahaLube to Rotella T diesel oil to Mobil 1 motorcycle oil to Mobil 1 car oil to Castrol to Amsoil. In just the last 4 months, Ive used Mobil 1 car oil, Chevron Delo 400 and Amsoil. I most likely will use the Chevron from now on.
Bubbajbi Posted September 7, 2007 Author #3 Posted September 7, 2007 Since the bike has a "wet clutch", does running regular car oil affect it? What viscosity to you run? I only have about 25k on my bike.
pegscraper Posted September 7, 2007 #4 Posted September 7, 2007 Because of the wet clutch, you won't want to run anything that says "energy conserving" on it, which includes today's car oil. The slick additives in that stuff will eventually ruin a wet clutch. I don't even use car oil in my cars anymore. My favorite oil is Shell Rotella T 15W-40. While you're looking at other options, ditch the Fram filter. They make the worst filters on the market. If you ever see the filters cut open you'll understand why. Their construction and materials are terrible. There are pictures of them in here somewhere, as this has been discussed in the past at length. The Supertech ST7317 is as good as anything going, and the price can't be beat.
Mean Dog Posted September 7, 2007 #5 Posted September 7, 2007 Because of the wet clutch, you won't want to run anything that says "energy conserving" on it, which includes today's car oil. The slick additives in that stuff will eventually ruin a wet clutch. I don't even use car oil in my cars anymore. My favorite oil is Shell Rotella T 15W-40. While you're looking at other options, ditch the Fram filter. They make the worst filters on the market. If you ever see the filters cut open you'll understand why. Their construction and materials are terrible. There are pictures of them in here somewhere, as this has been discussed in the past at length. The Supertech ST7317 is as good as anything going, and the price can't be beat. Yes to all that was said here by pegscraper! Ditch the Fram filter and I use Synthetic Shell Rotella 5W-40 (Blue Jug) from Wallmart and the ST7317 filter as well. Dog
dray Posted September 7, 2007 #6 Posted September 7, 2007 I know I will get a great deal of varying oppinions on this subject, but I would like some input on real experiences. I changed the oil on my bike when I first got it back in April and just used the brand-X from the local motorcycle shop and a Fram filter. I am going to stick with the Fram filter but would like some input on what types of oil are good to use. Is there any oil that has improved performance, fuel mileage or just seemed to make the bike run smoother altogether? I need to change the oil next weekend (Sept. 15) so if anyone wants to chime in, now is the time. I appreciate any input. not to be rude but if your going to stick with the fram filter you should go with National oil for less then 65cents a quart and save your money for the new bike your going to get:whistling: Ok so i said it now change to a good filter and use some good oil good luck
rjmalizia Posted September 8, 2007 #7 Posted September 8, 2007 Yes to all that was said here by pegscraper! Ditch the Fram filter and I use Synthetic Shell Rotella 5W-40 (Blue Jug) from Wallmart and te ST7313 filter as well. Dog Thought it was ST7317?
pegscraper Posted September 8, 2007 #8 Posted September 8, 2007 It is. Your quote is wrong for some reason. Check his actual post.
High Plains Drifter Posted September 9, 2007 #9 Posted September 9, 2007 I don't want to start any arguments. Everyone has their own opinions when it comes to oil types and brands. OEMs also try to push their own brands for obvious reasons. As a former Moto Guzzi rider, I know lots of Guzzi guys that use diesel engine oils, but they have dry clutches. Yamaha states, "In order to prevent clutch slippage (since the engine oil also lubricates the clutch), do not mix any chemical additives. Do not use oils with a diesel specification of "CD" or oils of a higher quality than specified. In addition, do not use oils labeled "ENERGY CONSERVING II" or higher." Yamaha specifies engine oil grade, "API service SG type or higher, JASO standard MA" Personally, I use Yamalube 4, 20W40 and Hiflo filters. I'm sure there are other brands that are just as good, but this has worked well for me so far and meets OEM specs. I change my engine oil and filter every 3k and final drive oil every 6k. If on a long road trip, I'll occasionally let that slide to 4k, but if I'm going to exceed that before I get back home, I'll bite the bullet and find a dealer to get it changed. Ride Safe! Jeff
rjmalizia Posted September 9, 2007 #10 Posted September 9, 2007 Mean Dog must have corrected the original posting after i took the quote. regardless...that's the number. enjoy
James Ardrey Posted September 9, 2007 #11 Posted September 9, 2007 As unanimously posted ditch the Fram filter. I use Hiflo filter and Valvoline 20\50 motorcycle oil. It has worked well and no clutch slippage. I believe as long as you use a grade equivelent to specs as outlined in the manual, use a quality oil filter and change your oiol every 3 thousand Mi. these v4's will last as long as expected.
Rich99 Posted September 9, 2007 #12 Posted September 9, 2007 I know I will get a great deal of varying oppinions on this subject, but I would like some input on real experiences. I changed the oil on my bike when I first got it back in April and just used the brand-X from the local motorcycle shop and a Fram filter. I am going to stick with the Fram filter but would like some input on what types of oil are good to use. Is there any oil that has improved performance, fuel mileage or just seemed to make the bike run smoother altogether? I need to change the oil next weekend (Sept. 15) so if anyone wants to chime in, now is the time. I appreciate any input. All I've ever heard Brent, (and of course, this will get opposition) is that regular Castro GTX is just as good as any motorcycle oil at one third the cost, and with the winningest driver in Drag Racing (John Force), who's to question this oil?? I use 10-40 in the winter and 20-50 in the summer Brent, and when the dealer split the case on my 83 Venture to rebuild the transmission, the inside of the case was spotless. Never had any trouble with this oil, so I'll just continue using it.
Locomotive Posted September 9, 2007 #13 Posted September 9, 2007 Rich, the weight of oil that you are using is not energy conserving which makes it ok for moto use ( look for the starburst on the bottle). Its the moly and friction modifiers that make energy conserving oils detrimental to wet clutches. Bubbajbi, Run what you want provided it meets the specs required. Filter wise any one will do the job but you might consider maybe a wix,purolater, ac or something along that line. Hey fram is ok and so are wally world filters especially if you change them every 3k. If you have oil questions check out www.bobistheoilguy.com. Take a look and get the answers you seek. :cool10:
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