engine oil

[I am Carbon]

I have yamalube 4 stroke in my xs engine. I use valvoline in my truck. valvoline has some motorcylcle oils. one of which is what this thread is about "Valvoline 4-Stroke Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are designed specifically for motorcycles. Motorcycles place special demands on engine oil that automotive oils are not designed to handle. The wet clutch system, high RPMs and temperatures,and metals found in motorcycles require special properties for proper performance and protection.
Valvoline 4-Stroke Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, 20W50:

-Formulated for the specific needs of motorcycles
-For high temperatures, high RPMs, and wet clutch systems
-Synthetic formula maximizes power and acceleration
-Outstanding wet clutch protection
-Maximum power transfer and smooth shifting
-Added protection against harmful deposits that can decrease engine performance
-Excellent wear and corrosion protection
Does anybody use this oil? Has any one of you used this oil and no longer use it? Does anybody know any thing about this oil other than what this manufacture discription says?

 

[cros36]

this??

 

[TeeCat]

I put the NON-synthetic version in my '73 at the last oil change. It's readily available at my local Advance Auto, and the bike seems to like it. I can't see any reason to go to synthetic for my application, really.

TC

 

[I am Carbon]

this??

 

[cros36]

ahh. well, i use the one pictured in my post. haven't put enough miles on it yet to know how its working for me. its the only non synthetic 20-50 that i can find locally. havent tried hard tho.

 

[aldo5468]

I also use the non-synthetic 20W-50 - I'm happy with it; not as costly as the full synthetic.

 

[ReycleBill]

Some people claim that synthetic oils cause clutch slippage on these bikes. I can't say. I use Rotella T 20W-40 Diesel oil or non-synthetic 20W-50 Revtech.

 

[I am Carbon]

I also use the non-synthetic 20W-50 - I'm happy with it; not as costly as the full synthetic.

well the syn in the pic is $7.97 qt at my walmart and less for the non syn

 

[jmink427]

I have been using the regular Valvoline 20w 50 Motorcycle oil in mine.... Clutch is a lot better now... I think the PO had regular automotive oil in it before..... If you got on it hard the clutch would slip.. when I changed the oil it went away......

 

[DogBunny]

The service manual calls for changing the engine oil at 1,000 mile intervals. It does not make sense to buy expensive synthetics if you observe the recommended oil-change intervals.

These bikes do not have true oil filters, they only have a screen. Since the oil is not being properly filtered it gets dirty fast, thus, Yamaha calls for the 1,000 mile interval.

 

[ReycleBill]

The service manual calls for changing the engine oil at 1,000 mile intervals. It does not make sense to buy expensive synthetics if you observe the recommended oil-change intervals.

These bikes do not have true oil filters, they only have a screen. Since the oil is not being properly filtered it gets dirty fast, thus, Yamaha calls for the 1,000 mile interval.

That's why I put a spin-on filter in place of the primary oil filter.

 

[gggGary]

Rotella 15-40 diesel I buy it in 2 1/2 gallon jugs, no problems. But more often than not it is going in to replace 10 or 20 year old oil and I seldom get beyond a run up and down the road before the next owner takes over. But that's what goes in my personal riders of about every persuasion too.
Oddly enough my diesel truck gets synthetic. But it has an oil change computer and typically goes 12,000 miles between oil changes.

 

[ReycleBill]

In tractor-trailers the norm for oil changes using Rotella has long been 15,000 miles. But then they hold 11 to 12 gallons of oil and have 2 or more huge filters.

PS. To be honest, diesel engines don't produce as many harmful crankcase acids as gasoline engines.

 

[I am Carbon]

well then I will put off using Valvoline 4-Stroke Synthetic Motorcycle Oil. thanks for the input

 

[I am Carbon]

That's why I put a spin-on filter in place of the primary oil filter.

whats the scoop on the filter your talking about?

 

[ReycleBill]

whats the scoop on the filter your talking about?

Here it is: http://www.650central.com/engine.htm

It comes with the first filter and here's better installation instructions and a list of replacement filters you can buy anywhere: http://billysmotorcycles.blogspot.com/2011/03/xs-650-spin-on-oil-filter-instructions.html

I'm currently running a WIX filter, a short little orange and black thing that's tough as nails.

Oil filter changes can be done in 30 seconds and don't need to be done as often.

 

[Pyrobooster]

I have been using the regular Valvoline 20w 50 Motorcycle oil in mine.... Clutch is a lot better now... I think the PO had regular automotive oil in it before..... If you got on it hard the clutch would slip.. when I changed the oil it went away......

Thats great, I'll have to give that a try myself

 

[Pyrobooster]

Here it is: http://www.650central.com/engine.htm

It comes with the first filter and here's better installation instructions and a list of replacement filters you can buy anywhere: http://billysmotorcycles.blogspot.com/2011/03/xs-650-spin-on-oil-filter-instructions.html

I'm currently running a WIX filter, a short little orange and black thing that's tough as nails.

Oil filter changes can be done in 30 seconds and don't need to be done as often.

Are the filters really as easy to come by as the site suggests? If so I am definitely going to buy one of these bad boys

 

[Pyrobooster]

Here it is: http://www.650central.com/engine.htm

It comes with the first filter and here's better installation instructions and a list of replacement filters you can buy anywhere: http://billysmotorcycles.blogspot.com/2011/03/xs-650-spin-on-oil-filter-instructions.html

I'm currently running a WIX filter, a short little orange and black thing that's tough as nails.

Oil filter changes can be done in 30 seconds and don't need to be done as often.

How hard was the installation? I am no professional, so I am wondering if I have the ability to do the installation myself.

 

[DirtyErnie]

Wasn't there another oil discussion not long ago talking about how the ball bearings in these engines crush up the Viscosity Index Improver molecules and basically kill any oil within 1,500 miles? I'd look it up but I'm being lazy tonight.