4 new ATVs. Oil Questions

[ttugrad]

I have ridden ATVs for years and am about to retire by 2001 Arctic Cat. I used simple automotive Dino 10-40, changed 3 times a year in this wet clutch setup. It has taken tons of abuse with no problems.

I have 3 new ones that are not a wet clutch setup:

Eton Vector 250 (great price for the wife)
2-Kymco MXU 150s,air cooled (for the kids)

and a Honda Rancher 420, non automatic for myself. (I know, wet clutch)

The Eton specs a 10w-30 "automotove" oil wich seems way too thin for me. The Kymcos state you can use just about anything based on outdoor temperature.

I am looking for an oil that I can use in all 3 of the non wet clutch bikes year round. Temps here range from 20F to 105F and we ride year round. I have read tons about the use of diesel oils, synthetics and the like and would like ya'lls opinion on what to use to provide the best protection for these bikes. Price is a concern, I am not paying $10 per quart. The 3 use only a liter of oil so I think my choice is very important.

About the Honda, what about the best oil for year round with the wet clutch?

Thanks in advance

 

[hate2work]

Price is a concern? You just spent some very good money on new rigs, which only hold a liter of oil, and you're concerned about the price of the oil you put in them?

For me, it would be just the opposite, I'd buy the best oil money could buy to protect my investment.

 

[addyguy]

You can probably get a good 15w40 fairly cheaply...that would work well, and aleviate your 'thin oil' concerns...

A 1-gallon (3.78L) container of a name-brand HDEO would run you less than $15, cover all 3 engines, and leave you a bit for top-off's, if necessary....

Rotella would probably be a good place to start....

 

[Ben99GT]

I have been using Amsoil Formula 4-Stroke 0W-40 in my '99 Grizzly for the past 6 years at least. Yes it's expensive, but these things only hold ~2.5 quarts and you can go a full season easily with the Amsoil.

Delo 400 would be a good conventional alternative.

 

[dblshock]

10-40 will work in any wet clutch situation because it's not 'energy conserving' we've run it exclusively in our '88 Foreman 4X4 since new...Mobil, Pennzoil, whatever may be on sale...fine for all your ATV's and recommended OCI...Our newer ATV's run Amsoil 0/40 but recommended OCI x3 or annually.

 

[T-Keith]

Rotella is supposed to be rated for a wet clutch, and 15w40 is right around the weight you want. I use it in my Honda 250x, I have some 5w40 for the next change.

Nice ATV, BTW, the new Ranchers look like a great setup. Virtually your only choice if you don't like CVTs, like myself.

 

[ttugrad]

I love the 09 Rancher. I really prefer shifting my ATV's and this option is becomming harder and harder to find. I got the 4x4 version, my first such ATV and if I wasn't already married would consider the ATV....hey if they let 2 men get married why not let me marry my machine? Do you think that my heath benefits would cover oil changes?

 

[ttugrad]

I bought a gallon of the Rotella 5w-40 "Synthetic" today. It is really a Group III oil but everyone in here seems to rave about it. Would have used Delvac 1 if I could have found it around here. I even called the local Mobil distributor and was told that the stuff is in short supply and being rationed among distributors. I'll probably switch to the 15w40 when the weather gets hotter, But many it seems run the 5w-40 year round with good results. Delvac one is available online, but the shipping costs are outreagous!

 

[o2man98]

The Amsoil Formula 4 stroke 0w-40 would be my first choice with the Motorcycle 10w-40 second as it costs more taking that into consideration.

 

[addyguy]

RTS 5W-40 is an excellent oil. Good choice!