Best fully synthetic oil for my ATV

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IMHO, steer away from late formulation (SM) car oils. Although you're not wet clutch, you're on aggressive camlobes without roller followers. Instead of focusing on a lack of wet clutch, I think you should not be overlooking the JASO performance aspect. Other than clutch slip, JASO also specs for wear protection performance. A good cycle race oil without API Zn and Ph limitations will be rated SG.

Redline Cycle(SJ), Motul(SL), Torco(SG), Maxima(SG) are good choices, all ester based and proven performers. Motul is overpriced IMO. Redline and Maxima have been using polyol ester (POE) base but less pricey. I feel POE base oils really represent a (manufacturer) cost is no concern to performance approach, if other brands were using it as base oil, they'll be shouting about it too. Redline went SM with their street car oils, so you might want to avoid that.
 
Id going with Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel or Rotella T. Around here you can pick up Motul 8100 for about $6qt. Pretty good oil.
 
Maxima ultra 10W40. Is an 100% ester product. Very good and maybee one of the best on the market.
 
Originally Posted By: jbl
Maxima ultra 10W40. Is an 100% ester product. Very good and maybee one of the best on the market.


was going to recommend Maxima myself, and motul line is good as well

For the best bang for the buck, the hdeo's (rotella, chevron delo 400, mobil delvac) really cant be beat,

I run rotella 5/15W40 in my bikes, they seem to like it
 
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Originally Posted By: Don Stefanik
There are a lot of good oil's out there....best...opinions you will get.
Here is one that alot consider very good.
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I have an 06 Kawi Brute Force 650 V-twin, and all I will use is the Amsoil 0w-40. Great oil!
 
fyi



Power Sports Oil info

Info from JASO (synopsis)

Energy Conserving: The “Energy Conserving” designation applies to oils intended for gasoline-engine cars, vans, and light trucks. Widespread use of “Energy Conserving” oils may result in an overall savings of fuel in the vehicle fleet as a whole.


FRICTION MODIFIER
Definition: Additives that reduce the friction of moving engine parts or oil flow in the engine.



Though 4-cycle Motorcycle and Power Sports engines may be considered more similar to automobile engines than 2-stroke motorcycle engines, they still have very different performance requirements. Historically, 4-stroke motorcycles have had problems with gear pitting wear in the transmissions and clutch slippage. In many cases, this can be directly attributed to the oil used. Most automotive engine oil is developed to minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. Since the oil for many 4-stroke motorcycles is circulated not only through the engine [as with an automobile], but also through the transmission and clutch, different characteristics are required of the oil. First, a certain amount of friction is necessary to prevent clutch slippage. Second, the oil needs to prevent wear and pitting in the gears of the transmission. These and other essential characteristics are addressed in the standards developed by JASO for 4-stroke engines.

As with the 2-stroke classification, the JASO 4-stroke classification is also divided into grades, MA and MB. MB is lower friction oil, while MA is relatively higher friction oil. Other than friction, the JASO 4-stroke classification tests for five other physicochemical properties: sulfated ash, evaporative loss, foaming tendency, shear stability, and high temperature high shear viscosity (HTHS). Sulfated ash can cause pre-ignition if the oil is present in the combustion chamber. It can also contribute to deposits above the piston rings and subsequent valve leakage. Evaporative loss and foaming reduce the amount of lubrication and protection in the transmission, engine, and clutch. With less shear stability, oil loses its capability of retaining original viscosity resulting in increased metal-to-metal contact and wear. High temperature high shear viscosity tests provide viscosity characteristics and data under severe temperature and shear environments.


2006 Honda Ricon owner
 
Originally Posted By: Mike_dup1
fyi



Power Sports Oil info

Info from JASO (synopsis)

Energy Conserving: The “Energy Conserving” designation applies to oils intended for gasoline-engine cars, vans, and light trucks. Widespread use of “Energy Conserving” oils may result in an overall savings of fuel in the vehicle fleet as a whole.


FRICTION MODIFIER
Definition: Additives that reduce the friction of moving engine parts or oil flow in the engine.



Though 4-cycle Motorcycle and Power Sports engines may be considered more similar to automobile engines than 2-stroke motorcycle engines, they still have very different performance requirements. Historically, 4-stroke motorcycles have had problems with gear pitting wear in the transmissions and clutch slippage. In many cases, this can be directly attributed to the oil used. Most automotive engine oil is developed to minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. Since the oil for many 4-stroke motorcycles is circulated not only through the engine [as with an automobile], but also through the transmission and clutch, different characteristics are required of the oil. First, a certain amount of friction is necessary to prevent clutch slippage. Second, the oil needs to prevent wear and pitting in the gears of the transmission. These and other essential characteristics are addressed in the standards developed by JASO for 4-stroke engines.

As with the 2-stroke classification, the JASO 4-stroke classification is also divided into grades, MA and MB. MB is lower friction oil, while MA is relatively higher friction oil. Other than friction, the JASO 4-stroke classification tests for five other physicochemical properties: sulfated ash, evaporative loss, foaming tendency, shear stability, and high temperature high shear viscosity (HTHS). Sulfated ash can cause pre-ignition if the oil is present in the combustion chamber. It can also contribute to deposits above the piston rings and subsequent valve leakage. Evaporative loss and foaming reduce the amount of lubrication and protection in the transmission, engine, and clutch. With less shear stability, oil loses its capability of retaining original viscosity resulting in increased metal-to-metal contact and wear. High temperature high shear viscosity tests provide viscosity characteristics and data under severe temperature and shear environments.


2006 Honda Ricon owner



fyi

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Synthetic Motor Oil (AFF) is specially formulated for ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and other power sports applications. Its broad viscosity range and wax-free formulation make it excellent for use in both hot and cold temperature extremes. As an SAE 40 weight motor oil, AMSOIL AFF provides outstanding protection for hot operating engines, while its 0W rating and -60°F pour point ensure easy cranking, excellent cold weather starting and quick post-startup protection. Formula 4-Stroke® Power Sports is an extreme temperature lubricant that provides outstanding performance in high performance, recreational or work/utility engines.

Resists Heat and Thermal Breakdown
AMSOIL engineered Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Synthetic Motor Oil to withstand the high temperatures of recreational engines. It effectively resists oxidation and oil vaporization to prevent carbon/varnish formation, control oil consumption and minimize exhaust emissions. AMSOIL AFF controls oil thickening for good fuel economy, and it keeps engines clean for peak operating efficiency.

Excellent For Transmissions
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Oil is wet clutch compatible and contains no friction modifiers, making it ideal for both two- and four-stroke ATV transmissions. The friction modifier-free formulation is designed to prevent clutch slippage, delivering maximum torque and power to the wheels – a critical feature for towing or high-horsepower engines. AMSOIL AFF meets the frictional requirements of JASO MA/MA2.

Superior Wear Protection
AMSOIL AFF is formulated with high levels of anti-wear additives that provide excellent protection for pistons, bearings and gears in transmission containing units, while its shear stable, SAE 40 viscosity delivers a thick lubricating film for an extra margin of protection in hard working engines.

Anti-Foam
Churning occurs in high RPM engines that can cause oil to foam, depleting its lubricating abilities and increasing heat and wear. AMSOIL AFF controls foam, promoting cooler engine operation and reduced wear.

Special Additives
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Synthetic Motor Oil contains robust dispersant/detergent additives that effectively neutralize the high levels of acids and combustion by-products prone to small engines. And it is anti-rust fortified for superior rust prevention, which is especially important in seasonally or infrequently used power sports equipment.

Applications and Recommendations
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports Synthetic Motor Oil is recommended for four-stroke engines and transmissions on two- or four-stroke powered applications. It is an all climate/all season oil that replaces 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 oils for ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and other power sports equipment. Manufacturers include Polaris®, Honda®, Yamaha®, Ski-Doo®, Can-Am® (Bombardier®), Suzuki®, Kawasaki® and Arctic Cat®.

API SL/CF, SJ, SH, SG • JASO MA/MA2

Compatibility
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® PowerSports is compatible with conventional and synthetic motor oils. Mixing AMSOIL motor oils with other oils, however, will shorten the oil life expectancy and reduce the performance benefits. AMSOIL does not support extended drain intervals where oils have been mixed. Aftermarket oil additives are not recommended for use with AMSOIL motor oils.

Service Life
Follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended drain intervals.

Health & Safety
This product is not expected to cause health concerns when used for the intended application and according to the recommendations in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). An MSDS is available upon request at 715-392-7101 or on the AMSOIL Website. Keep Out of Reach of Children. Don’t pollute. Return used oil to collection centers.

TYPICAL TECHNICAL PROPERTIES Revised: 11/06

AMSOIL FORMULA 4-STROKE® POWER SPORTS SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL SAE 0W-40 (AFF)

Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)


14.7

Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)
83.7

Viscosity Index (ASTM D-2270)
184

CCS Viscosity, cP @ (°C) (ASTM D-5293)
6139

Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D-92)
226 (439)
Pour Point °C (°F) (ASTM D-97) -51 (-60)

Noack Volatility, % weight loss (g/100g) (ASTM D-5800)
7.3%

Four Ball Wear Test
(ASTM D-4172B: 40 kg, 75°C, 1200 rpm, 1 hour), Scar, mm
0.35
Total Base Number 10.5
 
Jaso is a bunch of [censored]. Quite a few oils that meet the Jaso spec donthold their grade worth [censored]. Castrol and Valvoline being two.
Furthermore, what makes an oil meet the Jaso spec? obviously it has to be within the specified limits, but doesnt it have to be tested to get the approval? How many oils are out there that meet he spec but havent paid the fee to get it certified?
Youll notice that most Amsoil products arnt API certified. Do you have any doubt that they all are excellent products? And would you have any problem using it in any of your vehicles?
Some oils makers choose not to play the standards game. They choose to focus on overall quality rather then to have some silly stamp of approval on their bottles. It seems that some companies will make an oil that just barely meets the spec theyre getting certified for, but put in no extra effort to make it better.

I personally dont pay attention to the certifications. Ill read the VOAs and UOAs and the comments of other users. First I make sure the oil will lubricated the engine components. If it can do that ill put it in my personal quad to see how the clutch reacts.

I am currently running Rotella T syn in my 08 LTR450. Works great
 
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