Oil is a very controversial subject but I wanted to get your thoughts.

I want something that will be better than what the dealer uses and be more economical that the "best oils" (I'm cheap). I plan to use Rotella 5-40 "Synthetic" on the engine and Rotella 15-40 in the tranny.

Speaking with the service manager at the dealership and verifying in the owners manual the oil/filter change intervals are 20hours for the 1st service and every 100-200 hours after that, I plan to do the 1st oil change at 5 hours and every 50 hours or 6 months (which ever comes first) after that, please keep in mind that I feel I will be using a better oil than what the dealer uses.

I would appreciate any feedback,

Tom

 

First off, those oil change intervals are nowhere near frequent enough, for a 450R! Search here in the forum, or do a seperate post and see what everybody says.......oil change intervals need to be very short! We are talking an engine oil change like every 2-5 hours (that's a typical day ride for me). And maybe a tranny change every couple of oil changes.....

I don't like Rotella for two reasons: Of the three different types of synthetics, it has the least desirable chemistry. And, seeing it is certified as a "car oil", it can't have as robust an add pack (high pressure additives to protect your gears and cam) as a API SG motorcycle specific oil. There are better choices out there!

My bikes are worth the best oil I can find (Maxima Extra, ester synthetic).......sounds like you don't necessarily think yours is???? Play it smart and protect your investment with the best oil you can find!

Some oil info. For the record, Rotella is a group III synthetic, and Mobil 1 and Amsoil are group IV. The ester synthetics are group V:

http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

http://www.maximausa.com/technical/l...beNews2002.pdf

http://www.scooterhelp.com/genmainta...kcase.oil.html

 

ReconRanger,

Do you think that the Rotella synthetic is worse than the Honda oil the dealership uses in a standard oil change?


Tom

 

Rotella T is one of the best oils on the market. But, I'd change it every 6 - 8 hours max. Don't believe the hype that it is inferior.


I race motocross vet expert - CRF450 and put Rotella ($8 per gallon) in all of my bikes and have been for years, I have had zero issues. I also run it in all of my quads. I'm sure you'll find plenty of people that will sell you a quart of maxima, amsoil, or red line for $7 - 9$ per quart. Save your money.

 

Are you using the 15-40 non synthetic?

I'll be trail riding and I doubt I will do 50 hours every 6 months.

 

Yes, 15 - 40 non-synthetic. I've had nothing but success with it like SoCal says.

 

High preffer motors need High preffer OILS!

The oil that you buy at wal mart or such places, Honda doesn't test them. Can you cause engine damge with others oils, you bet.

 

So does Honda test it's oil to last between 100-200hours?

 

www.amsoil.com

 

I am just starting to ride ATV's, but Rotella that is made for a Ford Powerstroke can take over 3000psi for a short while. I was thinking of running a Powerstroke approve oil in my quads.