Synthetic oils

[propstop]

I was told not to use synthetic oil in my engine because it has a wet clutch. Is this true?

[WingAdmin]

Yup. Synthetic oils have friction modifiers that don't do well with wet clutches that share engine oil. You're best off using regular dino oil - I prefer using motorcycle-specific oil (Valvoline, in particular), but others use regular car oil in their Wings without problems.

[detdrbuzzard]

if you just have to have synthetic oil in your bike make sure what ever oil you use is motorcycle specific. it's the automobile oils with friction modifiers

[propstop]

Thanks for the info. Think I will stick with regular oil.

[vtx1800]

I have been running AMSOIL synthetic for motorcyles in my VTX since new with no problems. Its was designed for motorcycles with wet clutchs. It made my VTX shift smoother than the original oil. I have about 50,000 miles on my VTX now and time for another change. I have been told that in older engines not to use synthetic because it could cause seals to leak because it cleans things up and the seals are old. A mechanic friend told me not to use it my Goldwing (92) because of this. Don't know if that is true or not.

[WingAdmin]

Any high-detergent oil can do this. With old seals, the crap and sludge lodged on it can be the only thing keeping the seal from leaking. High detergent oil can emulsify this sludge, allowing it to be drained with the oil. Next thing you know, you have oil leaks. Oil treatments like Seafoam can do the same thing.

Personally, I'd rather have a clean engine and replace leaky seals, but that's just me.

[Mooseman]

When I owned my 1985 Aspencade since new I used 10-40 AMSOIL with no problems. I put about 5K to break it in and then started using the Amsoil. 75K later not one related oil issue. Clutch worked fine. I just purchased a 1986 Aspencade that has only 20k on the meter. When I change the oil I will be using synthetic. It's also my understanding that a synthetic oil will actually cause the seals to swell a little bit and cure that little oil seeping around a seal. My Chev truck with a automatic and 235k on the meter was leaking at the front trans seal like crazy. I was just adding oil to prolong the rebuild. Put in some synthetic trans fluid and after about a month it stopped leaking like crazy to the slow occasional drip. As always your mileage may very. Another thing about oil's is everyone has an opinion. Use a good oil, change often and enjoy the ride.

Mooseman
1986 Aspencade

[dnehasert]

Synthetic oil will not make your clutch slip. I have used it in several bikes with no problem. It did leak at the seals on a 1980 BMW R100 but never a problem on my GL1100's. Friction modifiers are in oil 10w30 and lower, and is usually dino oil. Auto oil is fine, you do not need the higher priced "motorcycle oil." Doug

[upssnowman]

Shell Rotella T synthetic is fine it will not hurt the wet clutch at all
also mobil-1 is fine
as long as the oil does not have the energy conserving lable on it it wil be fine