Mobil 1 15/50 or Factory/Dealership???

[triumphrdr]

I was at the dealership getting my inspection done and new shoes put on last weekend. I asked the guys at the service counter about the 24000 service and went on to tell them that I did not want the oil changed as I can do that myself, and I use Mobil 1 15/50 per this web site. Also because I used the same oil in my truck and car. They then threw up red flags about the "car" oil not having the proper additives for the clutches. They also said that Honda etc. guys get on our site and post rediculous stuff like this....I have changed my oil twice now with mobil 1 15/50 with no problems. I just wanted to be sure I did not mis-understand something.

[brettmess24]

I guess Ill bite.

I really dont understand there Honda Idea :hammer:

but,

I have used mobil 1 15w50 (red cap now gold) in my ducati for years and it works perfectly. However ducati's have dry clutches.

With that being said I really wonder what additive motorcycle specific oil would have over an auto oil.

Could it be more cleaning agents as the clutch wears?

All in all I would think your safe with the mobil1 oil your using. If anything we all change our motorcycle oil earlier than our car oil.

I beleive that oil is oil, given the proper weight, just change it often and all is well.

[crashmasterd]

Don't worry about it. These guys are just trying to sell you oil, or they honestly believe this, but are totally wrong.

I've been using automotive oil in all my bikes for 15 years with no ill effects.

There are several threads in this forum on the topic. If you're worried about it, do a search or two.

Here are some PDFs that may be of intrest.

Read Me

Read me too

And read me

[tripletango]

Shell Rotella T synthetic 5W40 -- 14 bucks at wally world! Don't waste 50 bucks on Triumph Synthetic.

[Diego]

> With that being said I really wonder what additive motorcycle specific oil would have over an auto oil.

Sigh. Oil threads are about the most useless thing one can ever start here, because the most vocal on one side or the other end up stuck in their own viewpoint and facts be dam'nd.

The best info I can find on petroleum engineering is that the important thing is not what additives the motorcycle oil has, but the ones it doesn't. As bikes become progressively more likely to have catalytic converters, there's less difference between what you want in your oil for a bike versus a car--with one exception.

Friction modifiers used in car oils labelled Energy Conserving on the API badge can (note, may not in all cases, but can) cause wet clutches to begin slipping and prematurely fail.

Much of the rest of what you will hear on the subject is mumbojumbo.

[brettmess24]

sigh, you must be a oil scientist :razz:

[Speed3]

Just because people work in a bike shop doesn't make them authorities on anything. I've seen some real morons through the years. I'm using car oil, and try every time I ride to make the clutch slip, and it wont unless I pull it in. Save your money.

[cheapbastard]

I'm getting ready to do my 1st change, and I ain't buying that high dollar ***** from Triumph. I'll probably go with the Mobil 1 myself.

[triumphrdr]

I agree. The only reason It gave me pause was that I used "car" oil in my son's 4 wheeler and did notice it slipping with both of us on. It did not do this before. But I really think it may be just a cheap or different type of clutch. I have worked on my cars since High school and realy enjoy doing this. But motorcycles are alien somewhat. I appreciate the feedback. Jon

P.S. I took off the Bridgestone tires that came on the bike and went with Metzelers Sportec M-1's. They do seem to grip better. Hope they last a little while.

[cheapbastard]

On 2006-01-05 20:06, triumphrdr wrote:

P.S. I took off the Bridgestone tires that came on the bike and went with Metzelers Sportec M-1's. They do seem to grip better. Hope they last a little while.

Next set, try Michelin Pilot Powers! Best street tire I've ever ridden on!