The Victory oil change kit (4.5 quarts) which includes an OEM oil filter, goes for about $59.00 at local dealers here in PA.
The per quart cost of the Castrol oil is 1/2 what the Vic oil costs, so the savings would be substantial if it performed as good as the Vic oil. The per quart cost of the Castrol is $5.71 (delivered) and for the Vic oil it's about $11.
My concern is one of convenience / performance. I can get the Vic oil at two different dealers that are close to where I live--very convenient. I also already know that the Vic oil performs well in the bike (per the UOA I had done). I also get to support a marque / local dealer that I like and would like to see remain in business.
I doubt that the Castrol will fare better than the Vic oil in terms of shearing. . .every bike oil shears out of grade (in a shared sump) and I believe the OEMs take that into consideration when spec'ing their oils. The Vic oil was out of grade, but not by much especially in consideration of the miles of the OCI. The wear numbers from the UOA would suggest that the shearing isn't a serious detractor from the Vic oil.
The Vic oil is more expensive than some other options, but I know it works well in this application. I operate a $22,000 motorcycle. . .I don't mind paying a little extra for oil I know works--that extra cost spread over a 5000 mile OCI is miniscule.
The Castrol may work just as well. . .and I may try it some day--If I do, I'll do a UOA. --Rob
The per quart cost of the Castrol oil is 1/2 what the Vic oil costs, so the savings would be substantial if it performed as good as the Vic oil. The per quart cost of the Castrol is $5.71 (delivered) and for the Vic oil it's about $11.
My concern is one of convenience / performance. I can get the Vic oil at two different dealers that are close to where I live--very convenient. I also already know that the Vic oil performs well in the bike (per the UOA I had done). I also get to support a marque / local dealer that I like and would like to see remain in business.
I doubt that the Castrol will fare better than the Vic oil in terms of shearing. . .every bike oil shears out of grade (in a shared sump) and I believe the OEMs take that into consideration when spec'ing their oils. The Vic oil was out of grade, but not by much especially in consideration of the miles of the OCI. The wear numbers from the UOA would suggest that the shearing isn't a serious detractor from the Vic oil.
The Vic oil is more expensive than some other options, but I know it works well in this application. I operate a $22,000 motorcycle. . .I don't mind paying a little extra for oil I know works--that extra cost spread over a 5000 mile OCI is miniscule.
The Castrol may work just as well. . .and I may try it some day--If I do, I'll do a UOA. --Rob