KTM's call for 50w or 60wt???

[BigJohn]

I've had a KTM 950 Adventure for two years now. The sticker on the frame calls for 15w40. Literature calls for 10w50. I recently purchased a KTM 450EXC. Depending on year model, KTM calls for either 50w or 60wt. This 450 only holds about 1.2 quarts.

What's your guess on the heavy weight requirement?

I don't think these engines are sloppy and loose....I am guessing KTM plans for the oil to shear quickly....dropping to a 30-40wt by the drain interval.

I am also leaning to Rotella T 15w40 for its shear stability and high flash point.

What do you guys think?

I am fixing this 450 up to be a light Adventure Bike. The oil is my main concern..... Not sure how it will do on a 6 day 1,000 mile ride, with about 50 hours on the oil. I'm certain I'll need to carry a quart for top-offs, at the least.

 

[BigCahuna]

If it only holds 1.5 qts, why not bring 1.5 qts and change it at 500 miles. Then drain the old oil into the bottles, and send a sample off to be tested.This way you'll get an idea if the oil can go be trusted to go the whole distance for next time.,,,

 

[Phishin]

If it was my bike, I'd run any 40 or 50 weight and change the oil every 500 miles as stated by BigCahuna.

If changing the oil isn't an option because of a long trip (like you mentioned 1000 miles), then I'd run a 50 weight or even a 60 weight and change it when I could.

I'd also consider a straight 50 or 60 weight as well.

 

[sunruh]

i know the motor quite well.

shell rotella t 15w40 will do just great in the bang for buck category. change it at half way...or not.

if you want more peace of mind but a much thinner wallet then maxima 4extra 15w50 can go the distance

in the summer you could also run valvoline vr1 20w50...might be too cool there for the vr1 sae50 but that would easily go the distance.

 

[Doog]

My Triumph Thunderbird 1600 calls for 10w50...so what?

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: BigJohn

I am fixing this 450 up to be a light Adventure Bike. The oil is my main concern..... Not sure how it will do on a 6 day 1,000 mile ride, with about 50 hours on the oil. I'm certain I'll need to carry a quart for top-offs, at the least.


I would opt for Redline 20w50 or M1Vtwin 20w50

 

[OneEyeJack]

If in doubt, follow the manual.

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Doog
My Triumph Thunderbird 1600 calls for 10w50...so what?


So does my Speedmaster. I run 20w50 in it during the hot months though since the 10w50 shears quickly.

 

[Rat407]

I'm seeing more and more online of owners of bikes requiring a 10w-40, 10w-50 or 10w-60. Seems to be a market for this and explains why AMSOIL came out with these new dirt bike oils.

 

[Mackelroy]

I have a ktm 500, stick to the heavy weights with multi viscosity, its a bike that's very hard on the oil. As long as your not burning oil, 750/1000 miles OCI is doable without topping off.

so that would be kinda key.

 

[BigJohn]

Changing will be difficult.....as we are going to be extremely remote. I suppose I could dump it and refill around the 500 mile point, when we come out of the mountains for fuel. Also, I won't have room in the Giant Loop for two quarts. That's one reason why I was leaning toward Rotella as I can probably buy it anywhere.

 

[Mik]

Since weight is not a primary concern as it would be on a competition bike, is there any possibility of somehow enlarging the bike's oil capacity via an external sump? That would greatly reduce the stress on the oil and prolong the OCI (since the small capacity is the crux of the problem).....

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: Doog
My Triumph Thunderbird 1600 calls for 10w50...so what?


So does my Speedmaster. I run 20w50 in it during the hot months though since the 10w50 shears quickly.


A couple of guys I know run Mobil1 4T 10w40 and say it runs fine. But I would opt for the 20w50 as well.

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: BigJohn
The oil is my main concern


Rotella, and heavy-duty engine oils in general, are fantastic products that certain serve their purpose well.

However, with that said, it's an exceedingly poor choice here. Shear stability and flash point numbers are merely one part of the formulation equation, and you're missing out on the macro by focusing on the micro.

Take a look at the Mobil 1 product guide: https://mobiloil.com/~/media/amer/us/pvl/files/pdfs/mobil-1-oil-product-specs-guide.ashx

Mobil 1 TDT 5w-40:

1130 Phosphorus
1250 Zinc

This is comparable to the levels in Rotella 15w40:
http://www.pqiamerica.com/June 2014/consolidated HDEO 2015.html

Now, lets look at a proper selection for your application...

Mobil 1 V-Twin:

1600 Phosphorus
1750 Zinc

Coupled to the tremendous viscosity difference (15.5 vs. 20.8 cSt @ 100°C), and you have an oil, sitting on the shelf at your local Walmart, that's far and away superior in this one-quart application.

Regardless, ride safe and have a blast on your trip!