Topic: Shell Rotella T4

[550Resto]

I read that you can use diesel shell rotella 15w-40 in our bikes, has anyone done so and had positive results? This was from common motor.com looking at changing my oil soon and was wondering.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I use it in everything, especially my Goldwing.  Excellent dessert topping too!

Opps, lawyer says I have to strike that last comment. 

[RodSOHC750]

I run Rotella T4 in my Honda bikes, lawn mower, and snow blower. Nothing bad to report. Gears grind a little during shifting but this could be due to new clutch discs. 

[WhyNot2]

I run it in my CB350/4. Just gotta get the carbs figured now.

Will run it in the CB100 after I split the case to replace the kick shaft.

Will also put it in the CB750 at next oil change. Carb and timing issues at the moment.

Not sure about putting it in the Harley.........!???

[markreimer]

Ran it in my CB350F, CB750, XR650L, bmw R80, that stuff is awesome.

[lash]

My 5 750’s, 2018 Goldwing DCT, and KLR650 all run on it and no problems...

[550Resto]

Is there enough zinc in the T4 or would adding some be good?

[sixthwisconsin]

Yes, the zinc content is good for these old bikes. No worries, until they change the formula which is, I hope, a long time from now.

Are some using this on modern bikes? Not wanting to hijack or start another oil thread but would not have considered Rotella on a modern bike.

[dugsgms]

 Is the loss in zinc really a issue on these engines? Seems like they have relatively low valve spring pressure and relatively large rocker to lobe contact. Has anyone ever had cam lobe problems due to the loss of zinc in modern oils? Am I wrong in assuming that you'd be better off with a proper motorcycle oil with clutch additives?

[TwoTired]

Is the loss in zinc really a issue on these engines?

Yes

Has anyone ever had cam lobe problems due to the loss of zinc in modern oils?
Not me.  I don't use modern automotive oils formulated to not poison catalytic converters in a 40 year old wet clutch motorcycle.

Am I wrong in assuming that you'd be better off with a proper motorcycle oil with clutch additives?

Not sure what you mean by clutch additives.  It is the low friction additives in modern auto oil that F's up wet clutches.  Motorcycle additive packages don't use those friction modifiers.

Oil formulations for diesels, generally have enough zinc, if you can't use an oil with a JASO MA rating.

Cheers,

[Tracksnblades1]

I read that you can use diesel shell rotella 15w-40 in our bikes, has anyone done so and had positive results? This was from common motor.com looking at changing my oil soon and was wondering.

RESTO

Old Rotella T tested   1171ppm zinc
New Rotella T tested. 1454ppm zinc

It's lengthy and it inially looks dated, but read a little farther,  it's updated regularly.
Rotella is good, but there is better. The link is from a mechanical engineer's  oil test blog. He'll test what ever oil is sent to him. Page down through the laboratory testing standards and find your oil and compare it to another.

There's a newer technology  "calcium petroleum sulfontate EP (Extreme Pressure) technology" that's kicking Zinc's butt in engine wear tests. For them young pups that still want to learn new tricks..haven't tried it in wet clutches yet...👀😎
👍

https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/motor-oil-wear-test-ranking/

[PeWe]

How gearbox feels is one detail that oil can change.
Especially when engine is really warm.
I like when shifting gear is smooth and easy. Not hard and clunky. How easy the neutral can be found with hot engine and standing still is one safe card to a good oil as I see it.

Hotter running engine need better oil. Cheap oils do not keep the pressure when really hot.

My stock CB750 has Spectro 20W-50 Heavy Duty mineral.
Let's see how it will feel a hot sommer day. And its oil pressure.

My K6 is modified with higher compression, double amount of hp has tried differerent oils. Red Line 20W-50 Esther synth is best so far.  Oil pressure that keeps up in a hot engine is vital on a modified engine.

Oil pressure gauge is a must for me since last year. It took me 39 years of owning a CB750 to realize that

My bikes get oils specified for wet clutch. No car oils that have anti friction additions.

[lrutt]

I used it for a bit but didn't like the way it made my bikes shift. I changed to Quicksilver syn 20w50. Works much better. Good price at Wallyworld as well.

[seanbarney41]

I also have noticed poor shift quality with Rotella.  It seems like it starts out quite good, but rapidly degrades to sticky, clunky shifting...like in 400 or 500 miles.  I have had much better shift quality durability with several different motorcycle specific 20w50 mineral oils, most notably Spectro.