What Oil ?
 

Hi, its time for an oil+filter change on my xtx and im just wondering which oil most people use in they,re bikes? cheers:T

I use Motul 5100 - exactly same as Yamalube stuff at the dealers.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-915-motu...ese-ester.aspx

I use Fuchs 10/40. Same as Silkolene exept mines in a 800 litre tank at work. lol. :laughing7:

I do a oil at 3000 miles and oil and filter at 6000 by the way. ;)

I use yamalube 10W40. Didn't know what oil to use.

If you are not sure why not try Opie recommendations on line - enter the type of riding you do and you will get a good choice - Watch out for their free delivery promotions - makes buying from them well worth while IMO.

Thanks for the replies, seems quite a few different brands are being used. I,ve always used car oils (non fully synthetic) in all my bikes in the past, never had a problem with it, so might try the same with the XT.

Some people will say there is no problem with doing this, but mostly cars oils are not designed to run at very high speeds and at full throttle work alot of the time. Also sometimes they have additives for the likes of the clutch plates etc which motorbikes do not like and can create slippage.

I,ve heard this too, but as long as you dont use fully synthetic i think there should be no bother. as the xt is not a high revving engine, car oil should be ok too. (i think !!) bike oil prices just seem to be a rip off in my opinion :icon_evil:

Noooooo, you should avoid car oils as they can cause clutch slip and even damage!! Brand is not so important (I have always used Castrol, I am sure that others are equally as good) but use only a good quality oil and it must be JASO approved.

Car oils should not be used in bikes due to clutch issues as already stated, but also because car oils are not designed to be used in an engine that also houses a gearbox.

The shearing action of the gearbox will break a car oil down and thus it will not provide the correct level of lubrication. There is a difference.

I know this thread is a few months old now but valuable advice anyway.

Don't use fully synthetic... Damnit I just bought myself 4L of BO 10W40 today, haven't recieved it yet though and thus not put it in the bike.

But why exactly shouldn't I use fully synthetic?

I recently discovered the oil called Bardahl. This is an American manufacturer and seems to be one of the most used in classic and racing bikes. It costs more than Castrol but my experiences so far (I have 8 bikes) are great. See http://bardahl.com/about

Use it if you want, mate. As long as it's MA approved, it will be fine, I'd say.

Okey, thanks!

It will be in the bike during the winterstorage anyway, I can change it when spring comes before I start riding it.

If car oil works for you, use it.
I do use bike specific oil but only the cheapest I can get. I still have two 4 ltr. cans in the basement 14 Euros each. There's no need to spend a whole lot of money just for oil. The XT engine is not a high rev engine. So oil is not really an issue imho.
BTW. I use this one http://www.mannol.de/en/?action=acce...=4-Takt%20Plus. It's cheap and it does it's job: lubricating the engine.

No, I do not agree. U must use a specific motor cycle oil as the bike engine is totally different to a car engine. I agree that the XT is indeed a low revving engine but so what, the characteristics are quite special and so the oil is very important and as it only uses about 3L then why save money on oil............

There is no MUST use in motorcycle oil. If car oil works for him and he has never came over a problem with it why not. He is free to use what ever oil he wants.
BTW. what exactly is the total difference between a car engine and a motorcycle engine beside the clutch? Nothing I guess:).

The extreme pressures associated with a gearbox! ;)

I already stated earlier up his page - a car oil is not designed for the shearing action of the gearbox. Fully synthetic is fine, aslong as its bike specific.

For what it's worth I use a high grade oil in my GSXR due to the high revs the engine can attain, I use bog standard Motul 5000 in the XT as it doesn't rev as high, however, been a large capacity single cylinder still means there's alot of stress on the engine, just in a different manor, so i certainly wouldnt recommend dropping any old crap in. Have a look at this page for instance .... http://www.tpub.com/engine3/en3-46.htm

Yes, you're right. It's not only the shear stress of the gearbox itself the oil must cope with, but all the rolling element bearings throughout the engine and gearbox. Unlike cars, which almost universally use plain bearings.

Er well two quick replies to this one as follows:

1. I use the term MUST not about what he can or cannot do. I use it to explain what is essential for the engine IN MY OPINION.

2. You are always welcome to agree or disagree. That is the whole point of debate and free speech. I think??

3. As I worked for a car manufacturer for 10 years I do know that there are several fundamental differences between car and motorcycle engines. And the oil requirements are therefore very different.

So pleae feel free to use old truck oil in your engine, this is a free society (ish)!!!

What Oil ?
 

I take a guess that might be his point 'that old truck oil would work and chip pan fat too.
You really have to question if all these different grades of oils and reputations are actually credible.
I bought some oil for the car the other day and was overwhelmed by the choice. Slightly worried though I bought the cheapest stuff.

Whilst there are differences in motorcycle engines and those of cars the oils are broadly the same.

Demonstrated by having the same specification and grading systems.

The shear forces in gearboxes exist but the m/c oils are not rated as EP. If they are, the data sheets consistently fail to mention it.

Interestingly, a number of cars I've owned specify standard engine oil as gearbox lubricant.

The issue of additives affecting clutch operstion I can only say I have never experienced it having used standard car oil in many different wet clutch m/c engines for over 25 years.

Either way, it's down to the individual.

My advice would be to make sure the oil meets the specified API rating and is changed regularly (and filters).

Yes fair point Simon. I would only add that the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have their own standard for oils called JASO, see here http://www.top1oil.com/new-jaso-4t-m...-standard.html.

What is the JASO spec required by the XTs?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Use JASO MA spec.

First Engine Oil & Engine Oil Filter Change
 

Bump ! :039:

I will be doing my first Engine Oil & Engine Oil Filter change soon,I have just been on the phone to those great guys at Opie Oils - Redruth [very local to me], on their recommendation,I will be refilling my Tenere engine with Silkolene/Fuchs Super 4 10W-40 Oil which has these approvals :- API SF, SG & SH JASO MA2 .

This is absolutely perfect for the generic XT/X,R&Z engine. I will also be using & fitting a new genuine Yamaha Oil Filter,along with a genuine new rubber O-Ring seal that goes into the inside mating face of the Oil Filter Cover and new sealing washers for the Crankcase & Frame/Oil Tank Drain Plugs too. I don't take chances when it comes to Engine Oil changes,along with all matters concerning Brakes,it's one of thee most important servicing & maintenance jobs that needs doing,so I do it exactly as specifically required & totally by the numbers. I just don't take chances here,I recommend that others do the same,in my humble opinion. If you use what's specifically required & recommended,whether it be consumable materials,parts & torque settings,you should be there or thereabouts to a happy Motorcycle,I reckon.

Cheers - Stim :039:

Shameless bump! :040:

Due to my subpar english I am a bit confused, I read this in the xt-manual:

So this means the 10W-40W Lucas Oil with API SG/SF/CC/CD is not recommended since its got the grade CD..? :018:

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.