rotella t6 synthetic

[spyder stryder]

Anyone using this oil ? If so how is it performing & have you had it checked?
Thanks
spyder ryder

 

[amusher]

I am.... 2012 RS works great and no problems with the clutch..

 

[Tx web rider]

t6

i used this oil and had periodic issues with the auto trannie not wanting to shift
went back to BRP and shifting fine 68k miles 2009 GS se5

 

[jcthorne]

Using it in both of our 2015s. Meets all BRP specs for the 1330 engines and dealer had no problem using it for first service. Said they use that oil on lots of bikes at owners request.

I have been using this oil across our vehicles for many years and have gotten consistently great oil analysis numbers returned.

It is not recommended for the semi auto V-twins with centrifugal clutch.

 

[spyder stryder]

jcthorn

Thanks for the info. Do you recall any of the test results?
Dan

 

[Mazo EMS2]

I've been using it in the most recent bike I had, and the Spyder. I have an SM5 RT and have had no problems at all. I've never sent any samples out for analysis.....didn't feel the need I guess.

 

[Highwayman2013]

jcthorn

Thanks for the info. Do you recall any of the test results?
Dan

Time to buy some test kits?

 

[Jeriatric]

Save your clutch

DO NOT USE IN SE5

 

[jcthorne]

jcthorn

Thanks for the info. Do you recall any of the test results?
Dan

Wear metals were very low and at 5k miles still within spec viscosity, although had dropped a bit from new. This is to be expected in a engine / trans combination oil supply system.

TBN was still well above useful life.

Most of my UOA reports on Rotella are from diesels, and a Ford GT, not Spyders. I only have one from my F3 so not enough for a trend on that specific engine. I intend to keep using it.

 

[jcthorne]

Time to buy some test kits?

Blackstone Labs will send you the sample kits for free.

 

[AbNormy]

Thought MA2 was good for wet clutches...i am noticing occasional not wanting to shift maybe i ought to go back to amsoil or gasp BRP !

Norm H Austin Tx

 

[Highwayman2013]

Blackstone Labs will send you the sample kits for free.

But you pay for the analysis.

 

[pegasus1300]

Thought MA2 was good for wet clutches...i am noticing occasional not wanting to shift maybe i ought to go back to amsoil or gasp BRP !

Norm H Austin Tx

from the motorbike oil and oil related blogs July 2012


In 1998 the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (or JASO for short) developed a grading system for motorcycle oils.
The grading system measured (amongst other things) an oils ability to resist clutch friction (or slippage), protection offered against engine wear and pitting in the gear box.

Up to 1998 car oils had been used as the base for many motorcycle oils. As car technology evolved over the years the oils that cars needed changed and additives were added that weren’t good for motorcycle engines (especially motorbike clutches and gearboxes, mainly due to the fact that, unlike most motorcycles, cars use a separate oil for the gearbox).
Car oils had been blended using more and more friction modifiers, which, although good for cars, wasn’t too good for motorcycles as these modifiers can cause clutches to slip at higher revs and gearbox pitting.
JASO introduced 2 ratings for 4 stroke motorcycle oils:

JASO MA – This was the standard for single unit engines where the wet clutch, gearbox and engine used the same oil. JASO-MA oils don’t contain friction modifiers.
JASO MB – This lower standard was for bikes that use separate oils for the engine, clutch and gearbox (e.g Harley Davidson’s and BMW’s).
​

Then in 2006 JASO introduced…..

JASO-MA2 – This specification was introduced in 2006 for modern motorcycle engines. As well as being a higher standard of oil the JASO-MA2 approval means the oil is suitable for use in bikes with catalytic converts in the exhaust system.
​

 

[AbNormy]

So it shouldnt create issues with my clutches on an SE?

Norm H Austin Tx

 

[Vt. Rider]

On a SE model.....is the clutch the same as on the SM? And the mechanism for shifting different? Or are they two completely different animals?

That said, I'd also consider that T6 is a 5W-40. What viscosity is BRP oil?

I have used Rotella in my 2002 Goldwing since 2004 with absolutely no issues. I sold the Wing last summer with over 85K on the odometer. I used the Rotella synthetic, even when it wasn't JASO-MA. When the T6 came out, it had JASO-MA on the label, but the viscosity was the same. Never a clutch or shifting issue with it's use. I felt supremely comfortable using it. AND for only around $21 a gallon, the price/product was a "no brainer".

 

[Jeriatric]

Oil Standards

DO NOT USE IN SE5

Rotella T6 meets: API: SM, SL, SJ, SH

SM is not to be used ~ per oil recommendations info in the Spyder owners manual.


While it works great in many applications....FJR(i use it), & Goldwing to mention a couple. The aluminum SE5 clutch plates will start slipping with as little as a half quart added.

Don't ask me how I know. OK, I'm getting older and made the mistake.

Just a friendly heads up. Do as you wish.