Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: jongies3
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
I dont think your being paranoid.
I guess I would be wondering what oil the engine calls for though.
Rotella oils and just about all the C Rated Comme...
It doesn't, calls for a 10W-30 which I believe was a push to make the EPA happy more than anything. I had a 2002 400EX prior, and it was specced for 10W-40 for normal use and 20W-50 for extreme hot weather. They carried those specs up until like 2011 I think was when the 10W-30 started and is slated for use in all temperatures in the manual now.
It never gets overly hot here in MT, and something about me feels more comfortable running a 40wt in this air cooled engine so that's why I do it. The manual highly recommends "Genuine Honda GN4 10W-30" but goes on to tell you that any JASO-MA rated oil is sufficient. I'm just not a fan of going to the dealer and paying $10 a quart for Honda's conventional oil when there are better options for less.
I may just try regular Rotella 15W-40 next change and see how she likes that.
Great reply and I fully understand what you are doing now and why. Good info now that I understand what oil it calls for and in the past what oils were called for.
You know? I re-read this a few times and I thought to myself, if I was you, I would most likely be doing the same exact thing, I did take notice last post of the moderate temps you must operate in too.
Anyway, I think everything you are doing makes 100% sense and again, think to myself, if it was me, chances are I would be doing the same. (not often that happens in these forums*LOL*)
Your engine calls for 10/30 but past models called for 10/40 or 20/50.
Your 5/40 Rotella in a worst case will shear to and stabilize at the same viscosity as a fresh batch of 10/30 and lets not forget, that fresh batch of 10/30 is going to shear too just not as drastic but may go to a 20..
We all know Rotella is a well respected oil and honestly I cant find any fault with what you are doing. I too wouldnt feel to peachy about using a 10/30.
Now with that out of the way, for me personally and what you mentioned about shifting, is a common complaint with some(a lot) synthetics and why I am not a big fan of syn in motorcycle transmissions/engines.
It doesnt seem to increase wear but things just do not "click" as nice.
So if you are looking for shift quality, I think without question you will much prefer the conv (or semi) 15/40.
Chances are that is what I would most likely end up with if I was in your shoes, no doubt, again, in your shoes I would have tried the 5/40 but I already kind of know I would end up with the 15/40 and truly believe that would be best for the engine/trans.
I run conventional (and semi syn) as a personal decision for good reasons (which I will skip in here or a whole other war might start*LOL*) I never look to extend drains and actually enjoy changing oil.
Yep, I think the plan for now will be to run 15w-40 when summer comes around and see how it likes it, then switch back to 5W for winter since I take it out now and then on various rides and would like to have that cold pump-ability for those nippy days. If the engine was liquid cooled, I wouldn't shudder at using 10W-30 since it's easier to control and keep the engine at a consistent temperature whereas air cooled engine temps fluctuate based on riding conditions, speed, altitude, and just about everything! I run 10W-30 Lucas blend MC oil in the wife's Yamaha Grizzly 660 with no complaints. Thanks for your input and helping me out!