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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
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As long as its the correct weight it should be ok.
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.
2009 Kawasaki KX450F
2009 Kawasaki KX250F
2002 Suzuki GSXR 600
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If you want to use rotella be sure you use Rotella T6 as it is their best. I have used it for some time and love it.
Paw Paw
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Edited Date/Time:
Is it a Diesel? I am having a hard time wrapping my head around why people use Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil In a NON Heavy Duty Diesel Engine?
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.
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Rotella T6 is a good oil for any engine and is approved for wet clutches. You will find many good oils are rated for Deisels as well, but most are not approved for wet clutches. I use it in my bikes, motor home and generators. It is the best oil I have ever used. When I change my bike oil, the old oil looks very clean and thus I know I have good protection.
The oil T4 was good , but the newer T6 is great.
Paw Paw
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Yes it is a much cleaner running oil and I have much less clutch drag with it and it stays clean telling me that it is doing a better job of lubrication. The next time you change your oil, smell it. Does it smell burnt and is it dirty?
You will not see that with the Shell Rotella T6.
Paw Paw
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Thanks guy's, yeah I'll just stick to it then. I have been running it in my 13 Suzuki since day one when i was told about it and it's done me good for 100 hours with no issues. I just wanted to make sure I am good to switch over once I run out of the bel ray he gave me. I definitely agree their is a bit more peace of mind running something specifically made for the bikes but I have heard pretty much only good things about it. I just change it every 4 hours rather then 5 and the amount I save in the oil alone is pretty hefty using rotella.
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MxProdigy17 wrote:Thanks guy's, yeah I'll just stick to it then. I have been running it in my 13 Suzuki since day one when i was told about it ...more
Just FYI, Bel-Ray recommends 15 hour changes on that oil.
Give us some feedback when you make the change. I'd like to know if you notice any difference between the two.
I can do anything, I'm an expert.
MotoTribology.com - Motorcycle Lubrication Education
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Lubrication freaks howled in agony when SOPUS switched the syn 5W-40 Rotella T name to the new T6 designation around 2012 IIRC... "They ruined it!" and panic ensued to stock up on "the last of the GOOD stuff".
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%
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.
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Well it doesn't actually have the approval. Hence it doesn't have the JASO icon:
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".
I can do anything, I'm an expert.
MotoTribology.com - Motorcycle Lubrication Education
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Still not getting the connection with running Diesel Truck designed oil in a NON Diesel they are two completely different motors.
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From Shell, "Yes, Shell Rotella T Triple Protection Oil SAE 15W-40 would be an excellent choice for your application. While the product is primarily marketed for diesel engine applications, it does also meet the requirements of API SM for use in 4-stroke gasoline engines. More importantly for your equipment, it also meets the requirements of JASO MA and MA2 for use in wet clutch-equipped bikes."
http://m.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Shell-Rotella-Oil,1252557?page=1
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It is designed and clearly marketed around Diesel engines, Heavy Duty Diesel engines which are completely different than a 4 stroke motorcycle engine. The running temperatures, fuel type, run time duration, compression etc..... Again JMO
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Sometimes people just need to widen their views on new and different options. Best thing to do if you don't understand something is to educate your self about it. The big ol internet has more uses the dirtbikes and porn.
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Yea trying to research why to run Diesel Engine Oil in my 4 stroke Dirt Bike keeps coming back with "Go Ride They Already Designed Oil Specific For This Application" "Don't reinvent the wheel"
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I use basic Pennzoil in my two stroke transmissions. Been running it since '99 or so...no issues thus far. Oil is oil as far as I have seen, everyone has their own oil theory. But, I cannot recall ever seeing an engine fail because of lack of oil protection.
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.
Tomac and/or Anderson for 2020.....
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Why would they spend the money to market their product to an incredibly small market sector like Moto, when they are already highly regarded by the diesel market? Just because something isn't marketed directly to a sector, doesn't mean it's not worthy.
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 
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I run 10-30 because it's less drag on my 250f. I don't recall exactly what own recommends.
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.
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BobPA wrote:I use basic Pennzoil in my two stroke transmissions. Been running it since '99 or so...no issues thus far. Oil is oil as far ...more
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:I run 10-30 because it's less drag on my 250f. I don't recall exactly what own recommends.
I've been using the Rotella T ...more
Makes sense to me. I am on the same oil change interval as you. My oil always comes out clean
Tomac and/or Anderson for 2020.....
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imoto34 wrote:Rotella diesel oil is not just for diesel engines, it protects the gas engines just as good as what ever oil you use in your ...more
526 wrote:It is designed and clearly marketed around Diesel engines, Heavy Duty Diesel engines which are completely different than a 4 ...more
Squirtlege wrote:Why would they spend the money to market their product to an incredibly small market sector like Moto, when they are already ...more
Again JMO My Bike was $10K $6 a QT seems like a good investment to me
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?
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