Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Oil $3.50 a quart!!!

Major score!!!
Finally...I found Valvoline makes a NEW motorcycle oil (4 stroke) with wet clutch & zinc support! This new oil meets all our “Triumph” requirements & more.
Member "bluebass" AKA Tad has beta tested with + results!
No clutch issue like I had experienced with the Amsoil
Comes in two flavors: 10w-40 (cold) 20w-50 (hot summer mix)
NAPA part# 740
Just thought I would pass the savings to all you cool members!!!

Member
Gary James

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the heads up. I got a couple filters, and am about to go buy some oil. I think I'll give this stuff a taste - maybe the thick, sticky kind. I never knew of Valvoline making anything bad.
Ride Safe,
Dennis

Clutch issues using Amsoil!? Fill a brother in. I've been using Amsoil since day one and 10K miles later have experienced no problems. Interested in what your specific problem was? H.P.

Yeah really. What problems?

I've been running Amsoil since first oil change and never had a problem.

Is the new Valvoline synthetic?

Meets or exceeds API SF/SG/SJ
Meets JASO MA specifications
Using Valvoline Motorcycle Oils will not void the manufacturer's warranty.
Both 20W-50 and 10W-40 available at: Auto Zone, Meijer, Murray's and Blains. Motorcycle Oil 4-Stroke 10W-40 also available at Checker, Schuck's and Kragen.
Valvoline 4 stroke motorcycle product site link:
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=76

A:to Q: It's not labeled as "Synthetic" or "non-Synthetic" & has all the right "Synthetic" imperative motorcycle additives.
Note: Don't get too hung up on word "Synthetic", that just means its BASE is not made from a REAL crude oil.
(In most all oil brands)
----------------------------------------------------------
A:to Q: The "Amsoil issue" a few of us had was not a major one...
On more than one occasion, my 2002 TBA wouldn’t shift into gear esp. 2nd. It would "get stuck" I thought it was my clutch going bad or a simple cable adjustment, but it was not the case.
This came up immediately following an oil change to Amsoil from Mobil Triumph oil. I changed the oil back to Mobil Triumph & the issue was gone.
I posted this a LONG time ago & received feedback from a few other members had experienced the same "shifting issue".
Too slippery of a synthetic?
Don’t know, but it's never happening again.

Note: I ran straight 50 weight aircraft oil in my custom 1950 Harley every summer for 8 years She never blew up, nor did the engine/valves look bad when I rebuilt her.
Real oil for real men!
Don’t fall for the $$$ HYPE!


Member
Gary James

Never had any problems with Amsoil and clutch. Actually the longer I use it the smoother everything about the engine and transmission has gotten.

The Valvoline motorcycle oil is a middle of the road oil in comparison with the top ten syn motorcycle oils currently on the market. It isn't the worst and obviously not the best and the price reflects that. As the saying goes you get what you pay for.

Tom

This is not a compromise or some crap oil, in fact it's formulated (for motorcycles) by geniuses at Valvoline/Ashland, a leading producer of oil products.
For God's sake, Valvoline is used in the NASCAR circuit!

The product (apparently in Q:) & its additives far meet & exceed our motorcycles requirements. Today’s oil's are so advanced for our simple air cooled engines that it's almost ridiculous to address this.

Our main concerns should be the effects of the oil on our wet clutch system & weather it contains zinc. I've built/raced a few bikes & believe me, our bikes will not suffer ANY performance or long term damage from said product.

All I care do here is attempt to help others with factual information not to spread BS "rumors" This thread is not titled:
"Who ever doesn’t have problems with Amsoil please respond"
My intention is not to debate (ping pong) but to share my experience/knowledge & inform others of fixes, new products or performance mods that I will stand behind.

I've already been through this two years ago when a few of us had an issue with Amsoil.
While I'm glad (& respect) member "tcv" reports no issues with Amsoil, I attribute my clutch shifting problem to the product.

After not being able to adjust the problem away…it was GONE immediately after a simple oil change back to Mobil Triumph oil.
You can believe it or not!

Member
Gary James

gary,

i use amzoil and did not take your post as edgy.

i think valvoline is great oil and use it in 2 of my bikes: dino racing 50 wt in my beezer and 20/50 dino racing in my 80 ltd 1000.

i have an oil change coming up and will use the new synthetic valvoline.

thanks for the tip,

cat

I've never understood the "great oil debate". It seems to exist among airplane owners, motorcycle and auto owners. The fact is these bikes will work just fine on any decent brand of appropriate oil. Wet clutches have been around for decades and been operated using oils far less sophisticated than available today...successfully and trouble free. I use Castrol Act-Evo 10/40. It appears to be a simi-syn(?) I'm not married to it and might change over to full-syn in the future, but I'd bet a BA or Speedy would run forever on it (or at least as far as on any other brand).

With Amsoil HP synthetic MC oil recently going up to $8 for a new improved version, I appreciate you keeping us informed of what is out there, Gary. At $3.50 a quart it is definitely worth a look. I am not stuck on one brand and usually go with what's the best and most economical. In my 4 wheelers I use Castrol,Valvoline, Pennzoil or whatever. If I can get a $14.99 oil change,I'll use it. That's why I was somewhat shocked when I found out how much the Triumph dealers were charging for the Synthetic Mobil, 3 years ago.



-PES

Hey all,

Seeing as how I was featured in the original post and I'm one post away from new designation here, thought I'd hop in with a comment.

I have had no difficulty at all with shifting and if I had to take a stand, I'd say, so far, a slight improvement. Part of that may be I've worn the thing in pretty well at 14k, part of it may be the Lucas Oil treatment I added to the crankcase.

In any event, I've put about 300 miles on and I'm happy with the results I'm getting. At 3.50 a pop...ride the hell out if it for two years and then save some loot...


BB

New to this forum and would like to know the skinny on the cost of mobil sync 15-50. Was a little bit surprised to say the least when I got my bill for the 600 service and saw they charged me 48 bucks. I thought 3.95 a qt was bad when I had my Nomad oil changed. Thanks, Jack

I have to say that I had trouble shifting with the Amsoil, too. I went back to the Mobil 1 oil and the shifting problems are gone. It almost seemed like the Amsoil wasn't slippery enough!

Gary James, Thanks for the post. I will be trying valvoline at my next oil change! What filter do you use. I've been using Filtrol filters, about 4 dollars from a local shop.

Thanks Gary,
I changed oil yesterday at 36,000 miles and used the Valvoline 4 stroke MC oil, 20w50. AutoZone had it for $3.18/qt. The stuff poured almost like STP oil treatment, but quietened my engine down alot, and my clutch/shifter feels better now - not as much clunking when gears are changed. I've always known that Valvoline is quality goods since my old Volvo mechanic said "nothing but valvoline, boy!". Anyway, we all know that "Loud Valves Save Lives", but I am enjoying mine being quiet for a change. I can enjoy my exhaust note more.
I don't mind changing oil at 3K mile intervals instead of 4K (not at this price difference).
God's Blessings,
Dennis

Glad to see some positive feedback!
I have all my motorcyclist friends using Valvoline & everyone has had quiet motor/smooth shifting results, cool.
Be cautious, the oil comes in two weights
10w/40 & 20w/50 the loose rule is, thinner for cold weather, thicker for hot summer.

My “summer mix” oil change is thicker weight oil & about 1/4 to half quart Lucas oil treatment
Lucas link: http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=49&catid=2&loc=show (speaking of quiet valves)
It’s an oil stabilizer that coats your internal motor parts so you don't get "dry starts" (I would not use while breaking in new motor) although Lucas says it’s OK

I’ve been using Lucas in my trucks & bikes as long as it’s been out. All my vehicles have GREAT compression & quiet motors. If you ever take your motor apart, you will notice a coating of clean oil on the top end parts, now thats protection!

A: to Q: NAPA gold NAPA Gold Oil Filter FIL1358
K&N Oil Filter KN-191 available at Autozone
Filters are not so cheap but they are good.
Others:
Bosch 3300 filter
Wix 51358
ST 6607
PureONE PL14612
Baldwin B1400 (my preference)
EMGO 10-26920

Member
Gary James

Many thanks, Gary.

Hi Gary,
I use Lucas in my stuff as well. My CubCadet has a Kawasaki V-Twin and it is even quiet and smooth. I have thought about getting a chrome exhaust pipe and rejetting the carbs, just to have the coolest mower in town too.
Love the Lucas stuff but I wish they'd change the name. Most of my OldBrit bike problems were related to "lucas - the prince of darkness".
I use 20w50 from now til November - it gets hot here.
Ride Safe,
Dennis

That's right Jack. I changed my oil about 500 miles ago and that's what it cost. That's $12.00 per liter. Sickning an't it! After my warrenty runs out I will sure look to using other oils.

Dave