talked to the techs at work and i run the hp4 with molly synthetic, either 10w40 o 20w 50 cause it gets so hot here in az and i un 80w 85 trans oil. they told me to change the fluids after everyride. thats the best for the new 450's


Cooper

 

I run the GN4 20-50 in mine

 

Read this great article first. Everything that goes for the CRF250/450 dirt bikes, also goes for your TRX450: http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

I run Maxima Extra, an Ester Based Synthetic (API SG/JASO MA), in both my engine and transmission sides (and all my other quads/bikes as well). After much study on the subject (I am a biochemist), I have to conclude that the esters have chemistry that is far superior to either petroleum oils or the other two types of synthetics. (I run Redline, also an ester synthetic in my trucks.) http://www.maximausa.com/technical/l...beNews2002.pdf

My personal feeling is that if there is any engine in the world that can benefit from a synthetic, it is the new generation of screaming 250/450's! And that is even more true if you are operating in the hot southwest deserts!!! I run 10W40 in winter and 15W50 in summer. But, if I lived in the frozen north, I would run 5W30 in winter and 10W40 in summer.

HP4 is a synthetic/petroleum blend. I suspect that it has a fair bit of ester in it, based on my own personal smell test. It comes in two varieties, HP4M with moly (JASO MB) which should ONLY be used in the engine side, and HP4 without moly (JASO MA), which can be used in the engine OR the transmission side of the 450.

GN4 is old fashion petroleum oil (JASO MA) and can be used in either the engine or transmission side.

I used Honda oils many years ago, but they have been downgraded from SG to SJ (fewer high pressure additives), so I no longer use them except that I run GN4 for a short period during break-in, before I switch to Maxima Extra synthetic.

I run Maxima Extra in my transmission side as well, because I prefer the large amount of esters it contains. But, if I were to run a trans specific oil, I would run Maxima MTL (85 weight) or may second choice would be the red Honda HP Trans Oil (80W/85W).

 

Also, in the dirt bike forums, many 450 owners say that when they run HP4, they burn a LOT of oil. This may indicate that this oil doesn't have great film strength, so it is slipping past the rings. Also, the dirt bikes have only two rings, where the quads have three, so that may be a factor as well (?????????).

 

that is what we advise people with at the shop I work at.

 

One more thing I thought of.....450X dirt bikers are running 50-100 cc's of extra oil in the trans, and some are running a full quart. Some of the gears are lubed only by splash, so if you ride straight and level at high speed for a long period, they are left high and dry, and the transmssion will seize. So, it won't hurt to run some exta and be sure!

And, since you have an 06, it now occurs to me that this is why you did this post in the first place: http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/490070.cfm

 

Fri May 05, 2006 10:23 PM (NEW!)



Im a Factory certified tech, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki. Motorcycles, ATV'S, Watercraft, Dirt Bikes, Lawn equipment, Scooters everything they carry. I work at a Honda dealership here in Phoenix.

Cooper
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Sun May 14, 2006 9:09 PM (NEW!)



talked to the techs at work and i run the hp4 with molly synthetic, either 10w40 o 20w 50 cause it gets so hot here in az and i un 80w 85 trans oil. they told me to change the fluids after everyride. thats the best for the new 450's


Cooper
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