Triumphrat

stu

A while back there was some discussion about this oil, and the local WalMart sells non synthetic 15w-40, but the synthetic is a 5w-40. Is there a KNOWLEDGEABLE person out there that can opine as to which would be the better oil to use, as here in the Florida climate, the 5w number is of concern to me as being too thin,and liable to drain off the moving parts when the bike is standing around..

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Stu


TORs, NARK, thruxton needles, 140mains.40 pilots 2.75 turns out, procom igniter, 17T

Doc_Hollywood

there has been much debate over motor oil in all facets of engines from racing cars to motorcycles. Follow what the factory recommends and be sure it will be okay.

Rotella is formualted for a diesel engine. Do not use it with that wet clutch unless you want ugly results.......

If you feel the need to use a thicker motor oil contact Royal Purple or Amzoil. Either one will be able to give you a professional opinion as to what to use based on what the factory suggests, and the temps you encounter there.

stu

Why ugly results with the clutch? It was my understanding only the energy conserving motor oils can cause slippage.

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Stu


TORs, NARK, thruxton needles, 140mains.40 pilots 2.75 turns out, procom igniter, 17T

PfM

Actually, there are plenty of bikes out there running Rotella, though I have not taken the plunge myself. The main arguments in favour seem to be about price (much cheaper than motorcycle synthetics) and fantastic high pressure and shear characteristics - just right for a gearbox.

Take a look on Thumpertalk.com and serch for Rotella. It is a dirtbike site, but most of these are far more mechanically uptight than our steam engines.

Cheers
PfM

panthercity

Doc, no issues with clutch slip on the SV650, the FJR1300 or, so far, the Scrambler.

And, of course, there hasn't been any issue on the R1150RS or R1100RS either, butt that's to be expected.

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Bob AMA #162726 LPR #54
`02 BMW R1150RSA
`06 Triumph "Scrambled"

5bassman

I'm using the Rotella Syn 5W-40 without problem and I'm in Georgia. Rotella is great for bikes, check out the Shell Rotella forum for use in bikes. The reply above about it being ugly for wet clutches is false. It is rated as one of the best for bikes. Check out this link about oils.
Motorcycle oils

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2005 Triumph Bonneville Black

cuteandcool

Done probably over 100,000 miles in bikes with shell rotella synthetic....rotella is a heavy duty oil for heavy duty motors...while designed for trucks (diesel), that is exactly the kind of oil you want in a motorcycle.

Use the syn, you'll be fine, worked for me at 90 mph across the sonoran desert and back. The conventional is fine too, great oil for breakin, but the syn will be a bit more quiet. Beacuse of it's low Wally price ya can change it as often as you want, but I wait to at least 4,000 miles...

The Big Boo

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The Big Boo and Boo
(Gary and Michelle)

77T140V

Here's some very "hard" data on the Shella Rotella from a BA.com member in hot Houston TX. Some members at BA.com have been using it for years with great results. Read the facts in the link to help make your decision.

Now that my warranty's over, I plan to switch to it for the next change.

Regards,

Tom

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Beginning of the end

Doc_Hollywood

Interesting info, and I guess I have been brought to the table of learning.....

Thanks for the info. Will do a bit more study on Rotella.

Doc

stu

I joined the Rotella forum and posted a Newbie question on its suitability for my Bonneville and received a well thought out positive answer. You can see it under the motorcycle forum.Buying the 5w-40 today , 1 gallon of synthetic for $16.88, beats $50 for Triumph dealers "special" Mobil.

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Stu


TORs, NARK, thruxton needles, 140mains.40 pilots 2.75 turns out, procom igniter, 17T