Recommended Synthetic Oil for 5th gen?

Hi, I'm trying to decide what's the best oil to buy for my 99 VFR. So far I'm looking at either Mobil 1 4T 10-40, Royal Purple Max-Cycle 10-40, or Red Line 10-40 motorcycle.

I've had great experiences with Red Line and Royal Purple products in the past, but never tried using any of them on a wet clutch, so I don't know what to expect.

What do people here use?

 

Rotella T6 has worked well for me, shifts like a hot knife through butter now

 

+1 MD is right.. You will get a boat load of suggestions. The mobil 1 4t is easy for me to get at the local auto supply store. . Many carry motorcycle oil now. If not, most will bring it in for you if they know you are looking for it. Rotalla T is easy too. Get it at Walmart.

I think he is right with the top three oils suggested as well. I use mobil 1 4T, castol edge 4t or shell rotella full synthetic T6.

Purolator L14612 or Bosch 3300 filter. I dont use the purolator
Less than $6 each. I don't use the purolator PL series (personal preference)

Mobil one 4t and rotella are very easy to find and both are good oils.


But wait..... You need a filter to go with that oil :wink:

 

So this Rotella T6 is a popular choice? I've never even heard of it before... though I've heard terrible things about Amsoil, so I try to stay away from that one, personally.

I did some quick looking and didn't find much viscosity selection online for the T6, and it doesn't say anything about motorcycles or wet clutches... which makes me want to ask, what viscosity are you running, and have you had any problems with slippage?

 

5w40 is what you get with the Rotella synthetic. The other stuff is 10w40. Not a big deal it will flow better in low temps but all are 40 weigh in the high temps. Since they are milti viscosity oils. The rotella has a big following with bikers. Not sellj g it but it is a viable choice and is easy to get a hold of.

As for wet clutch stay away from oils with API rating of energy conserving" or the bewer "resource conserving" lable in the lower part of the API circleon the rear.

You will be fine with the mobil 1 10w404t. Castol edge 10w40 4t and or Shell Rotella full synthetic blue bottle 5w40. All are Jaso rated and do not have additives that cause clutch slippage.

You will have to read the back of the rotella bottle to see the Jaso cert.

 

Its on your first link. Under specifications and approvals.

 

I been quiet happy with the performance of the Shell Rotella 5W40 T6 Synthetic on my 5th Gen.

 

I use royal purple 10w40 is what I use at the shop.... never had a complaint or issue from using it. but it is your bike and your choice....

 

Can't go wrong with Rotella and a Purolator PL filter.

Jose

 

Which PL fits the 5th gen?

 

The 5th gen. takes a PL14612. I see them regularly on Amazon for about $7 to your door. I can't seem to find them locally, though. As I understand it, a PL14610 is taller (so should flow more) and should fit behind the headers/plastic just fine too.

I stumbled across a thread showing a WRX (high revving turbo engine) running an 8000 mile oil change interval with a PL14610 and Rotella 5w-40 oil. I grabbed a copy of the Blackstone report that shows things looking great and they recommend trying 9000 or even 10,000 miles to see how it does.

Jose

 

I've used Hondaline HP4 for years, they make a full syn, but I use the blend, and I use it in ALL of my scoots. Good stuff.

 

PL14612 or the slightly longer PL14610
You can also use the standard Purolator filter (still better than most)
L14612 or L14610 for the slightly larger

 

The longer PL14610 doesn't fit because of the coolant plumbing in front of the filter.

 

I have found these links useful in forming my opinion about motor oils.

All About Motor Oil

Motor Oil 101 - Bob is the Oil Guy

Fwiw, I have become interested in synthetic diesel engine oils for my '95 VFR.

It can't be emphasized enough to warm it up thoroughly !


This link may also be of help if you run 2 stroke engines.
The Late Great Oil Debate