1330 MOTOR OIL

[SPYD3R]

I've run Mobil 1 4t in all my bikes, including my Goldwing(s) and now my Spyder and have towed a trailer behind both Wings and Spyder and have not had a motor burn it or leave me on the side of the road yet (yes I'm "knocking on wood" at the moment cause I'm superstitious!). Run what you want and feel comfortable with, lot's of quality oils out there. MadMac

MM;
you may want to click on this link: http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm
the SH rating scares me since it's now obsulete.....
Dan

[JayBros]

As I read the PQIA home page it specifically refers to automotive/automobile engines. What is of utmost concern to me as a Spyder owner is what the technical specifications page in my operator's guide says about the API service classification the oil I use must meet. For RT owners of MYs 2014-2018 (Bob, yours is coming) the service classifications are shown below. Sorry, you F3 owners must do your own digging.

2014 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2015 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2016 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2017 -- SJ, SL, SM, SN, JASO MA2
2018 -- SJ, SL, SM, SN, JASO MA2

FWIW, I find no API Donut on either Mobil 1 4T Racing 10W-40 or Amsoil Metric 10W-40 oil bottles. PQIA specifically tells automobile owners to look for that donut which identifies the motor oil as resource conserving. That resource conserving label applies specifically to automobile oils.

[KX5062]

As I read the PQIA home page it specifically refers to automotive/automobile engines. What is of utmost concern to me as a Spyder owner is what the technical specifications page in my operator's guide says about the API service classification the oil I use must meet. For RT owners of MYs 2014-2018 (Bob, yours is coming) the service classifications are shown below. Sorry, you F3 owners must do your own digging.

2014 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2015 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2016 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2017 -- SJ, SL, SM, SN, JASO MA2
2018 -- SJ, SL, SM, SN, JASO MA2

FWIW, I find no API Donut on either Mobil 1 4T Racing 10W-40 or Amsoil Metric 10W-40 oil bottles. PQIA specifically tells automobile owners to look for that donut which identifies the motor oil as resource conserving. That resource conserving label applies specifically to automobile oils.

There's no API donut because they don't submit that oil to the API for testing and certification because it's not for an automobile, it's motorcycle specific oil. As I understand it, API testing and certification is expensive and unnecessary because of the oil's usage.

MA1 is the older specification and MA2 is the newer one. The difference being MA2 is specifically formulated for use with a catalytic converter. The chemical differences between MA1 and 2 are so small that IMO it doesn't matter.

[JayBros]

There's no API donut...

Thank you for the donut explanation. I did not even consider the testing cost and it makes perfect sense for not doing it on motorcycle oils.

I think that for many of us Spyder owners the number of trips we've made arounnd the sun carries with it our experiences with motor oils when we were much younger. The petroleum industry has advanced light years since I was a teenager tearing into different types of internal combustion engines. That's why I personally believe relying on what's in my operator's guide is the most prudent course of action. AND, oil analysis is the only way we can tell how individual products perform.

[SPYD3R]

WOW....! ! !
i am glad i asked the question....
i'm learning a BOAT LOAD of GOOD info here.... keep that info coming...
we have quiet a few talented people on this website... cheers to all...
HAPPY NEW YEAR, and see you on the road in 2018....
Dan P
SPYD3R

[2dogs]

In my Harley days I spent way too much time researching oils. Bottom line is, the highest bid price gets the oil. Whether it's sold by the tank car load, by the truck and trailer load or by the barrel, it all comes down to the bid price. No matter if it comes from Shell, Sunoco, Citgo or whoever, the buyer's additives are blended in, it's all repackaged with different labels (Harley Davidson, Yamaha, BRP, and so on) then it's placed on the shelf for sale to the public. Whatever you choose to purchase make sure you buy a top of the line motorcycle specific oil and enjoy the ride. Oh, by the way, a little useful side note. If you're ever caught out in the middle of nowhere and are in serious need of oil for your scoot, you can use and mix any diesel engine specific oil to get you where you need to go without harming your engine. Just change it out when you get back to civilization.

[johnv50]

FYI you can get a case of 6 Castrol motorcycle specific 4T 5W40 on Amazon for around $52. Been using it in my bikes for years.

[jcthorne]

As I read the PQIA home page it specifically refers to automotive/automobile engines. What is of utmost concern to me as a Spyder owner is what the technical specifications page in my operator's guide says about the API service classification the oil I use must meet. For RT owners of MYs 2014-2018 (Bob, yours is coming) the service classifications are shown below. Sorry, you F3 owners must do your own digging.

2014 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2015 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2016 -- SL, SJ, SH, SG
2017 -- SJ, SL, SM, SN, JASO MA2
2018 -- SJ, SL, SM, SN, JASO MA2

FWIW, I find no API Donut on either Mobil 1 4T Racing 10W-40 or Amsoil Metric 10W-40 oil bottles. PQIA specifically tells automobile owners to look for that donut which identifies the motor oil as resource conserving. That resource conserving label applies specifically to automobile oils.

Interesting table in light of the specific requirement that the 998 engine bikes have requiring the oil NOT be API SM or higher rated.

[Mad Mac]

MM;
you may want to click on this link: http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm
the SH rating scares me since it's now obsulete.....
Dan

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll read thru it and make a more informed decision next time I buy oil. I did a complete oil/filter change before I put it up for the winter, I even got to finally put my GoldPlugs in. Mad Mac

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

MM;
you may want to click on this link: http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm
the SH rating scares me since it's now obsulete.....
Dan

Do you realize they are talking about ......." PASSENGER CAR ENGINES " ....which don't share oil with the transmission...nice study but it has NO useful info for Spyders ...... Mike

[Highwayman2013]

A922AB8B-587C-4DD6-A4B1-DE53EF2B63BE.jpg Here’s a report on the Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W40.

[Dmetcalf]

A922AB8B-587C-4DD6-A4B1-DE53EF2B63BE.jpg Here’s a report on the Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W40.

Thats a pretty good report on that oil..! Thanks for sharing this.

[stmike 1800]

I have up til now always used Castrol dino oil in all my bikes ,oil changes every 5000 km .

[Easy Rider]

I have up til now always used Castrol dino oil in all my bikes ,oil changes every 5000 km .

Which variety of Castrol exactly ?

You do know that it is NOT good to use any brand, type or grade of car oil.......right ??

[bikerbillone]

I have up til now always used Castrol dino oil in all my bikes ,oil changes every 5000 km .

In your Spyder? Thought that was a no, no, but if it works, that's a good thing.