I would like to know the shear ratings on some of the popular synthetic motorcycle oils. I have read lots of info, and opinions in my search for a good oil for my Victory TC. Victory oil is a semi-synthetic 20-40 at $5-6 per quart. I ran it for the first 2500 miles and switched to Shell Rotella 5W-40 synthetic. The bike is much cooler and quieter, and I do regular changes at 2500-3000 mile intervals.
For those who don't know the Vic is a 92 cu in V-twin with two oil pumps (one for lube, one for cooling) and also has an all gear drive transmission. Note, lots of shearing surfaces here. The engine and tranny are all one case with a 6qt capacity. I know that the Rotella is a Group III syn, and IMO a better oil than the Vic oil. I am curious as to the "shear ratings" on some of the Group IV synthetics vs. the Rotella syn. Does anyone have the #'s for say Amsoil 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oils, or maybe the Mobil 1 motorcycle oils? Also any of the other popular oils would be interesting. Maybe even shear #'s for the Rotella 15W-40 or Delvac 15W-40 or syn.
Also would a 20W-50 weight oil be to thick for a bike with tight tolerances? Seems I saw this somewhere recently, but it reminds of the statement that synthetic oils are to "slippery", and cause bearing failures.
I don't want the best oil regardless of price, but am interested in protecting my bike, and getting value for my $$$. Also I have a 3yr. extended warranty, I don't see any problem with Victory on warranty issues, but am curious as to the Ext. War. companies stand on not using the Victory oil?
thanks in advance,
customcutter
[ May 10, 2004, 08:30 PM: Message edited by: customcutter ]
For those who don't know the Vic is a 92 cu in V-twin with two oil pumps (one for lube, one for cooling) and also has an all gear drive transmission. Note, lots of shearing surfaces here. The engine and tranny are all one case with a 6qt capacity. I know that the Rotella is a Group III syn, and IMO a better oil than the Vic oil. I am curious as to the "shear ratings" on some of the Group IV synthetics vs. the Rotella syn. Does anyone have the #'s for say Amsoil 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oils, or maybe the Mobil 1 motorcycle oils? Also any of the other popular oils would be interesting. Maybe even shear #'s for the Rotella 15W-40 or Delvac 15W-40 or syn.
Also would a 20W-50 weight oil be to thick for a bike with tight tolerances? Seems I saw this somewhere recently, but it reminds of the statement that synthetic oils are to "slippery", and cause bearing failures.
I don't want the best oil regardless of price, but am interested in protecting my bike, and getting value for my $$$. Also I have a 3yr. extended warranty, I don't see any problem with Victory on warranty issues, but am curious as to the Ext. War. companies stand on not using the Victory oil?
thanks in advance,
customcutter
[ May 10, 2004, 08:30 PM: Message edited by: customcutter ]
