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Thumbs down for Rotella T6

36K views 71 replies 30 participants last post by  Wheelhorse 
#1 ·
I don't deny the good experiences that many of you have had with this oil in your bikes, but for my '01 Bonnie, Rotella T6 has not been a winner.

My shifting quality has become tougher and notchier with the Rotella over the Mobil synthetic that was in it before.

It's cheap and it works, but the fact is is that it doesn't work well for MY bike.

I will be switching back to Mobil 1 v-twin synthetic or trying Motul 5100 in 2000 miles. I might even try draining a quart or so of the Rotella and throwing in a quart of the Mobil or Motul to see if that helps.

YMMV :)
 
#2 ·
I don't think it would be a good idea to mix different oils. I had a similar situation with another motorcycle and the oil actually looked like it was globbing up. I quickly changed the oil out and replaced it with what was recommended by the manual.........The bike loved it and I had no more problems ! The Meister
 
#9 ·
The Shell Rotella T6 does not meet the requirements for our motorcycles.

Why would anyone who has spent thousands of dollars on the purchase of their Triumph want to save a few dollars to run an oil that does not meet the manufacturer's requirements ? And chance doing damage to the motor/trans. Or than complain about the poor performance of the product not designed for the application.
 
#16 ·
Oil

I do not understand why some guys will spend between 7-9 thousand dollars for their Triumph, then want to put in 5 dollar a quart oil. Yes, Mobil racing 4T synthetic is expensive. It also works great in the Bonneville. I use the Mobil 4t syn and a Triumph factory oil filter exclusively for my beloved Bonneville. On a side note, my carburator Bonneville also LOVES non ethanol gas. It is worth it to use both of those products in my bike.
 
#17 ·
At least for Florida, I would think 5w-40 would be at the light end of the acceptable viscosity range for the bike. I run 15w-50 and shifting is very smooth with no clutch issues. In any case, I don't think a 5w-40 is going to make a clutch slip- there's more going on if that happens- but it could affect shifting smoothness.

Ain't going to mention brands, though.
 
#18 ·
I've used Rotella T6 in several bikes, including my 2012 T100. I've not noticed any issues with shifting in any of the bikes, including Honda VTX 1800, Shadow Sabre 1100, V-Strom, Kawasaki ER-6n.

This oil seems to be the oil of choice at the V-Strom forum.

Could there be something specific about Triumphs that doesn't agree with Rotella T6? I put just over 2000 miles on my 2012 T100, with about 1500 using the Rotella T6. As I mentioned, shifting seems to be very smooth.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Could there be something specific about Triumphs that doesn't agree with Rotella T6?
It doesn't seem to meet the Factory specs, clearly stated in the handbook, either in viscosity or classification. It's also an "energy saving" oil which has been known to interfere with wet clutches.

Why not just stick to the Factory recommendations?, I quote:

"...semi or fully synthetic 10W/40 or 15W/50 motorcycle engine oil which meets specification API SH or higher (i.e. SJ, SK or SL) AND JASO MA..."
 
#20 ·
I maybe wrong but I think there is more then 1 type of Rotella and you maybe useing the wrong type. I have used alot of brands of oil in these bikes over the years.I dont think any oil will make them shift better.But temp can change the way they shift If it has cooled off where you are lately that can and will make them harder to shift.
 
#24 ·
The stuff works great in 1050 engines and IS rated for use in motorcycles with a jaso rating. Im thinking it has something to do with the sloppier tolerances of the p twin tractor motor needing thicker oil.
 
#31 ·
.You ever been inside both bikes and measured any thing? I think you will find most of the clearances are very close to each other.Ever had your tiger on the dyno.Will you bet money it will out pull my old tractor motor bonnie?


That is just about the silliest thing anyone has ever bet me! Unless you have your bonny built to the hilt then yes,I know for a fact the tiger would leave a bonny in the dust. I don't need to measure anything between the two,air cooled motors are alway built looser in the pistons and cyclinder to accomadate the more severe heating and cooling cycle. Btw,assuming you were to ever meet me or any other tiger 1050 on the road,I or they would gladly let you contemplate there or mine liscence plate and tailights as you see them fade off ahead of you. :eek:
 
#34 ·
That is just about the silliest thing anyone has ever bet me! Unless you have your bonny built to the hilt then yes,I know for a fact the tiger would leave a bonny in the dust. I don't need to measure anything between the two,air cooled motors are alway built looser in the pistons and cyclinder to accomadate the more severe heating and cooling cycle. Btw,assuming you were to ever meet me or any other tiger 1050 on the road,I or they would gladly let you contemplate there or mine liscence plate and tailights as you see them fade off ahead of you. :eek:
It would not be fair to you you have a smaller motor your 1050 to my 1087.The 113 hp is that not what triumph rated your bike at? if thats the case thats crank hp you are only makeing around 100 at the rear wheel on the dyno.That will not be enough.140 mph wont cut it ether I will have a easy 10 to 20 mph on you in top end.that is with 9000 rpms.I wouldnt want to take your money you dont have a clue what a bonnie can be made to do.
 
#25 ·
OIL is the cheapest form of insurance to keep the engine in good shape. Go ahead and put the cheap stuff in, save a few pennies, cents, centimes, and then shell out some really BIG POUNDS, DOLLARS,FRANCS; when you replace all the parts later. Don't start WHINING about your bikes longevity because it'll definitely WHINE when its gears and bearings get fed cheap oil.
 
#38 ·
As already stated, "unless its built to the hilt". Sad part is that it would take that much money and alteration to just barely beat a stock bike. That leaves ME and my crankcase full of cheap oil with the last laugh.
 
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