The confusion is because API specifications are primarily for cars and cars have dry clutches and generally a separate gearbox with its own oil supply. Modern higher spec car oils have friction reducing modifiers and additives to improve economy, which very bad for wet clutches. This is why they don't recommend anything higher than a CD spec (which is an old school basic non-turbo diesel engine oil).

The easiest way to check you are buying the correct oil for your XT is to make sure it is marked "JASO MA" which is the industry accepted standard by which 4-stroke motorcycle oils are measured. If using anything else, just make sure it does not state "Energy Conserving" because that is the really evil stuff!

Useful reading:

JASO oil specs: http://www.oilspecifications.org/jaso.php

Car oil API specs: http://www.api.org/~/media/files/certification/engine-oil-diesel/publications/mom_guide_english_2013.pdf

Aha thanks for clearing this up, the oil is a Motorcycle specific oil with the JASO MA marking so then I'll try it out :)

That's cleared up a few things I didn't know about oils....cheers Pleiades! Steve

My 2p, use bike specific oil and you cant really go wrong. If your patriotic like me use this
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/t...pshnvetbs4.jpg

http://www.millersoils.co.uk/automot...ctor=Motorbike

shop around you can get it for �25 ish for 4L
Exceeds jaso MA2 standard (as apposed to just meeting it)
My clutch never slips.
My engine never ceased (important)
Its british made (locally too me)
Its very slippery. (especially on workshop floor) :laughing6:
Ermmmmm i am out of reasons haha but i mainly buy it as its a local firm, its good oil, 100,000 miles in various bikes no issues. And its cheaper than my local yam dealer.