Posts
95
Joined
8/8/2012
Location
Brick, NJ
US
Edited Date/Time
9/28/2017 10:30am
Hey guys I just purchased a 2017 crf450 from a guy that had 9 hours on it using belray thumper oil. I have always used rotella oil in my previous bikes and still have a few gallons of it left over. Am I good to switch over to this oil or do I need to keep using what he used? I remember hearing mixed feelings on rotella as well so wanted to be clear before I go dumping it in a newer bike.
Tyler
Tyler
Tons of people love rotella. I just tried it in my kx this oil change period. So far no issues after 2 rides.
Ive always ran full synthetic from maxima or amsoil simply because i know its made specifically for bikes. Rotella seems to be a "catch all" oil. Im sure its totally fine but its a peace of mind thing for me to use maxima or amsoil.
Paw Paw
Shell ROTELLA® is proud to announce a change to our hardworking portfolio of heavy duty diesel engine oils. We wanted to create the most technically advanced Shell ROTELLA® formulation ever. And we did. We also aimed to clearly organize our portfolio so you knew which oil to choose. The full portfolio of new products that meet API CK-4 and FA-4 performance standards are on the market starting in December.
The Shop
The oil T4 was good , but the newer T6 is great.
Paw Paw
You will not see that with the Shell Rotella T6.
Paw Paw
Give us some feedback when you make the change. I'd like to know if you notice any difference between the two.
VOA analysis by me and others saw a slight drop in ZDDP , a bump in Phos, Calcium, yadda,yadda, in the "new" T6 formulation. UOA proved otherwise, and it was the best damned overall formulation to date concerning wear... Incredible HTHS,,, 4+ range with decent flow on cold start.
The old 5W-40 Rotella T didn't even have a JASO spec for wet clutch operation, yet smart folks were filling 2/4-stroke transmissions with it based on VOA and UOA.. Thus the legend was born for Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic.
I found an old "Humpback" Rotella T synthetic 5W-40 jug half full in my basement the other day, 2009 date. No JASO-MA spec at all. The label slogan says "Shell Rotella T. IT BELONGS IN YOUR TRUCK".®"
Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 MEETS wet clutch JASO MA/MA2. Pure and simple approval. Not ambiguous "Meets or Exceeds" marketing bullshit.
Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 is arguably the best overall oil ever for me... YMMV. I began using it around 1995 in the various formulations. Here is a range of engines that it covers, approved oil rating or not. Your call there. All these still run. WELL. I guess I take risks, but base them on oil composition/formulation.
1983 Tecumseh 3.5
1998 1.9 VW TDI
2003 VW 2.0
2004 VW 1.8T
2010 Kawasaki FJ180V
2012 Honda CV160 x 2 Commercial and Industrial
I just rebuilt two Honda CR125 engines to include full clutch rebuilds/cranks/every bearing.... Ran the Pro Honda HP Trans for the heat cycles and short rides... Rotella T6 5W-40 forever henceforth until I need to evaluate another reformulation.
Best bet? Consult your manual.
Paw Paw has my vote here. 100%
I took a pic of the old Rotella T 5W-40 jug just now.
So who thought this was a viable alternative for a wet clutch ripper? Hmmm.... LOL. It IS.
Nor is it listed on JALOS's website: http://www.jalos.or.jp/onfile/pdf/4T_EV_LIST.pdf
Though they do make the claim and there is no reason to really doubt it that I've seen. My argument is mostly semantics between "JASO registered" and "claim compliance".
http://m.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Shell-Rotella-Oil,1252557?p…
Pit Row
Carlino, I have seen you mention you run 10w30 before, is there any reason for it? The manuals state to run at least a 50w oil. I would think with the high RPM and heat these engines produce, a 30w would not be substantial. I ran Mobil 1 for years in my four strokes, switched to Bel Ray a few year ago because I get it cheaper.....Engines have looked good either way.
BTW, I run Rotella in my Diesel which regularly sees 1400 degree EGT's, 100 degree Florida heat in stop n go traffic, has 190k miles, and 7500 mile service intervals... It will hold up just fine in your bike with the short service intervals we are using. Or feel free to keep buying that expensive shit and paying for someone else's marketing costs. Your call
I've been using the Rotella T 10-30 since 2011(knock on wood) no problems,in 4 different bikes. Currently my 2016 I ran 75 hours all stock then a full rebuild with high comp piston, new bottom end, etc that has 50hours(new piston at 25).
I change the oil every 3 rides(3-5hours) so it hardly has time to breakdown. I've had good luck with the oil and intervals, so I just keep doing it. Twisted Development does my engine work and said everything looks great, don't change what I'm doing.
I think the moral of this thread is that each rider has to do what they are comfortable with and can afford. I was skeptical about "diesel oil" in my dirt bike also. But originally it was recommended to me when I used a Rekluse clutch. Rekluse said it was the best oil for their systems at the time. Not sure what they say now.
I run 87 octane in my lawn mower and its 25 yrs old and never had a problem that is Obviously good fuel maybe I should quit buying the expensive 93 octane for my dirt bike that they screwing me on?
The chances are you don't change your oil as often as us core moto guys who puts a few hundred hours a year on their 4 strokes.
Post a reply to: Switching oils in 2017 crf450