Engine oil


Technical information and Q&A applicable to all years and models of Goldwings
Post Reply
Kingston
Posts: 33
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:13 am
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Motorcycle: 2004 Honda 919
1998 GL1500
1919 Indian PowerPlus (bought new)

Engine oil

Post by Kingston »



I would like to use Mobil 1 fully synthetic 0W-40 in my Goldwing. Is it ok with the clutch?


User avatar
AZgl1800
Posts: 2932
Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:46 pm
Location: Lake Oologah Indian Territory USA
Motorcycle: 2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc https://imgur.com/foGDjgv

'02 GL1800 lives in Dawsonville, GA now.
My son is going to enjoy it for many years to come.

Re: Engine oil

Post by AZgl1800 »

Nope,

it has 'Friction Modifiers' in it, which will cause the clutch to slip.
Enhanced Frictional Properties, Aids Fuel Economy

https://www.mobil.com/English-CN/Passen ... bil-1-0W40


I am using Rotella T-6 a 5w40 full synthetic with no ill effects at all.
My bike is a 2002 GL1800 and therefore it is one of the 01-05 bikes that have the "potential ADG" problem.... which means, keep your fingers OFF the throttle and don't touch it until the engine warms up and idles back down .....

some folks have twisted the throttle and revved the engine up while the oil is cold, and sheered the ADG 'alternator drive gear'. If that ever happens, you are looking for a new motor.
~John

2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc

https://i.imgur.com/4SOFPYS.jpg
User avatar
Viking
Posts: 3760
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 pm
Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)

Re: Engine oil

Post by Viking »

Actually, Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 is formulated for motorcycles with a common engine/clutch/transmission bath. It contains the proper friction abilities for wet clutch operation.

As mentioned above, Shell Rotella T also makes a compatible oil, as do Red Line, Amsoil, Pennzoil, Castrol and Valvoline.

I personally use Amsoil.
It ain't about the destination - it's all about the journey

Image
User avatar
AZgl1800
Posts: 2932
Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:46 pm
Location: Lake Oologah Indian Territory USA
Motorcycle: 2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc https://imgur.com/foGDjgv

'02 GL1800 lives in Dawsonville, GA now.
My son is going to enjoy it for many years to come.

Re: Engine oil

Post by AZgl1800 »

Which version of Amsoil?

I am making up a full list of compatible oils in my database, would appreciate the info
~John

2009 Piaggio MP3 250cc

https://i.imgur.com/4SOFPYS.jpg
Kingston
Posts: 33
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:13 am
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Motorcycle: 2004 Honda 919
1998 GL1500
1919 Indian PowerPlus (bought new)

Re: Engine oil

Post by Kingston »

This doesn't say on the API Service label "Resource Conserving" like the ones have that will make the clutch slip. This is not your 10W-30 stuff.
gervais
Posts: 308
Joined: Tue Oct 24, 2017 6:49 am
Location: riviere-bleue,quebec,canda
Motorcycle: GoldWing 1984 GL1200A Aspencade

Re: Engine oil

Post by gervais »

hi,
What Castrol products can i used in my 1984 ?


i dont have an Honda dealer around me
thanks
gervais
User avatar
Viking
Posts: 3760
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 pm
Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)

Re: Engine oil

Post by Viking »

AZgl1800 wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2017 4:48 pm Which version of Amsoil?

I am making up a full list of compatible oils in my database, would appreciate the info
Sorry for my tardiness in addressing this question. I did not see it. The Amsoil in question is the one labeled Metric Motorcycle Oil.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/ ... cycle-oil/

It is available in both 10W30 and 10W40
It ain't about the destination - it's all about the journey

Image
User avatar
Rednaxs60
Posts: 2739
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2015 12:44 pm
Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Motorcycle: 1985 GL1200 LTD
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 LTD (sold)

Re: Engine oil

Post by Rednaxs60 »

AZgl1800 wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2017 4:48 pm Which version of Amsoil?

I am making up a full list of compatible oils in my database, would appreciate the info
Just switched the 1200 to Lucas Synthetic 0W40 from Rotella T6 Synthetic 5W40. Price was comparable. Will give it a couple of oil changes to compare. Have to look closely at the label. One has moly in it and not recommended for wet clutch application. Not concerned about the "W" rating as it is not in play once the engine is up to operating temp. Have also used Amsoil as well in my 1800, works well, but have since switched it to Rotella T6. With Rotella T6 there are 2 formulations - one is a universal that is not JASO MA/MA 2 approved, the other is. Just have to read the label.

Cheers
"When you write the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen"

Ernest
User avatar
landisr
Posts: 968
Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:18 pm
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Motorcycle: 1976 GL1000
1976 GL1000LTD
1994 GL1500A

Re: Engine oil

Post by landisr »

To the OP: My unofficial reply is that most any oil that follows the viscosity recommendations in your Owners Manual is safe. The weight recommendations by default will steer you away from oil that may harm your clutch, eg. no friction modifiers, etc.

FWIW, I have been using Mobile 1 or Rotella T in my 94A ( not motorcycle-specific) since it reached 10,000 miles, changing it and the filter every 10,000 miles thereafter. It still shifts fine and has the original clutch at 184k. And none of the potential problems related to this model year's transmission.

Ron


I'm not so sure about an inner child, but I have an inner idiot that surfaces every now and then.. :mrgreen:
Post Reply