motorcyclebloggers.com

I have been religiously using Castrol Syntec 20W50 semi-synthetic blend for many years now in all my bikes. Prior to my Laguna Seca trip I started doing some research on oils, blends, weights, etc. to learn more on the subject and to see if I needed to change my brand.

One interesting and long piece of reading (definitely throne material) is the Motor Oil Bible. I clipped the pdf file to include the motorcycle section only and it can be viewed here.
At least take the time to read the shortened motorcycle version as it talks about friction modifiers for those of us with wet clutches.

Sidebar: The document above served as a great information tool. Keep in mind its only one man’s opinion. Although he recommends extended oil drains if you use synthetic oil, I am still choosing not to go beyond 3000 miles for my motorcycles (autos though may just work). My reasoning is that unike autos, the motorcycle engine oil on those with wet clutches get the worn clutch particles in the oil, and since mine is a sport bike that gets abused I’m not chancing it. On the flip-side, it provide a lot of (enter Johnny Carson voice) “I did not know that”. End Sidebar

At the same time, our very own gothicbeeeotch introduced me to the Rotella brand. His story is simple and goes something like this Cliff’s Notes version:

“Did some long-hauling on my K75 back in my youth. Was broke. Slept in truck stops. Talked to truckers. They used Rotella. I started using Rotella. Its cheap. Its at WalMart. No problems ever. You should try it.”

I have a Walmart (I know…they are evil) about three miles from my house. I also have a problem finding my current Castrol stuff listed above.

There is also a Rotella Forum for motorcycles, so I read and posted there too. I discovered that there are NO FRICTION MODIFIERS in this oil.

Bottom line: $13.48 / gallon and its available 24/7.

Since my RSVR was due for an oil change before my trip to Monterey (MotoGP), I figured what the hell and tried it. Its worth noting that my main concern was clutch slippage as the RSVR’s of my vintage are notorious for that. Another difference was the viscosity rating. Aprilia recommends 15W50 in their engines and this is 5W40. As you will discover in reading the motor oil bible, the actual difference for me in Arizona is not such a big deal.

Now that I’m back, I have nothing but good news to report. I went about 1300 miles of riding ranging from 60-118F in ambient temperature. A large portion of those miles were in the twisties and / or WFO. I rode that bike real hard and never, EVER did the clutch slip. While I was not backing the bike into turns Nicky Hayden style, I rode about as hard as I could never being on those roads before (the clutch actually started to fade, but never slipped). I also stretched its legs once in a several mile long section of straight, visible, and empty road known for top speed runs. My new personal land speed record was set at 161mph, and since the RSVR uses a speed sensor, its on (unlike cable speedos). I remember thinking to myself that the engine did not seem to be struggling. Yeah that very subjective, but still the oil handled it.

My only regret, which I will consider for next oil change, is that I didn’t do the pre-analysis to follow-up with the post drain analysis. I just don’t care enough, but maybe I should. My Caponord goes off its warranty this September, and when it does it’ll get the same Rotella T synthetic from then on.

The only caviat is the dirt bike. I am still going to use the Castrol for the “50″ component since that bike purpose it to get the crap kicked out of it. And now we are riding in somne serious heat and I think the extra protection is a good idea. I also change the oil every 15 hours or so which makes it not so concerning.

Do your own research, and make your own conclusions. For me, I’m making the change.