Hi, I'm a new member and have a 2005 ST1300 using Rotella 6 for the last 20K miles. I just saw postings about issues with the Rotella 6 and looking for some feedback on a good replacement option. Thanks, Mike
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!Stay away from any brand of oil that says "energy saving" and use any brand that meets the specs in Honda's Owner's manual. The real bottom line, is that ANY oil meeting Honda's requirements (my Service Manual says, " API service classification SG or higher JASO 4T service classification MA; Viscosity 10W-30 (it also plugs Hondas GN4 motor oil) will adequately lube your bike. Many here prefer other oils for a variety of reasons, but nobody has conducted scientifically valid experiments over many miles w/ a statistically significant sampling of engines to prove their chosen oil is better (bigger) than anyone else's. Change the oil and filter regularly, as spec'ed by Honda and you cannot do any better than that.
There are many many oil threads in which this question has been asked and discussed ad infinitum. You can go to the Search box in the blue band atop this page, type in 'oil' and start reading. You will find more answers there to your question than you will find in this one thread. Below are links to three of many..... Enjoy learning about oil.
Not your typical oil thread. Rotella T6 | Cleaning, Oil, Maint.
If anyone cares on this old thread, I just walked into Walmart yesterday and bought some Rotella T6 15W-40 and it still bears the JASO MA/MA2 certifications. $22 for a US gallon. My Walmart has 2 1/2 gallon jugs for $46. One jug gets me 2 oil changes on the new Wing. Johnwww.st-owners.comHP4M - will it cause a problem? | Cleaning, Oil, Maint.
I’m loathe to start another oil thread, but my question os very specific. Honda dealer was out of HP4S and I picked up 4 quarts of HP4M, confusing t with the regular semi-synthetic. the “M” is for Moly and I read it could cause clutch slippage and that the oil is intended for high rpm, high...www.st-owners.com
I know you did not ask, but I always used GN4 - it was cheap enough at my local Honda dealer and it sidesteps this question by answering it. Since it's recommended change interval was 8,000 miles, for me, that meant once each year at the end of the riding season. Synthetics can last longer.
Finding an oil that does not have that statement on the label no longer provides any guarantees. The lack of that statement is no longer a reliable indicator of an oil being wet-clutch compatible.Lately the problem seems to be finding any oil that is available that does not have Energy Conserving or Resource Conserving on the label.
Can you show me where it says that? I do not remember reading that in my Honda motorcycle owners manual. Yes, it makes good sense but all I remember reading is, "Do not use API SH or higher oils displaying a circular API ‘‘energy conserving’’ or ‘‘resource conserving’’ service label on the container. They may affect lubrication and clutch performance."One of Honda's requirements is that the oil be compatible with wet-clutch use.
They dont actually state what it means, but the JASO requirement means suitable for wet clutch useCan you show me where it says that? I do not remember reading that in my Honda motorcycle owners manual. Yes, it makes good sense but all I remember reading is, "Do not use API SH or higher oils displaying a circular API ‘‘energy conserving’’ or ‘‘resource conserving’’ service label on the container. They may affect lubrication and clutch performance."
That is why I said, "Lately the problem seems to be finding any oil that is available that does not have Energy Conserving or Resource Conserving on the label.".
It seems that just about every 10W-30 or 10W-40 oil I look at displays a circular API ‘‘energy conserving’’ or ‘‘resource conserving’’ service label on the container.
Depending on the year of your owner's manual, the terminology, service rating and viscosity referenced may vary however, it will include wording similar to the above, including the section in bold.API Service Classification SG or higher except oils labeled as energy conserving on the circular API service label, SAE 10W-30, JASO T 903 standard MA, Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil or equivalent.
This one is a personal recommendation so take it or leave it. Honda GN 4 regular mineral oil is what you want. 20 bucks a gallon at your nearest Honda dealer. I've said this before but here goes....This is the same oil that is factory fill for most Honda bikes including the new high tech Goldwing DCT motorcycle. So it's a no brainer it'll work for our older much simple ST1100/ST1300. At least that's my way of thinkingHi, I'm a new member and have a 2005 ST1300 using Rotella 6 for the last 20K miles. I just saw postings about issues with the Rotella 6 and looking for some feedback on a good replacement option. Thanks, Mike
I typically shop for the cheapest motorcycle specific oil, you can get 3 gallons of castrol here for under 70.If you just want cheap motorcycle specific oil. Amazon $27 and free shipping.
HONDA 08C35-A141L01 Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil, 10W40, 1 gal
This one is a personal recommendation so take it or leave it. Honda GN 4 regular mineral oil is what you want. 20 bucks a gallon at your nearest Honda dealer. I've said this before but here goes....This is the same oil that is factory fill for most Honda bikes including the new high tech Goldwing DCT motorcycle. So it's a no brainer it'll work for our older much simple ST1100/ST1300. At least that's my way of thinking
Last fall, I bought GN4 at my local dealer for $19.95/gallon. While Walmart has several oils under that price, their stock varies and you never know what will be on the shelf until you get there. Last time I did the math, 3x19.95 came out under $70, too. Of course, not allI typically shop for the cheapest motorcycle specific oil, you can get 3 gallons of castrol here for under 70.