Synthetic or Dino?

[F6Dave]

Over the years, many Valkyrie and Goldwing owners have used diesel oils such as Shell Rotella or Mobil Delvac in their engines. However the new CK-4 diesel standard has caused some controversy. EPA concerns over cat damage have caused many manufacturers to reduce the ZDDP content in their CK-4 oils. ZDDP (zinc & phosphorus) is an important anti-wear additive that benefits motorcycles with integral transmissions. Some new oils reduced it so much that after testing showed increased wear, Ford now recommends the older CJ-4 oils for their diesel engines. So you might want to do a little research on your favorite oil as its composition may have changed.

[JackB]

I kept it simple I use Honda synthetic oil and Honda filter.
I change once a year or 8000 miles.
On my old Valkyrie's I used Shell Roltela with no problems.

[Big TP]

S A R C A S M. I use it. You're 100% correct in it being personal. My wife, who was a Chevron oil and lubricant rep for over 25 years and has the degrees and certifications that tells me she knows WAY more than I do laughs when I mention these oil threads. She would tell anyone if they were to ask, run whatever the hell you want if it meets spec for the application. She'd even tell you off the record you could probably dump any oil viscosity into your engine and get away with it. She would also tell you syn blends are a waste of money. If you enjoy changing oil every 3 or 4K don't blow the extra cash on synthetics. I use full synthetic, multiple brands,in all my motors and change it every 12k with 0.00 oil related problems in any motor I've ever had. I've had oil analyzed after use and it's never been close to being "bad". Anyone who runs big equipment or has a fleet of vehicles usually pays to test the oil instead of blanket changes every X amount of miles as its more cost effective. There's my reason why I do what I do.

I think she is on point.

I also recall reading in one of my car warranty books that you may use full synthetic if you wish but must still adhere to the maintenance schedule as listed. But I would say if running syn and out of warranty, maybe a couple extra thousand miles may be a reason.
On another note, whenever I ran syn on my Harleys it sounded like a car crash in the motor. With regular oil, smooth and quiet.

[broncsrule21]

I think she is on point.

I also recall reading in one of my car warranty books that you may use full synthetic if you wish but must still adhere to the maintenance schedule as listed. But I would say if running syn and out of warranty, maybe a couple extra thousand miles may be a reason.
On another note, whenever I ran syn on my Harleys it sounded like a car crash in the motor. With regular oil, smooth and quiet.

LOUD engines save lives!

[Sorcerer]

I have run Spectral synthetic blend 10/40 for many years. Last winter I won a gallon of 10/40 Bellray Dino oil. Mid summer I was due for an oil change so I used the Bellray. Before I logged 5,000 miles I was noticing a different sound to the motor. At just shy of the 5,000 mile mark I changed oil and went back to the Spectral blend. At the first start up the motor ran quieter and clutch engagement was smoother.

[DaWadd]

I decided to try some Motul full syn this fall before she went to bed. Pricey but I only change it once a year. Previously used Mobil 1 synthetic motorcycle oil.

[unsub]

I followed Ewreck's lead and asked my wife what she would recommend. So I changed things up this year and switched to Canola. I'll pass along the results after my next oil change.

[53driver]

I had to look for awhile to find Mobil 1 20W-50 for Saorla today....
Just not as popular anymore.

[ReserveBum]

its obvious we are not the only group deliberating the details of oils for our machines. A quick search turned up a bunch of car/truck/bike forums that are having the same discussion. I pulled this post off of one of those sites....www.bobistheoilguy.com. The poster is working at Shell


Re: ZDDP level of Rotella CK4? [Re: bubbatime] #4464048 07/19/17 01:07 PM
ChrisGuerrero Offline
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 86
Houston, TX
You can use our Rotella T4 15W-40 engine oil or Rotella T6 5W-40 (synthetic, good for high and low temperatures). These two grades meet the JASO MA specifications and are safe for wet clutches. Also the zinc is 1200 ppm in both. Thanks for your interest in Shell products!

[2wheelsforme]

Used French fry oil is low cost, recycles a product and makes your exhaust smell oh so good!