 Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 22
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 22 |
Hi Guys,
I've searched for subjects on oil, and seen the debate on the various choices that people have made.
But what I'd like to know is, which engine oil would you choose to minimise engine noise?
I too went through the:
OMG! there's no oil! (now stand the bike upright please....)
and the:
OK I'll top it up - oops! let's drain that extra oil out now...
phase.
On a long run, when the engine really warms up, I'd like it to make a little less noise.
Does anybody else feel the same?
Nick
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 786
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 786 |
I'm using Shell Rotella T in the blue Jug and am very happy with the way it performs, I think other members are using it also. 
05 TBA Mulberry/Silver, Thunder Bike pipes, K&N single Filter, 132 main Jet's, Snorkles Removed
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
On a long run, when the engine really warms up, I'd like it to make a little less noise.
Does anybody else feel the same?
Yep, Amsoil 20w50 did it for me although on my next change I'm going to try that Rotella Synthetic since it's gotten such good results with others here.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 296
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
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I have been running with the Triumph Synthetic oil since day one in all of my modern Triumphs (and I have had a few). In my latest bike 06 Scrambler I decided to run semi-synthetic and I have to say that this bike has the smoothest shifting transmission and a much smoother running engine than any of the previous bikes. Even on a cold start up all I get is a slight "click" when shifting into first the first time before moving out. All of the other shifting is quiet and extremely smooth. I will stay with the semi-synthetic.
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337 |
Love the Amsoil. Run it in everything I own. Both trucks, wifes SUV, boat, bike(s), lawn mowers, etc... Once a year or 25k miles between oil changes.
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
Amsoil!! 
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
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Nick N, If you can hear "engine noise" there is something wrong with your "exhaust" that needs to be modified
2005 America, Green, Thunderbike exhaust
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HE** OUT OF THE WAY!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
Amsoil for sure. Look at the test charts done by independant testers. I wouldn't run Rotella in my lawnmower.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
It's all well and good saying a vote for Amsoil.....but I've never seen it over here.  But I have seen the Shell - I think that may be what I used when I did an oil change on the 03.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337 |
Gina,
I'm an Amsoil dealer. I know we sell and distribute outside of the US. I've sent the International sales and distribution center an email and will call them on Monday to find out where you can buy it. I can certainly ship it to you, but we all know that costs a fortune. I'll let you know what they tell me on Monday. Have you tried to order it over the 'net? Even here in the Us it is not available in most big box retail or auto parts stores.
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337 |
Quote:
...which engine oil would you choose to minimise engine noise?...
Well. the crux of your question is a loaded one at that. You could pour motor honey in there and it would be really quiet- if it were really hot. If it were cold it wouldn't flow; and in a few short miles it would be really quiet! See where I'm going? The MFG recommends a viscosity based on the operating temp of the engine, pressure of the oil circuit, capacity, designed work load and number of other things. This is why we have multi viscosity oils- so one oil will work in a wide range of temps and operating conditions. You can stray a little from the MFG recommendations if you live in a severe climate.
There are really three choices in oils that will affect the "clatter" from these engines- and that is the base of the oil paraffin, petroleum, and synthetic (isoparaffin). Paraffin based oils leave a buildup, petrol oils break down and become acidic, and both are prone to thermal and viscosity breakdown. Isoparaffin oils have a much higher resistance to these failures. In fact, so much higher that contamination from normal carbon and dirt necessitates the need for oil changes. There are, of course, quality grades in synthetic oils, just as there in any lubricant.
mobile is one of the best commercially available off the shelf oils. Lucas, Redline, and Amsoil are the better high end oils.
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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This may sound a little odd, but what oil filter are you using? I know that the people here recommend a variety of different filters, but you really should use a filter made for your bike. A filter will provide back pressure which will help maintain a certain amount of oil in the upper end of the motor. This information came from a Triumph mechanic I knew some years ago. I've been using the Hiflofiltro # HF 191 with good luck so far. Just a suggestion...
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 177
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
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Motul 5100 ester 15W-50, synthetic blend. I first got it from the http://www.newspeedmaster.com/index.html website.  Each kit includes 4 quarts of Motul 5100 Ester motorcycle oil, a K&N Oil Filter and comes complete with a new oil drain plug gasket. I did read that the K&N filter is too good, so I now get the oil from http://www.terrapowersports.com/ for the and amazon.com for a pure 1 oil filter. It work for me. I ordered two of each to cut down the shipping charge.
Last edited by Jonathan; 08/04/2007 9:45 PM.
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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A little lucas additive will lessen the valve noise somewhat. Whether this is a good thing or not, im sure can be debated. But it will. Just for your consideration.
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Amsoil for sure. Look at the test charts done by independant testers. I wouldn't run Rotella in my lawnmower.
Cummins 325 , 1.3 million miles on ...... Rotella , still going strong . Not my lawn mower , my truck ! 
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
If you read the test charts Lucas lubricants are about as good as adding sand.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 22
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Thanks for all the info Guys. As I've only had the bike a few weeks, it's the original oil filter that Triumph fitted. I've just found the Amsoil at Opie Oils. http://www.opieoils.co.ukAmsoil Synthetic 2000 20w-50 1x5litre = £54.99 I realise I need a workshop manual, but how much oil does the bike take? (in litres ) 
Last edited by NickN; 08/05/2007 3:39 AM.
Nick
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Cowboy,
Could you tell me if Amsoil is avaible in Australia, preferably in Queensland. - It sounds like it's the oil to use.
Hoffo
2x Norton Commando Roadsters
08 Triumph America
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Quote:
Amsoil Synthetic 2000 20w-50 1x5litre = £54.99
£55????!!!!!!?????
I don't care how good an oil is....but no oil is worth £55. That over $100 at the current rate. Even the stuff me and me dad get for the old ones is less than that for 5 gallons (UK ones) and that's nearly specially made. (they makes a load a year, if you don't get some then then you wait for the next batch.)
Go to your nearest dealer. See what they have. The Triumph Dealer by my olds has one brand of oil and that's it. I think it's motul...
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 22
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2007
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Quote:
Quote:
Amsoil Synthetic 2000 20w-50 1x5litre = £54.99
£55????!!!!!!?????
I don't care how good an oil is....but no oil is worth £55. That over $100 at the current rate. Even the stuff me and me dad get for the old ones is less than that for 5 gallons (UK ones) and that's nearly specially made. (they makes a load a year, if you don't get some then then you wait for the next batch.)
Go to your nearest dealer. See what they have. The Triumph Dealer by my olds has one brand of oil and that's it. I think it's motul...
Thanks for the advice Gina.
I didn't expect it to be cheap.
I've been using Opie for my supercharged MX-5 oil. (Redline)
I'm just concerned that when I mistakenly "topped up" the oil, I used a 5wxx.
Am I right in thinking the first number represents the hot viscosity rating, and the second the cold?
i.e. 20w50 = 20 hot and 50 cold
Nick
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
My baby is going to get Rotella-T Synthetic until they quit making it, I total the bike, or something breaks. I'm betting it won't be the latter.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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NickN, The viscosity rating is a measure of the oils thickness and it ability to flow at certain temps. But, your example would be the inverse. The low number would be a thinner viscosity (which flow well even when cold) and the higher would be thicker (to maintain pressure when it got hot). Here is everything yo never wanted to know about oil. http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
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Get the Rotella T and change it every 3K. No problems , no expenditures beyond what a gallon jug of it runs you at Wally world.
If you dont want the Rotella T than get the Mobil synthetic at Wally World......cheaper than amsoil and if you are going to change every 3k or so no worries of any kind.
The recommended intervals for syns are way more than 3000 miles.
Most of us on this forum are anal retentive when it comes to oil both in terms of what oil we prefer and how often we change it.
Last edited by clanrickarde; 08/06/2007 9:45 AM.
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
The Mobil that we are supposed to use is very close to the Amsoil. I always forget the auto parts store designation for it. It's the Mobil 4T racing oil from Triumph but at the parts store it's MX4T or M4XT or something like that. I think Bigbill knows the correct numbers and letters. I would agree 55 pounds or 100 dollars is more than any oil is worth. Thats just crazy!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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From what I can gather Rotella is or was classified as a diesel oil which is a heavy duty oil very suitableas a motorcycle oil. We can't get rotella in Aussie land but I use a well known 15-50 Diesel with excellent results and have been using this after trying all the super synthetics with terrible results ie bad shifting, noise and etc. Ater 20,000 kms still would not use anything else but diesel oil it is the best!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: May 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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No question about it - Suzuki oil RULES! 
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Yup just ask AsrnlTim...and I have his dyno results to prove it... 
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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Haven't seen any test results comparing that to the Triumph or Amsoil oils so I have no idea how Suzuki quality compares to those. I would imagine it would be OK since it is most likely formulated for motorcycle use and takes wet clutch into account. I'll stick with Amsoil until I see a similar amount of studies done by independant people as I have ranking Amsoil way above almost every other oil.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I had a link to a page of the chemical breakdown of many oils. It showed the detergent properties and protection additives. Mobil 1 motorcycle oil had one of the highest amount of them all. It is on another pc, when I find it I will post it.
Personnaly I have been using either mobil 1 or amsoil in all of my vehicles for a long time. I run all of my jeeps over 300k miles, my current at 225k. My longest to 396k miles. I am not very easy on my jeeps or bikes.
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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Yep in every test I have seen Amsoil and Mobil are neck and neck. I don't see any difference in running one or the other except for the cost of the Triumph oil.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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One of the difference between Amsoil and Mobil is that Amsoil designs their oils to last 2 to 5 times longer than all other oils. Which is why the warranty on Amsoil motorcycle oils is twice the manufacturers recommended drain interval or 1 year. So with Amsoil you can run the oil in our bikes for 12,000 miles or one year. Mobil will warranty their oil at the manufacturers recommended drain interval (6,000 miles or 6 months).
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21 |
Well, I've been reading all about this oil issue so as to properly feed my new baby. Friction modifiers, synthetic, semi-synthetic, Mobil, Amsoil, Rotella, diesel oil, not diesel oil, vegetable oil, snake oyl, 4T, MX4T, Etc, Etc. Before I was a newbie again, when I was biking 20 years ago we just shared oil with the automobiles. I'm so confused now I think I'll have to just leave the original factory oil in from now on, for fear of using the wrong thing. Or if you'll just tell me the best oil to use, I'll use that. 
2006 TBA
2002 Corvette Z06
1991 Mercedes 300E
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
Or if you'll just tell me the best oil to use, I'll use that.
A lot of us the Shell Rotella T synthetic 5w40. Comes in the blue gallon jugs at WallyMart for about $16. It says synthetic, but is most likely semi-synthetic actually. But regardless, it works just fine, motor stays cool, shifts quietly, never had any clutch slippage (even with big bore and Barnett heavy duty clutch).
You really can use just about any type of oil you want though as long as it does not have friction modifiers in it - they make our wet clutches slip.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I run Mobil 1 racing 4T fully syn & change every 3,000.
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
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Quote:
One of the difference between Amsoil and Mobil is that Amsoil designs their oils to last 2 to 5 times longer than all other oils. Which is why the warranty on Amsoil motorcycle oils is twice the manufacturers recommended drain interval or 1 year. So with Amsoil you can run the oil in our bikes for 12,000 miles or one year. Mobil will warranty their oil at the manufacturers recommended drain interval (6,000 miles or 6 months).
Tom
No synthetic oils need to be changed because of breakdown. They just get too dirty and carry too many contanimants. Personally I would never go 12k without an oil change no matter what an oil manufacturer says.
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A good read....
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Not about bikes but Porsche racing and air cooled engines. Oil
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Part of it also depends on the quality of the air and oil filters that you use. Poor quality then you need to change the oil and filters more often. High quality you can run it for extended periods. For 22 years I have been changing the oil in all my all vehicles once a year, with all of them running as good or better when I sold them as they did when I first bought them. The key is running with the trio of a high quality syn oil, oil filter and air filter.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2007
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Very well, then. It's settled.
Wesson oil in the winter. Crisco in the summer. And top it off with Parkay between changes.
2006 TBA
2002 Corvette Z06
1991 Mercedes 300E
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Re: Which engine oil?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
Wesson oil in the winter. Crisco in the summer. And top it off with Parkay between changes.
You'll do fine here Michael!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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