What type and where do I get proper oil for RT when on the road?

[BajaRon]

That's why I decided to stick with JASO MA2. Never had a slippage issue but why take the chance when the best is readily available.

MA2 is highly recommended, especially with the Spyder and especially with the SE5's.

 

[Jeriatric]

Which oil to use?

Decision was pretty simple here. Bajaron offers quality products at a fair price and they are shipped directly to my home.

KISS

 

[BajaRon]

I'll bite

How much do you spend for this oil and where do you find it?

For 5 quarts delivered (1 oil change of 4.25 quarts + some to top off) it's usually about $12 per quart. If you get a case of 12 you get the price break and it's about $1.50 less per quart.

When you consider that you can go much further between oil changes on Amsoil than you can on the BRP (Castrol) oil, Amsoil is pretty cheap. I change mine at 5K to 6K and have had my oil tested. It's still well within specs at this distance.

 

[Bob Denman]

Between the oil, swaybar and plugwire issues; it's pretty easy to see why you're so poplular here! :2thumbs:

 

[A1A]

For 5 quarts delivered (1 oil change of 4.25 quarts + some to top off) it's usually about $12 per quart. If you get a case of 12 you get the price break and it's about $1.50 less per quart.

When you consider that you can go much further between oil changes on Amsoil than you can on the BRP (Castrol) oil, Amsoil is pretty cheap. I change mine at 5K to 6K and have had my oil tested. It's still well within specs at this distance.

I was wondering if you would care to share the Amsoil Oil Analysis result from the 6,000 mile trip? Earlier previous reply in this thread.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: :bbq::bbq::bbq:

 

[BajaRon]

I was wondering if you would care to share the Amsoil Oil Analysis result from the 6,000 mile trip? Earlier previous reply in this thread.

Thanks in advance!

I did post that analysis. Can't remember where though. Maybe someone can link to it. I was very happy with it. Honestly, the way we flogged our Spyders in the heat on that trip I was fully expecting it to come back bad.

 

[Bad Dog6]

AMSOIL WHOLESALE

For those of you that wish to use AMSOIL and purchase it at wholesale prices, I will be glad to assist you by providing a 6-month “Preferred Customer Trial Membership” at no cost to you. At the end of the 6-months, if you wish to continue, it will cost you $20.00 a year. The AMSOIL products will be shipped to you directly from the AMSOIL warehouse nearest to where you live.

To get the Membership click on the AMSOIL banner on the the Spyder Lovers home page. Once there, look for the flashing banner on the right hand side of the web page that talks about "Trial Membership". Click on the banner and fill out the form and submit it. I will get you an account number and email it to you with instructions on how to order.


NOTE Although this Trial Membership is free to you, it will cost me $10.00 therefore I would ask if you do not plan on purchasing AMSOIL, please don't apply.

While you are on my site take a look around. AMSOIL offers over 250 of the finest Synthetic Lubricants money can buy. There is also a lot of educational videos and history of the AMSOIL Company.

As a Spyderlovers site sponsor I would appreciate the support. Thanks to all.

.

Thank You!

 

[Bad Dog6]

AMSOIL Charts Mixing Synthetic and Petroleum

First of all let me say I appreciate all the Effort by Ron to put together all the charts on the AMSOIL Motorcycle oil. There was some mention made of some skulduggery going on in the testing. I have been involved with AMSOIL since 2003 and have never known them to falsify anything. All testing is done by independent laboratories using ASTM test criteria which means that anyone using that criteria can produce the same results. Neither the Laboratory nor AMSOIL would risk falsifying data and risk their reputation. ( We use to say in the Navy, " One ah S&*t destroys a lot of atta boys")

If you knew the Amatuzio family the way I do, Al Amatuzio would never tolerate falsifying data nor would he tolerate anyone making a better synthetic motor oil., at least not for long.

Getting back to the chart. If you look at the date on the chart it was printed in 2005. The chart was evaluating Motorcycle Specific Oil. There where three oils in question on the chart. Penzoil Motorcycle was a petroleum based oil. Valvoline 4 Stroke was also petroleum based and Honda HP 4 is a blend.

Judging from my research, Valvoline did not come out with the 4T synthetic until 2010.(The data sheet on the 4T was printed in 2010) As of June 2009, which is the latest test data published by AMSOIL, Penzoil did not have a Motorcycle Synthetic either. They could have mentioned that on the charts I suppose but I would assume in 2005 it was common knowledge that neither company had a Synthetic MC oil.

It has been my experience that if you take the time to look deep enough there is usually an explanation. I have personally never found any discrepancies with AMSOIL. If you know of any, I would be interested in what you found.

Anyway, I hope this helps clear up any questions.

 

[flybuddy]

First of all let me say I appreciate all the Effort by Ron to put together all the charts on the AMSOIL Motorcycle oil. There was some mention made of some skulduggery going on in the testing. I have been involved with AMSOIL since 2003 and have never known them to falsify anything. All testing is done by independent laboratories using ASTM test criteria which means that anyone using that criteria can produce the same results. Neither the Laboratory nor AMSOIL would risk falsifying data and risk their reputation. ( We use to say in the Navy, " One ah S&*t destroys a lot of atta boys")

If you knew the Amatuzio family the way I do, Al Amatuzio would never tolerate falsifying data nor would he tolerate anyone making a better synthetic motor oil., at least not for long.

Getting back to the chart. If you look at the date on the chart it was printed in 2005. The chart was evaluating Motorcycle Specific Oil. There where three oils in question on the chart. Penzoil Motorcycle was a petroleum based oil. Valvoline 4 Stroke was also petroleum based and Honda HP 4 is a blend.

Judging from my research, Valvoline did not come out with the 4T synthetic until 2010.(The data sheet on the 4T was printed in 2010) As of June 2009, which is the latest test data published by AMSOIL, Penzoil did not have a Motorcycle Synthetic either. They could have mentioned that on the charts I suppose but I would assume in 2005 it was common knowledge that neither company had a Synthetic MC oil.

It has been my experience that if you take the time to look deep enough there is usually an explanation. I have personally never found any discrepancies with AMSOIL. If you know of any, I would be interested in what you found.

Anyway, I hope this helps clear up any questions.

Thx for the info, my previous thoughts were that they were just trying to make their product look better. This explains it.
Since you know a lot about it....why did they elect for this Amway type of distribution network as opposed to normal retail sales which would add credibility to their product?

 

[Bad Dog6]

Thx for the info, my previous thoughts were that they were just trying to make their product look better. This explains it.
Since you know a lot about it....why did they elect for this Amway type of distribution network as opposed to normal retail sales which would add credibility to their product?

In 1972 AMSOIL produced the first API approved Full Synthetic Motor Oil for use in Automobile applications. At that time AMSOIL synthetic motor oil cost $6.00 a quart and Petroleum was priced under a dollar a quart. AMSOIL put the new synthetic on the shelf in the auto parts stores and no one would buy it.


One of Al's secretary's had been involved with Mary K cosmetics, a multi level marketing program, and suggested to Al that it would be a good fit for AMSOIL. He could train up a dealer network that could explain why you should pay the high price for synthetics over petroleum.


That's how it started and remains today. AMSOIL has over 85,000 dealers nation wide that have built the company to what it is today and the Amatuzio family's loyalty and support to the dealer network is un-wavering.


It is annoying to some but it also gives an advantage to AMSOIL. There is only so much profit in a bottle of oil. AMSOIL has the Dealer network to do the advertising for the product. All the monies that the other oil companies put into nation wide advertising, AMSOIL puts into R&D and quality. This allows them to have a superior product and still remain competitive price wise.


Note: AMSOIL has doubled in size every year since 1972 and the company is 100% debt free. The company is solely owned by the Amatuzio family and all the products are made in Superior Wisconsin. What is really funny is the Harley Oil is made by CITGO. Owned by Cesar Chavez in South America.


Chuck Trebino
AMSOIL Executive Direct Jobber
www.DamnBestOil.com

 

[BajaRon]

Thx for the info, my previous thoughts were that they were just trying to make their product look better. This explains it.
Since you know a lot about it....why did they elect for this Amway type of distribution network as opposed to normal retail sales which would add credibility to their product?

I know a lot of people have a bad taste in their mouth about Muti-Level or 'Pyarmid' marketing, me included! That is not because this is an evil way to do business, but because it has been so abused by some. Hard sell, high pressure dealers, misleading or outright false information, etc., with people at the top making outrageous money while the minions labor below them.

While this senerio is true in some cases, this marketing approach does have the ability to reward those who produce the most business for the product.

As Bad Dog6 points out, simply putting Amsoil on the shelf was not the best way to go. Many good items have ceased to exist because they just didn't do well in the standard marketing approach.

When you have a genuine product that costs more than the competition, you have to educate the customer as to why paying a higher price makes good sense. Believe me, educating the customer is the most difficult aspect of selling any product. The customer is, for good reason, suspecious or simply does not want to put out the effort.

Amsoil is still one of the best in the world, it is priced competitively when the customer understands what they are getting, and the marketing approach simply allows the manufacturer to offer their product to the customer in an effective manner with dealers who actually use and honestly appreciate it.

Besides, if Amsoil did put their product on the shelf, Bad Dog6 would be out of business.

 

[murphybrown]

Amsoil my choice in all motors

When I do my long distance rydes I carry extra oil with me. For example last year I knew I would be do for oil change about Cowtown...so had an extra 6 qts on Ms Spyder...got oil/filters changed and had some extra for those times when Ms Spyder says "top me off!!" Yes, it would be more convenient if I didn't have to carry along but because I am totally Amsoil I adjust to accomodate.
As far as network marketing businesses. I am a firm believer they are a great way to do a business. BUT beware...pick your product/company wisely. I have made a couple poor choices in network marketing businesses. And made a couple reallllly good ones. Like any business...you get out of it what you put in!!! :clap:

 

[ulflyer]

Amsoil vs Valvoline in my RT

I've used mostly Amsoil in my RT but recently ran a batch of Valvoline Synthetic motorcycle rated at Jaso MA2. As I have with previous batches of oil, at 3000 miles I have a lab test done. The Valvoline fared reasonably well, compared to Amsoil although the viscosity had sheared more and was labled by the lab as a "caution" meaning it should soon be changed. Based on this test, I've changed back to Amsoil.

I had intended to give Royal Purple a try but after looking at the labels and not finding any rating other than their word that it was "motorcycle" oil, I decided against it.

I'd like to test Castrol's blend and synthetic sometime just for comparison but have not found any available locally and not willing to pay extra for shipping.

 

[gypsy_100]

I had intended to give Royal Purple a try but after looking at the labels and not finding any rating other than their word that it was "motorcycle" oil, I decided against it.

No matter what you buy, you're pretty much taking their word for it. Royal Purple states they meet JASO MA2. As with Amsoil (MA2), Mobil 1 (MA), and others, you're taking their word for it. There is an official test procedure and submission procedure to go through with JASO but not everyone does it. BelRay, some Castrol's, Motul, Silkolene, and all the Japanese motorcycle-branded oils (Honda, Suzuki, etc) have gone through this procedure. It must be done for each individual oil and earns them the right to put the official JASO seal on the package which includes the "serial number" for the approval of that specific oil. So if you look at a Honda oil, for example, you'll see the seal and number on the back. Otherwise, the label just says "meets JASO MA2" or whatever. They did the test but don't want to go thru the hassle of submission and approval. They are not allowed to use the JASO seal. I'm an Amsoil fan but find it curious that they have not taken the trouble to get the official approval from JASO. Guess they figure from a marketing perspective, they don't need it.

Maybe I'm lucky here but I have two auto parts stores and a car dealer who stock and sell Amsoil. The one store carries an extensive stock of almost everything Amsoil makes -- both grades of chassis lube, differential and transmission fluids, marine grease, fuel additives, all the grades of auto and motorcycle oils, etc. I usually buy from him "off the shelf". Last time I gave Ron a try. Got the oil in one day! Can't beat that so I think he's got a new customer.

 

[BajaRon]

When I do my long distance rydes I carry extra oil with me. For example last year I knew I would be do for oil change about Cowtown...so had an extra 6 qts on Ms Spyder...got oil/filters changed and had some extra for those times when Ms Spyder says "top me off!!" Yes, it would be more convenient if I didn't have to carry along but because I am totally Amsoil I adjust to accomodate.
As far as network marketing businesses. I am a firm believer they are a great way to do a business. BUT beware...pick your product/company wisely. I have made a couple poor choices in network marketing businesses. And made a couple reallllly good ones. Like any business...you get out of it what you put in!!! :clap:

You can, in a pinch, add just about any oil to Amsoil without issues, as long as it meets BRP specs. There are rumors out there saying you can't do this but you can. You will probaby degrade your Amsoil some if what you add is not a true synthetic. But it isn't the end of the world and better than running low. Or you can look at it as a big upgrade for whatever you add that isn't Amsoil.

The thing is, you aren't going to be stranded looking for Amsoil.

I changed my oil just before leaving for this year's owner's event in Colorado. I took 1 qt of Amsoil with me and in 6k miles I didn't need all of it (gave some to Lamont too if I remember correctly). So you can go quite a ways on just carrying 1 qt.

 

[Bad Dog6]

Oil Compatibility

BajaRon is correct. Amsoil can be mixed with any oil either synthetic or petroleum without concern. The only thing that happens by mixing is you nullify the extended drain capability of the Amsoil.

As for the JASO seal. These tests take up to a year to complete and cost upwards of $500,000. (I don't have an exact figure for JASO but I know the API testing cost that much and more so I can't see why JASO would be any different.)

Anytime you change your formula you have to re-submit and go through the process and expense all over again.

Amsoil is continually improving their products and I am sure they do not want to be held up by JASO when their products always exceed the standards of, in this case, MA2. Keep in mind these standards are MINIMUM standards. Many of the oils far exceed the minimum standards for MA2. I know Amsoil does for sure.

 

[boborgera]

I'll never understand how people can put a certain brand of oil in and claim it's the best stuff since they put shaving cream in a can.
In forty plus years playing around with bikes with out ever having an engine failure i just use the manufacturers recommended weight and api services numbers, The brand doesn't matter. Most people don't even know what brand of oil their using in their car's, All of a sudden they go out and buy a bike and they become an instant petroleum engineer.:dontknow:

Bumpy ,Bump

 

[BajaRon]

I'll never understand how people can put a certain brand of oil in and claim it's the best stuff since they put shaving cream in a can. In forty plus years playing around with bikes with out ever having an engine failure i just use the manufacturers recommended weight and api services numbers, The brand doesn't matter. Most people don't even know what brand of oil their using in their car's, All of a sudden they go out and buy a bike and they become an instant petroleum engineer.:dontknow:

While some may make unsupported claims for their particular brand of oil, I don't think a blanket statement is fair. No one here, to my knowledge, is claiming to be a petroleum engineer. Nor do I think that you must be an oil engineer to make an informed decision about which lubricant to choose.

I will say that if the only criteria for oil quality is engine failure, then you're right, most any oil will do. I've never said the manufacturer's recommended oil is inadequate. Just that there are superior products available for those interested.

There is no reasonable doubt that if you scientifically compare one oil to another you will find a wide varience in viscosity stability, wear, heat transfer, longevity, resistance to foaming, acid build-up, sludge, lubrication at start-up, resistance to rust and other attributes.

Granted, there is a lot of smoke and mirrors, bad information and uninformed opinion in the mix (aided and abetted some by the oil companies). But an honest search for real data is not beyond possibility. Armed with good information a person has a good chance of getting a better product, if they so choose.

There is an easy way to prove your point. Run 6,000 miles on your chosen oil and have it tested. We can then compare my recent test of Amsoil at that mileage (actually 6,400 miles). If your premise is correct, your oil should test out pretty much the same.

 

[flybuddy]

You guys sold me on Amsoil so I changed my oil today and used Amsoil for the first time. One question, none of the quarts had foil seals, is this the norm?? On some I was able to unscrew the cap without breaking the lower plastic break away (IOW, it separated from the bottom but came off with the cap). Given the way these are sold, what's to keep an unscrupulous individual from pouring out the good stuff and filling these with Wally World piss oil before selling?