Which Synthetic Oil?

[Fireball18]

I just changed oil in our ST's with a semi-synthetic oil, but I'd like to go to a full synthetic oil. Here's my question, and I know this subject has been discussed before. Who has used Shell Rotella T full synthetic oil and does it perform well, e.g., smooth shifting etc.? I'm interested in both the good and bad (if any) regarding the Shell RotellaT full synthetic oil. It's cheap enough, at Wally World, but is it good enough?

I used to use Mobil1 Redcap synthetic, but I understand the specs have changed and some believe it shouldn't be used in a motorcycle anymore. Is there any truth to that idea?

And yes, I have read the oil article on the CalSci website, but that info is over a year old, now, so what I'm really looking for is some newer, updated information. I refuse to pay what Honda wants for its synthetic oil, and the Honda oils have not proven to be all that great, anyway. I'd appreciate any good info. Thanx.

[Killtimer]

I think Norman is in the process of testing the new Mobil 1 as we type...... :)

Steve

[ridesmith]

What is the recommended mileage at which to switch to synthetic?

[nm6r]

I don't know that there is a magic recommended mileage to change over. You just want to make sure your engine is broken in. I changed my oil at 600 miles and again at 4k miles with the regular stuff. I began using Mobil 1 MX4T at 8k miles.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[sherob]

My Honda SM says to wait till at least 3-4k before going synth... There was a Beemer dude getting service done, the SM told him "your not allowed" and laughed :) . Apparently BMW's are supposed to use dino only... :confused:

I'll wait just to not get screwed on my warranty... so it takes a few months :D

[beastie]

With my ST1300 and my Gl1800, I changed to Rottela T synthetic around 200 (two hundred) miles. The original oil in the Wing was brown and there were flecks of metal on the bottom of the drain pan. I don't remember how it looked with the ST. I also changed the rear end oil at the same time. I changed the ST again (Rotella T) at 1000 miles and will do the same with the Wing. I use Rotella T synthetic in all my engines including mowers. Everyone I know who does the same has never experienced a problem with it.

Wal-mart - $12-14.00 gallon

my .02

don

[Fireball18]

Don, How're you guys enjoying the new Wing?

[beastie]

Greg,

Friday night I changed to Rotella T synthetic at 200 miles (I think I said that already). The original oil was dirty brown, like a muddy river. The rear end only had obout 2 ounces at most, so it was almost dry. I'm glad I changed it.

Saturday we rode through Indiana along the Ohio river on the Scenic Byway, over the Markland dam back to Cincinnati along the Kentucky side of the river. Stopped for lunch at Wendys. Total saddle time was 4 1/2 hours. At home, Tina said she felt as good as when we went out. So the Wing is a winner for her. :D

I enjoyed riding the Wing. Everybody noticed us. We bought bright yellow t-shirts at Wal-mart, so we were really yellow. I find that I do ride slower than on the ST. I hardly ever break the limit, whereas on the ST I was always 10-20 over. Once, when a car passed us on a straight stretch, Tina said, "Well, that's the first time that ever happened." I asked, "What?" She replied, "On the beaST, nobody ever passed us!" :rolleyes: The handling is pretty good. We were on some good curves along the river and I did drag the pegs a few times. We did break 100 once just to do it. All in all - so far, so good. :)

don

Rode again a few hours Sunday. Same results.