Synthetic Oil for the 2018 DCT

[mgm1854]

I don't want this to get into another big oil conversation. I have a 2018 DCT and when I changed the oil for the first time at 2500 miles, I used the recommended Honda OEM oil. I have always used Mobil 1 10w-30 synthetic in all my other Gl1800 Goldwings. I would like to use it in the 2018 DCT too.

Has anyone used other than the recommended Honda oil and did you have any issues with the DCT? I'm sure the Mobil 1 would work fine in the engine but questioning about it's use for the DCT.

Please no comments on the best oil to use, just if you have used other than OEM and if you had any issues.

Thanks!

[AZgl1800]

no problem at all,
as long as you change oils regularly, it really don't make any difference, what brand you pick.

I am using Rotella T6 in 5w40 for my 1800, and in taste tests, it is "the best"

[GlimWas]

As a DCT rider (NC750X) i must tell you that my dealer told me not to use full synthetic oil, because he had several DCT's that were not functioning properly due to synthetic oil.
I own a 2014 bike, but i don't want to keep this info from you..........

[Viking]

One way to know, is, - did Honda change the oils they use in the 2018 Goldwing DCT, or in any of the DCT bikes? If they use the same oil that they have previously, such as GN4 and HP4 (which is a synthetic blend oil), or their synthetic, HP4S, then the dealerships recommendation of not using synthetic is bunk. HP4S is a full synthetic and HP4 and HP4M are both synth blends. Now if they did bring out a new oil for use in the DCT bikes, then go with that specific oil, as they know more about their manufactured products than I do. I believe this NOT to be the case however.

[GlimWas]

Just repeating what the man said, not telling him not to use a full synthetic. What i do know, is that the man has a tremendous amount of experience with Honda and it's DCT gearbox, so when he says
not to use a full synthetic i don't, but it's not our call................ And it's not my VERY expensive bike........................

[Viking]

Just repeating what the man said, not telling him not to use a full synthetic. What i do know, is that the man has a tremendous amount of experience with Honda and it's DCT gearbox, so when he says
not to use a full synthetic i don't, but it's not our call................ And it's not my VERY expensive bike........................

I am not doubting you at all, and the "man" may be quite correct in his assessment of his companies motorcycles. However, way too often have I experienced professional mechanics prejudice against synthetics purely on a lack of relevant knowledge. I would check with the "man" on whether or not he would recommend Honda's HP4S, and go from there. If he would not, then perhaps the DCT is sensitive, although my understanding of that transmission is that as long as the oil used is for motorcycle purpose, ie: JASO MA/MA2 certified, it should work fine. That being so, I am also not recommending synthetics for anyones motorcycle. I only recommend product for my own motorcycles, or cars, or trucks.

Final point - if the synthetic caused aberration in the operation of a DCT, then ceasing use of same should return the DCT to proper operation. If this does not happen, perhaps it is not the oil that is causing the operations problems, it may be only bringing them to light.

Upon checking the 2018 Owners manual for manufacturers specifications, it does appear that Honda suggests other than synthetic oil for their bikes, stated as follows:

API Service Classification SG or higher
except oils labeled as energy conserving or
resource conserving on the circular API
service label, SAE 10W-30, JASO T 903
standard MA, Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil
(USA & Canada) or Honda 4-stroke oil, or an
equivalent motorcycle oil

the "or an equivalent motorcycle oil" could or may not mean synthetics. Honda's butt cheeks are safely covered.

Correcting any DCT issues may be as simple as doing a "DCT Clutch Initialization" as explained here:

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=43378

[JerryOfAZ]

I picked up my 2018 DCT in June and changed to Mobil 1 at 1000 in August. I've had no problems since. (Now have over 3000 miles)

[GL1100Mike]

The previous owner of my GL1500A was using 10W30, the owners manual says to use 10W40. When I picked up some HP4M, the M stands for a moly additive, the service tech I was working with said that the HP4M was not recommended for wet clutches and could cause it to slip. so I went with the HP4. Not knowing the workings of the dual clutch on the new GL1800, I would recommend to follow the owners manual.

[4walls]

I am surprised that you were able to use Mobil 1 (unless it is Mobil 1 Motorcycle oil) without issues. Mobil 1 synthetic is an energy conserving oil and as such contains 85ppm Moly which creates issues for bikes with wet clutches. I would stay away from any oil with Moly added.

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/mobil1.htm


I have used Shell Rotella T6 synthetic in three different Hondas, but never on a DCT. Rotella T6 is a full synthetic and is NON ENERGY CONSERVING oil and is also JASO MA/MA2 rated. You will find many Japanese bikes use T6. It's a great oil and often a good price at Walmart if you are looking to save a little money.

http://www.pqiamerica.com/June%202014/s ... ellat6.htm

EDIT: now that I research T6 a little more, looks like they are using 68ppm of moly as well. Time to switch to a different oil

[JerryOfAZ]

A follow up on my November post. Shortly after I submitted it, I started noticing strange shifting on my DCT. I switched back to Honda motor oil (as recommended in the owner's manual) and everything resolved itself. I used mobil 1 in my lasy 5 GoldWings withoiut a problem but it does not work well in my 18.

[trbrenke]

The Honda Requirement is API SG or higher. None energy conserving or resource conserving.
the only Mobile 1 oil that matches that requirement is the Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-30 Motor Oil

by the way, the API SG is an old rating made for cars built after 1993 and is Obsolete.
https://www.api.org/products-and-servic ... b-gasoline

The Mobil 1 high mileage 10w-30 is API SP rated with no friction additives. it 100% meets or exceeds the manufactures recommendations.

[AZgl1800]

the Rotella T6 5w40 is suitable for Goldwings.

it does not contain any friction modifiers.
there are a lot of us who are using it.

Bill Ladigo / Flyone is a believer, I put him on to it when he asked what I was using, because he was having clutch slipping issues, and knew that I was not.

the T6 has a cost advantage over all of the other oil blends, it is ~$22/gallon nearly everywhere

[4walls]

A little research shows that Rotella T6 is using 68ppm of moly. Not as much as some Energy Conserving Oils, but it’s in there. FYI.

[trbrenke]

I assume you know that API CK-4 is a diesel engine rating.
That is not even the same category as what is recommended.

[4walls]

It’s also JASO MA rated

[AZgl1800]

I assume you know that API CK-4 is a diesel engine rating.
That is not even the same category as what is recommended.

I wish people would quit getting all hung up on the word "diesel", it is an oil, pure and simple.
it just has the ability to withstand more shear strength than normal "lessor" oils.


I use T6 in everything on our place, Bad Boy Zero Turn lawn mower,
250cc Vespa scooter,
'02 gl1800,
'07 Pontiac Vibe,
'01 Chevy Suburban....

it is a good oil, forget the word "diesel" and use it.