So, my 2012 Honda 400X came with what I am 99% sure was a 10w30 factory fill of horse wizz. I ran it for 2.5 semi-hard hours before the gearbox began to "ker-chunk" up and down the gears. So, I picked up some Valvoline ATV 10w40 to maintain my (factory) warranty for cheap. Well, it made a big difference and I thought I had a keeper. However, after about 3 hours, it was horse wizz too. I was having difficulty getting neutral and reverse.
Wanting to protect my air cooled blast furnace of an engine, I put Rotella 15w40 in it and the gears are smooth as butter. Now I can get neutral with ease and reverse is a cinch to engage.
The 2012 400X strongly recommends 10w30 but allows 10w40 in "hot" weather. However, the previous model year allowed up to a 20w50. The internet theory is that Honda now recommends a 10w30 to keep "Kalifornya" happy.
My plan is Rotella 15w40 during the warmer months and Rotella 10w30 during the colder months. I know, Rotella 10w30 is not JASO MA rated. Screw it, if it breaks, I will build a 416 motor. Warranty be danged!
Wanting to protect my air cooled blast furnace of an engine, I put Rotella 15w40 in it and the gears are smooth as butter. Now I can get neutral with ease and reverse is a cinch to engage.
The 2012 400X strongly recommends 10w30 but allows 10w40 in "hot" weather. However, the previous model year allowed up to a 20w50. The internet theory is that Honda now recommends a 10w30 to keep "Kalifornya" happy.
My plan is Rotella 15w40 during the warmer months and Rotella 10w30 during the colder months. I know, Rotella 10w30 is not JASO MA rated. Screw it, if it breaks, I will build a 416 motor. Warranty be danged!