What kinda engine oil are you guys running in your 400 Kodiaks? We usually run yamalube but didnt know if there was one just as good or better??? Thanks........[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I just stick with Yamalube. I get it for $2.79 from the dealer so whats the point to use anything else. Know it works well and was made for Yamaha machines so might as well use it. You can use any ATV oil safely. I think there is some synthetic and other oil you can use but I think your just wasting your money unless you race or something.

 

I use Shell Rotella T synthetic 5-40, about $13.00 per gallon at Wal-Mart. NO friction additives.

I spent a lot of time researching this and feel that this is the best you can get for motorcycle/ATV applications. The diesel oils are more than just oils for big rigs. This one is rated SL for gasoline applications, so it meets the very highest standards. Because is designed for diesel applications it contains wear additives (zinc, phosporous, etc) which have been taken out of automobile oils because they don't meet emission standards and screw-up catalytic converters.

Don't just take my word for it - here's a link: http://www.yft.org/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm

 

The owners manual and the service manual say the same things...SG oil 10w-30. So as long as the bottle says that, its the right stuff.It doesnt say to stay away from moly, but if theres a choice between moly in it ot not, go non moly. Look for the star burst symbol, if the bottle has that...then it has moly.
I use the old car oil from auto zone, 79 cent a quart, and its SG oil, no moly, and 10w 30. I know people will get in a bundle about this...but it meets all of the requirements set out by yamaha....why spend more? Its just like buying bottled water, or generic drugs...they are functionally identical.

 

Ive been using the cheapest oil in my 250x since it was new and never had a problem. I use a light wieght oil in the winter and heavy in the summer.

 

[QUOTE=WindmillAtWork;1579447]I just stick with Yamalube. I get it for $2.79 from the dealer so whats the point to use anything else. Know it works well and was made for Yamaha machines so might as well use it. You can use any ATV oil safely. I think there is some synthetic and other oil you can use but I think your just wasting your money unless you race or something.
hey there I have a big jug of yamalube in my garage from my previous atv which was a big bear in 350 I know they took 10w 40 but I am woundering if the kodiaks are the same because if they are the same I guess I have oil if not I have no use for it and wasted my money.

 

In my new kodiak I use yamalube 10w-40

But in my older bikes I just go to canadian tire and pick up formula ATV wet clutch 10w-40, seems to work well.

 

thanks you just saved me time and money, I was told most yamahas have to use MA ratings from a mechanic because of the friction for the clutch so make sure you use a MA rating because you can mess up your clutches!

 

Playing Devils' Advocate here,but there are other good oils out there suitable for cycle and atv use that have the jaso ma rating with no friction modifiers.Mobil 1,Amsoil,etc including this one here that many people are using.Rotela T6 5w40.