15W50 High Performance Synth Oil

[Bobby G]

Lots of pros and cons to be read on this site about using 15W50 synth oil in the RSV, but it's hard to turn down a 5 quart container of Mobile 1 for $23 at Wal-Mart. Been using M1 20W50 for about 2 years now, and the 15W50 does seem to be quite a bit thicker, but for older engines with higher mileage and higher rev limits, it makes sense to give it a try, especially at that price. Only concern may be clutch slippage, but we'll see how it performs.

[skydoc_17]

Hey Bobby,

A deal on engine oil is not a deal if you end up replacing your clutch friction discs! To the best of my knowledge, the 15W50 Mobil1 has the friction modifiers in it. Because your clutch pac has quite a few miles on it, I would not risk anything in the engine that would produce a slipping of the clutch. What would normally be a flush and oil and filter change in a low mileage scoot could turn out to be a clutch friction disc replacement in your case.

I have no idea what you paid for your bike, but I would be willing to BET that it was more than $23.00 . Even if you spend $40. or $50. for an oil and filter change, and NEVER had a problem with your bike, isn't this wonderful machine worth it? Aren't YOU worth it?? I have spent more than $50.00 on stupider stuff than the proper oil for my bike that brings me so much pleasure! If you really want to save a few bucks, AND still put the proper oil in your bike, use the Rotella.

I am SURE you're gonna' do what you're gonna' do...

Earl

[DonTom]

Hey Bobby,

A deal on engine oil is not a deal if you end up replacing your clutch friction discs! To the best of my knowledge, the 15W50 Mobil1 has the friction modifiers in it.

Perhaps not. See here. It seems to be recommended for bikes.

 

-Don-

[KiteSquid]

I might use it in a V-Twin but not in a water cooled bike.

 

I usualy get Rotell T6 for about $20 per gallon at Wally-World.

[etcswjoe]

Is oil the most dicussed topic besides M&E's?

[Carbon_One]

I use Mobil 1 . The MX-4T motorcycler specfic version thou.

Larry

[BOO]

Is oil the most dicussed topic besides M&E's?

 

 

Probably but tires got to be right up there also.

BOO

[skydoc_17]

Right under the nice pic of the Mobil 1 15W50 oil bottle, the author of this article states,

 

"Mobil-1 automotive oils all contain small amounts of moly - about 100 to 200 ppm. This can cause clutch slippage in some motorcycles."

 

And that is why I made the comment that I would not "Risk" running an oil in my bike that might cause clutch slippage in a high mileage bike. I would also like to point out that this very same article starts off by saying that the Rotella is pretty much the best oil to use, and is certainly the least expensive, and is sold at Wally Mart. So if the idea here is to save money on your oil changes, then the hands down winner is the Rotella Sync. oil.

 

As with all things oil, opinions vary. If you want to add some "risk" to you life, try removing the, "DO NOT REMOVE" Tag from your mattress, and DON"T risk flaming the clutch out of your high mileage V4 Scoot!

Earl

[Guest]

Is oil the most dicussed topic besides M&E's?

 

Sigh..just think, 20 years ago we discussed sex. Now were reduced to M&E's and tires/oil. :smile5::smile5:

[Bobby G]

Thanks for the differing viewpoints. And yes, I do recognize that motor oil, like tires, gets debated way too much on this forum.

 

I did some additional research on the topic, and found this very interesting article on some fairly extensive independent testing done on automotive vs. motorcycle-specific oils, including the petrolium vs. synthetic oil comparisons. Some of the conclusions are pretty predictable, but others were not, and as such, I think I'll stick with what I'm currently doing and stay with Mobile 1 20W50 or 15W50 synthetic. I think my clutch will be just fine.

 

Thanks again. Here's the article:

 

http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

[hig4s]

Thanks for the differing viewpoints. And yes, I do recognize that motor oil, like tires, gets debated way too much on this forum.

 

I did some additional research on the topic, and found this very interesting article on some fairly extensive independent testing done on automotive vs. motorcycle-specific oils, including the petrolium vs. synthetic oil comparisons. Some of the conclusions are pretty predictable, but others were not, and as such, I think I'll stick with what I'm currently doing and stay with Mobile 1 20W50 or 15W50 synthetic. I think my clutch will be just fine.

 

Thanks again. Here's the article:

 

http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

 

Mobil 1 20w-50 is a bit thick for a liquid cooled bike,, 10w-40 is what is recommended. Mobil 1 20w-50 is what I use in my Sportster.

[lonestarmedic]

Been using the 15W-50 for quite a while now. No clutch slippage at any time. I had a clutch slip when I bought my 1986. Changed out the clutch pack and used one change of 15W-40 Rotella. Bike seemed to run a bit warm. Switched to the Mobil and the motor felt better. Good shifts when hot and seemed to run a bit cooler by the OEM temp gauge. I watch which oil I get. Seems to be a couple different Mobil 1 series. The silver or red caps do not show any friction modifiers on the bottle or web site. I can shift at any rpm and grab is instant. I run 2 up and never feel a problem. Of course your experience may differ. Oh, I have about 50,000 on the clutches and all but 3,000 are mobile 1.

 

JB