Yamaha TW200 Trailway Discussion Forum

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03-06-2010, 9:55 AM michbow Joined on 07-14-2009 Posts 13 Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil Bottom line, is it OK to use the automotive Mobil 1 Synthetic oils in your TW200, even though the oil is not manufactured specifically for motorcycles? I can't find any "Motorcycle specific" oils at any of the local stores. I would like to use either Mobil 1 or Shell Rotella T6, but I'm really unsure if using either of these synthetic automotive oils is advisable. Is it absolutely necessary to use a motorcycle specific oil over an automotive synthetic oil, like the two I mentioned above? Thanks in advance    Report

03-06-2010, 11:24 AM lizrdbtrh Joined on 07-01-2009 Desert, California Posts 356 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil I use Rotella (dino version, not synthetic) in all my bikes, trucks, etc. Rotella is designned for diesels. The only real difference between bike-specific oils and regular automotive oils is that they have additives that resist breakdown from sheer forces generated by transmission gears. Rotella has these due to the geared timing drives present on diesel engines, so in my mind the cost of bike-specific oil is bogus. I have no experience with the synthetic version, I buy the dino because it's a bargain, is readily available, and I'm kind of a freak about oil changes. I avoid synthetics in bikes primarily because the long oil change interval could potentially allow something like a clogged oil screen to go unnoticed. But that's just me. I see no reason why synthetic Rotella wouldn't be fine for bikes. Powdercoated '87 frame, disc front, XT350 tank, tall bars, risers, '03 motor and electrical, kickstarter, cut ATV rear rack, TCI front rack, upgraded wiring, kickstart, no safety switches, D2moto pegs, 8" headlight, Bighorn2, 55t, etc. Constantly in flux.    Report

03-06-2010, 12:17 PM novaks44 Joined on 02-04-2009 San Jose, CA Posts 530 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil I've read lots of people here, and on other forums, complaining about lots of clutch slippage and the like, when using automotive oils. I've always stuck with moto oil myself. I don't think car oil will cause damage, but it'll be irritating to have clutch slippage all the time. Others will chime in on this I'm sure. None of your auto parts stores have moto oil? The auto stores around here always have some, although they're relegated to the very edge of the oil shelving(right after the transmission fluid), and there's maybe 3 choices at best, all but the synthetic Mobil 1 are the same price too. lol 2009 TW :47T Rear Sprocket; Pro-Circuit Exhaust w/silencer; Jimbo C's Cafe Shield; The usual carb mods; LED speedo and indicator lights; Headlight kill switch; DID O-ring Chain; Ricochet Skid Plate; Osram Rallye H4 bulb; Wolo horn w/relay; KLR pegs    Report

03-06-2010, 3:31 PM talon Joined on 09-04-2008 Posts 323 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil What you want is HIGH levels of ZDDP. Regular old Spectro is great! I have been told Rotella has had its zddp levels lowered and is not the wonder oil it once was. I might have to contact them, then again I switched oil brands. Hi , Thanks for contacting Spectro Oils The maximum amount of anti-wear additive (ZDDP) is capped by API/ILSAC depending on viscosity and the API/ILSAC rating of the oil. In general, the API SM oils are going to be capped at 800 parts per million (ppm). All our 4 stroke oils are 1800ppm zinc and phosphorus. Zinc (zddp) and phosphorus are two critical anti wear additives, sadly many other oil companies skimp on these due to cost. Thanks for choosing Spectro! 993 Federal Rd Brookfield, CT 06804 800-243-8645 The Voice of America, Glenn Beck Calling an illegal alien an 'undocumented immigrant' is like calling a crack dealer an 'unlicensed pharmacist' The United States Government, changing citizens into subjects one day at a time.    Report

03-07-2010, 9:27 PM Nikita Joined on 08-21-2009 Running Springs, CA USA Posts 18 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil  lizrdbtrh wrote: I use Rotella (dino version, not synthetic) in all my bikes, trucks, etc. Rotella is designned for diesels. The only real difference between bike-specific oils and regular automotive oils is that they have additives that resist breakdown from sheer forces generated by transmission gears. ...  I see no reason why synthetic Rotella wouldn't be fine for bikes. Rotella T, dino and synthetic, are JASO MA approved. That makes them motorcycle oils by definition. There is Rotella T dino in my TW right now. The reduction in ZDDP for "fleet" oils, like Delo 400 and Rotella T is slight. They both still have at least 1200ppm zinc, way more than passenger car oils. Transmission gears are safe. The other additive lacking in passenger car oil  is anti-foam. That helps Ford PowerStroke injection systems work and prevents our transmission gears from foaming the oil.    Report

03-07-2010, 11:54 PM SpudRider Joined on 07-18-2008 Idaho Posts 244 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil  michbow wrote: Bottom line, is it OK to use the automotive Mobil 1 Synthetic oils in your TW200, even though the oil is not manufactured specifically for motorcycles? I can't find any "Motorcycle specific" oils at any of the local stores. I would like to use either Mobil 1 or Shell Rotella T6, but I'm really unsure if using either of these synthetic automotive oils is advisable. Is it absolutely necessary to use a motorcycle specific oil over an automotive synthetic oil, like the two I mentioned above? Thanks in advance I use Shell, Rotella T, 5W-40 Synthetic motor oil.  I don't have any problems with my clutch, and my gearbox shifts very smoothly. Spud Vox populi, vox dei.    Report

03-08-2010, 6:31 PM Arrowsmith Joined on 09-04-2008 Missouri Posts 114 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil Have been using Mobil 1 in my 85 BW (same motor) for 25 years.    Report

03-12-2010, 2:38 PM rEno83 Joined on 09-29-2008 Reno, Nevada Posts 948 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil No! I'd stick with moto oil. If your clutch begins to slip from an auto oil, it may take some time for it to begin to grab well again. The clutch bathes in the oil continuously, thus absorbs it and (I imagine) it would take a few oil changes to correct this, if you have this issue. I've been using Mobil 1 racing 4t moto oil for the last year in both my motos. Stuff works great!! With R6 I went from about 44 mpg to 48!! Both bikes are smoother and quieter and "feel" as though they rev more freely. Definitely a noticable difference upon startup and especially when it's cold out. -Adam thrashin' and crashin' w/ TW, always with a smile :) 06' TW 05' R6 "Freedom is Irrelevant, when Sovereignty is Absent" -Me.    Report

03-12-2010, 3:50 PM Turborob Joined on 05-06-2008 SA Australia Posts 265 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil I use Mobil 1 5-50w (the car one) on the TW with a little LUCAS stabiliser. Fine for 15K so far. Doesn't use oil - bike has 20K on it. No clutch slip. KLR is run on the same stuff. 57K and doesn't use it either. Just leaks it....... That being said; oil is a self fulfilling philosophy. You use a oil, your engine lasts, you think you've made the right choice - you keep using. I could have used $5 for 5L oil in the bikes and I'm sure they'd still be running fine. Most people don't wind up keeping bikes long enough. Especially TW's, ones with high K's are rare - most are found in a shed somewhere with bugger all K's on them. TW RR's - http://tw200forum.com/forums/90082/ShowPost.aspx http://tw200forum.com/forums/63833/ShowPost.aspx http://tw200forum.com/forums/70131/ShowPost.aspx    Report

03-14-2010, 6:03 PM xracer Joined on 01-16-2007 lake placid,florida Posts 1,728 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil Just changed the Dubs oil this afternoon using Mobil 1 racing 4T. I can't get over how much better it's shifting than with Honda HP-4!! It's on sale at Advanced and I'll be back for more!    Report

03-15-2010, 9:32 AM hollyweird Joined on 08-25-2009 Hollywood CA Posts 11 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil I use GoldenSpectro semi-synthetic. It cured the hard shift problems.Its available at most cycle shops in 20-40 or 20-50.And has given no noticeable wear or other problems for my 88.    Report

03-16-2010, 2:14 PM Nikita Joined on 08-21-2009 Running Springs, CA USA Posts 18 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil  Turborob wrote: I use Mobil 1 5-50w (the car one) on the TW with a little LUCAS stabiliser. ... Understand that the US Passenger car lubricant market is drastically different than other parts of the world. Friction modifiers are almost universal in PCMO and do cause wet clutch slippage. xW-50 viscosites are rare. 20W-50 is normally used for worn, smoking cars, aircooled VW's and Harley's. I have only ever seen one 5W-50 on the shelf, Castrol Syntec. Thinner viscosities and low phosporus are required for warranty coverage. As a side note, why contaminate that full synthetic M1 with that Lucas stuff?     Report

03-16-2010, 2:33 PM QWERTY Joined on 11-22-2006 Posts 2,360 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil My son manages an Advanced Auto Parts and can now order Mobile 1 4T. I'm in! From Mobil's site: "Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 is recommended for four-cycle motorcycles which specify the use of a 10W-40 engine oil. It provides excellent performance in motorcycle engines that are designed with a common engine/transmission lubrication system or where the engine lubrication system is separate from the transmission system. In the case of the latter, follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the type of fluid to be used in the transmission. Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 engine oil is also designed to provide the proper frictional characteristics necessary for wet-clutch engine/transmission systems. Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 exceeds the requirements of API Service Categories SH, SG/CF, CD, JASO MA and has been fully tested, both on laboratory dynamometers and in the field, to provide optimum horsepower and acceleration. Fully synthetic Mobil 1 motorcycle oils are specifically engineered for use in motorcycles. The formulations are based on the proven technology used in other Mobil 1 automotive products, yet they are optimized for the unique requirements of a motorcycle engine and/or transmission. You can use them with confidence, knowing they will protect your bike in extreme situations where conventional motor oils simply cannot compare, including extended high-speed operation and prolonged idling in summertime traffic. Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 was previously known as Mobil 1 MX4T 10W-40." Sounds like over-kill for a TW200. Perfect!    Report

03-17-2010, 12:35 PM rEno83 Joined on 09-29-2008 Reno, Nevada Posts 948 Re: Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil great stuff!! I'll never switch back in either of my motos!!! thrashin' and crashin' w/ TW, always with a smile :) 06' TW 05' R6 "Freedom is Irrelevant, when Sovereignty is Absent" -Me.    Report

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