| Author | Message | ||
     Mesozoic |
I know Buell recommends 20W-50 in their bikes, but it's pretty cold out here in BC these days. The temps hovering around 40*F and even though I'm running Mobil 1 V-Twin oil, bike doesn't enjoy running in the cold so much. I was thinking of using Shell Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil throughout the winter. Does that sound like a bad idea? | ||
| Reepicheep |
I ran 5w50 Castrol full synthetic. While it didn't seem to hurt the motor, the bike consumed it like *crazy*. Like 1 quart in 1000 to 1500 miles. Switching back to 15w50 or 20w50 full synthetic returned oil consumption to "normal" levels (1 qt in 4000 miles or so). So I would probably recommend against the 5w50... though 15w50 Mobil 1 would probably be a good choice for the winter. | ||
| Straitpipes |
I am way late but on subject. I am running the rotella t 5w40 for winter there is no issues at all, its a quality diesel engine oil at a hell of a good price.before using this oil I used 10w30 ammsoil for winter and also had no problem at all.rotella is cheaper though. | ||
| Chucksposbuell09 |
("I know Buell recommends 20W-50 in their bikes.I'm running Mobil 1 V-Twin oil." "15w50 Mobil 1 would probably be a good choice for the winter.") Thats great information there. I know this might sound like a stupid question, but I haven't changed my oil yet from 20W50, and now that its colder here in the state of (NC), do I need to change it to 15W50?, Or will my Buell blast be ok using its current oil? Also is it bad to mix 2 different oils in one's motorcycle when adding more? Also what causes my Buell Blast to smoke a lot from the tail pipe after its been warmed up and idling? If someone could answer some of my questions that would be great. thanks. | ||
| Froggy |
In NC? I don't really think so. I do it here in NY, as during the winter the temperatures rarely exceed 40°F. In the cold, the oil runs slower, so it can make the bike harder to start and take longer to provide proper lubrication. Last winter I believed I used 15w-40, I would have to check. I am due for service on my Blast and two 1125's, so I will be swapping them all over to a lighter oil. If you run synthetic 20w-50, you won't have to worry about it as much, as it runs faster in the cold than dino 20w-50. Johnboy777 took 2oz of both Harley 20w-50 and Syn3, put them in shot glasses and froze them for 48 hours. He then dumped both glasses at the same time, and the results speak for themselves. (Dino 20w-50 on left, Syn3 20w-50 on right)  There is a nice thread about oil viscosity going on in the BB&D right now. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/518391.html?1259872080
That is debated. The manual says not to do it, but I've done it. I am not an expert, so I can't say either way if its good or not.
There shouldn't be ANY smoke coming out at any time. You may get white clouds at startup, that is usually moisture getting burned off, and that is normal for the first minute or so. Black or blue smoke means oil is being burnt. Oil is making it into your engine's combustion chamber and is getting burned. Resolving that means tearing down the motor and replacing gaskets, rings, or whatever else is the culprit. | ||
| Froggy |
Chucksposbuell09, I just looked at your profile. Welcome to Badweb! I see your Blast is a 2009, the smoke should not happen, especially on a brand new bike. I hate to say it, but take it back to the dealer and get it fixed under warranty. I am surprised you are having so many issues with your bike, as statistically speaking, the Blast is the most reliable bike to ever be made by HD and/or Buell. | ||
| Chucksposbuell09 |
Hey Froggy: Thanks so much for your valuable information regarding my issues with my 09 buell blast. Well believe me, my buell is a POS!!I have had nothing but trouble with it and want to get rid of it asap! Its not dependable at all. I will for sure call my local dealer and talk to them about the smoking issues. If what you said is true about the gaskets need to be replaced, then that's the 5th time they had to replace the gaskets in 8 months time. Its a good thing this Buell of mine is still under warranty, otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford to get it fixed. I have heard through Harley Dealer Service that Buells are very temper mental and are not reliable because so many problems go wrong with it, so I really don't trust the Buell motorcycle anymore. Its no wonder the Buell name is going to be dropped, from what I heard. They probably lost too much money from all the repairs on these BLAST models. I think they only good thing about these bikes is for 2 things, Racing, and for beginners to use in Motorcycle classes, which is where this bike will end up soon if I cannot get someone to buy it from me. Thanks buddy.. | ||
| Froggy |
Honestly at this point, I would try another dealer. Between their failures to repair the bikes and the hogwash they have been telling you about the brand, I am surprised you are still going there. Your profile says Carolina, and I have heard a ton of not so great things about them. Hell I am from NY and know to avoid them, that should say something. Unfortunately I don't know who else for you to go to. | ||
| Froggy |
You may also want to see if you qualify for protection under the lemon law. http://www.carlemon.com/lemon/NC_LemonGuide.html If the bike is really a POS lemon and not just the result of an incompetent dealer, I would try to get a refund and then buy another one elsewhere. |
