Thoughts On Different Motor Oils

[brooke]

I have read thru some of the long term studies by Shell and I have personal experience with the Shell Rotella T6 5w/40 in my ST1300 , as mentioned after 200,000, everything was quiet
I don 't know if the quality of the oil had anything to do with it but the valve clearances were done at 28,000k (only 3 were adjusted) and at 220,000 I checked them and all were well with spec. I did this every fall so it was ready for next season
I used a go/no go gauge so even I could not get it wrong , at one point I was concerned I was doing it wrong so my Helicopter mechanic brother in law confirmed I was doing it right
I also pulled a trailer with the ST for 2 trips around NA and it had no impact on the clutch either

thanks R6

My tigers first adjustment was around 35,000 km , just one valve was a bit tight . It seems very quiet and works great at 70 k’s .

 

[acton mike]

Hello all, new to the world of Triumph MC, but not riding
Just picked up a 2022 T120 in black/chrome
The first oil change at 1000 k was $65 for just the oil ....... seems pricey to me
I used Shell Rotella T6 5/40w full synthetic in my 06 St1300 for over 200,000 k
your thoughts please

ps I love this bike, have sat on it for several years at bike shows and knew it was for me,

thanks R6

I am one who prefers to stay with the grade/specs of the motor oil; recommended by the manufacturer. I really do not think it matters a whit what brand as long as the oils is made by a reputable manufacturer.

I figure that the people who designed the machine have a good idea of what is the best grade/spec of oil to be used in the bike.

If someone reckons they know better than the manufacturer of the motorcycle regarding the oil to be used then by all means fill your boots but in that case I would wait until the warranty has expired; after that then put in the crankcase what ever turns your crank

 

[brooke]

Your views on the subject are very common and certainly respected .

 

[sikatri]

I’m pretty much a novice to motorcycles, but have worked on cars as a mechanic in my youth and now just because I can. I adhere to manufacture’s recommendations. As vehicles age or in extreme weather areas, I do adjust the weight as necessary. I also include additives on occasion. As for my motorcycle, Castrol seems to be what my local parts store carries, so that is what I pick up. Close enough to spec, anyway. Adjusted to hot climate, SAE 20W-50 4T.

 

[nickjaxe]

I’m pretty much a novice to motorcycles, but have worked on cars as a mechanic in my youth and now just because I can. I adhere to manufacture’s recommendations. As vehicles age or in extreme weather areas, I do adjust the weight as necessary. I also include additives on occasion. As for my motorcycle, Castrol seems to be what my local parts store carries, so that is what I pick up. Close enough to spec, anyway. Adjusted to hot climate, SAE 20W-50 4T.

I saw that page in my bikes hand book.....and Triumph as you say apart from fully Synthetic also so say Semi Synthetic is ok.....that what I am going to put in on the next oil change.

I am tempted to try the 10/50 weight oil to see if it helps with the rattle tinkling I hear on cold start.....I am now suspecting it could be the hydraulic cam chain tensioner.....my thinking the light oil could be draining out of a possible faulty leaking hydraulic tensioner....

 

[brooke]

AS to the valve lash adjustment, I believe they are shim under bucket, which holds their adjustment for a long time
My dealer recommended not going to a full synthetic for the first 2 oil changes , and as I said previously 15w/50 seems a bit heavy

Yes , the bucket/shim set ups do go along time . I am sure my 92 Camry had a recommended valve adjustment at 24,000 km , but when I quizzed the dealer about the cost he said they never did them unless someone had neglected to change their oil for a few years and they we’re complaining about about engine noise . That car had 375 km on it when we let it go . Engine was quiet as a mouse .