Triumphrat

WildeKurt · 10-01-2004

Wouldn't you know it. I go to the auto parts store that actually carries m/c oil (Auto Zone) but of course they don't have exactly what I want (15W50) but they do have 20W50 Mobile 1 synthetic for m/c's. Do you suppose this will be fine? My guess is yes but just thought I'd check around. The $8/quart at Auto Zone sure beats the $14/guart the dealer wants.

Kurt

djr · 10-01-2004

I personally would stick with the recommended grade/viscocity. 20/50 is thicker than 15/50 and as such will take longer to flow through all parts on start up and in cold weather it will also flow less easily.

robbie · 10-01-2004

Dave/Kurt

I think that the 50 is the cold viscosity the 15/20 the warm
so it is just as thick in the cold state and at startup but slightly thicker when warm.

this would give more drag and less power on a warm engine.

If it is Mobil 1 then it is nearly the same but with more or longer viscosity modifier molecules than what Triumph have specified and got their name stuck on the bottle.

I would use it, but there again thats expensive stuff. check out the back of the dealers and look at the 50gal oil drums of Mobil1 that they use in the servicing of your bike.

WildeKurt · 10-01-2004

I think the smaller number is the cold weather viscocity: 15W, 20W, etc. The actual 'thickness' of the oil will change inversly with temperature. The cold weather figure is usually figured at sub 0C temperatures.

Here's an interesting link: http://www.millersoils.net/pdf_downl..._explained.pdf
and:
http://www.maintenanceworld.com/Arti.../HowToRead.htm

From these I gather the the W figure is the oil viscocity at -35C. So if using 20W50 instead of 15W50, under normal operating temperatures, there should be little or no differences. However, at very low temeratures (i.e. winter cold engine starts) the oil should be thinner to allow for initial flow untill normal operating temertures are achieved. Does this make sense or am I just rationalizing? Or am I just being anal?

Kurt

BigStripey · 10-01-2004

Interesting point to note....

My dealer who is a solus Triumph dealer is now using Shell 'Advance' fully synth oil now, instead of Mobil 1 4T racing ??

Gearbox is a lot 'crisper' and definate engaging than it was before?

blacktiger · 10-01-2004

The 15W of the 15W/50 is the cold or Winter viscocity hence the "W". So if you go for the 20W/50 you could do some damage in cold weather.
My owners handbook recomends 10W/40. So you're actually doubling the viscocity. Although my dealer has always used 15W/50 which I was a bit concerned about at first but he assured me that most dealers use that one.

[ This message was edited by: blacktiger on 2004-10-01 16:44 ]

10-01-2004

My dealer M&S at Newcastle also uses the Shell Advance ultra stuff (Fully synth). They put it in at the 500 mile service which concerned me a bit but apparently Triumph recommend fully synth
from this service onwards.

djr · 10-02-2004

the lower number as has been said is the cold figure. lower numbers allow more flow at low temperatures. my understanding is that this is not only important when very cold but also on initial start up as it allows oil to flow quicker to all parts of the engine irrespective of ambient temp.

WildeKurt · 10-02-2004

What I gathered from the above links is that the W figure is calculated at -30C. I suppose from there there is a curve, linear or otherwise, that takes the viscosity up to the non-W figure. Frankly I don't expect to go riding at or near temperatures of -30C. I'm crazy but not a masochist.

2ndSpace · 10-02-2004

Use the OEM ratings. It is OK it go to a lower 10w50 but not to a heavier 20w50. I may be wrong but I think the 4T is a 15w40. I should have tested the viscosity when when all 4l poored out of the block on to my leg. I use the OEM oil with after market filters. I have found suitable oil by Amsoil, Repsol, Honda, and Motul.