| Author | Message | ||
     Electraglider_1997 |
As I've written elsewhere on this board I have used automotive Mobil 1 15W50 in my 97 Electraglide since it 5000 miles on it and it now has about 42,000. I figure the V-Twin Mobil 1 is overkill because Harleys have separate tranny fluids and the trannys (as I understand) is where all the shear forces are concentrated. Is my logic good? I've had no problems with the glide and it doesn't burn oil. The last oil change I put in is the gold cap Mobil 1 15W50 (diesel rated) because the red cap is no longer available as far as I know. I've talked to those Mobil 1 guys at Sturgis a couple of times and they try to extol the virtues of their high price V-Twin Mobil 1 but when pressed agreed that automotive Mobil 1 was just fine. Can't see paying 8 bucks a quart for virtually the same oil. I may even go to the much less expensive Shell Rotella synthetic. Anybody use it and have any pro's and con's ?? | ||
| Thunderbox |
I would use Mobile 1 with confidence. You are right saying the transmission is separate in the Harley. I don't think the problem is with shear in the transmission but more because of the wet clutches. As the Harley?Buell doesn't use the same oil in the engine as the clutch I am sure there will be no problem. Myself I use Bardahl 100% synthetic V Twin Classic oil. about 6.50 a liter. It has been very good. | ||
| Speedstar |
I also used Mobil one red cap before and switched to the new extended performance gold cap 15w50 replacement on my other bike (DL650) It has run great on it. Others from the V-strom forum have used this one also with no problems. I put the Harley Synthetic in at the first service because it was done by the dealer, but I will go to Gold cap at the next oil change I do myself. Good stuff and reasonable price and easy to get (Wally world). | ||
| Whodom |
Electraglider, there is no doubt that the Mobil-1 auto oils are very good and better than conventional motorcycle oils. I am convinced that the Mobil-1 20W-50 V-twin oil is better than the red cap/now gold cap 15W-50, but how much better is definitely open to question. As I understand it (after many hours of surfing the net and reading what I can find), Mobil-1 auto oils are no longer 100% "true" synthetics, whereas the Mobil-1 V-twin is a "true" 100% synthetic. This change came about a few years ago after Mobil lost a lawsuit against Castrol. Mobil claimed that Castrol Syntec was not "true" synthetic oil, but basically a highly refined petroleum based oil. Mobil made their synthetic oils from chemical esters, which while produced from petroleum end up being completely different chemicals. While Mobil's claim about the composition of Syntec was true, the court threw out the case because there is no legally accepted technical definition for "synthetic" oil. After that, Mobil evidently figured "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" and reformulated their auto oils (that's when "Tri-syn" showed up on the labels) using a similar base stock. As I understand it, the main benefit to "true" synthetic oils (per Mobil's definition) is that they are even more highly resistant to thermal breakdown than "non-true" synthetic oils. I presently ride a 2000 S3 Buell with no oil cooler and no cooling fan. I figure buying the Mobil-1 V-twin gives me an extra safety margin to compensate for this. With the newer XB series Buells, you have the oil cooler and the fan which makes these bikes "easier" on the oil, and I think the Mobil-1 auto oil is a fine choice. I presently run the Shell Rotella synthetic in another motorcycle I have (a 1983 Honda VT500FT Ascot) and have had very good results with it, but I wouldn't run it in my Buell unless I lived in a very cold climate. The only available viscosity is 5W-40. | ||
| Lowflyer |
I say use what you are comfortable with. There is no end to the analysis one could perform to determine the best oil. Shearing forces, friction, heat, concussion, etc... are all going to be handled on some level by whatever the oil so long as it is kept clean and fresh. How long an oil stays clean and fresh is subject to the quality of the oil, the additives, and operating conditions among other things. I agree $8/qt is expensive, but I am betting my additional $3/qt. that my motor is getting the most out of its oil for the longest period of time. Meaning, I still change it every 2.5k miles, but the oil coming out is, hopefully, still nearly as good as the oil going in. If I used a less expensive oil, I might feel more comfortable changing it at shorter intervals. Without some heavy duty lab equipment it is impossible to tell if I am right, wrong, or out in left field completely. Therefore, I rely on the marketing propaganda and my gut. To that end, my comfort level somehow increases with the additional $3/qt. I like the picture of the V-twin motor on the bottle too. It makes me feel as though they made it special just for my bike. What can I say? I'm a sucker for good packaging.  Don't tell my wife. She thinks I married her for her brains. (Message edited by lowflyer on December 06, 2005) | ||
| Chadhargis |
I've read a lot of oil tests, and find that Amsoil, Spectro, and Red Line consistently finish on top. That being said, the difference between the last place oil and the first place oil was a few parts per million of this or that. Change it often and your engine will love you. | ||
| Brucelee |
This is Mobil has to say: Mobil 1, introduced in 1974 as one of the first fully synthetic motor oils, again made news in 2002 with its SuperSyn Technology, which helps provide protection under the most extreme use. In 2005, Mobil 1 was joined by Mobil 1 Extended Performance, which has 50 percent more SuperSyn, 36 percent more anti-wear additives and 37 percent more cleaning agents. Both Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance are fully synthetic motor oils for automotive engines. They are made from a combination of advanced, high-performance fluids, including polyalphaolefins (PAOs), plus a unique proprietary package of additives. Mobil 1, employing SuperSyn technology, and Mobil 1 Extended Performance, with its Advanced SuperSyn System, offer significant advantages over conventional motor oils, such as: Anti-Wear Outstanding protection. Minimizing oil degradation. All-Temperature Faster lubrication at start-up in low temperatures. Excellent protection at high temperatures. Exceptional resistance to thermal breakdown. Engine Cleanliness Outstanding protection against harmful deposits. Cleaner running engines. Engine Efficiency Greater resistance to oil oxidation (thickening), which reduces engine drag. Lower oil consumption under high-speed conditions. More efficient engine operation over a wider temperature range. All motor oils are made up of base oils and additives. In general, fully synthetic motor oils contain non-conventional, high-performance fluids. Synthetic Blends usually use some non-conventional, high-performance fluids in combination with conventional oil. To meet the demanding requirements of today's specifications (and our customers' expectations), Mobil 1 with SuperSyn Technology and Mobil 1 Extended Performance with its Advanced SuperSyn System, use high-performance, engineered fluids, such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs), along with a proprietary system of additives. Each Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance viscosity grade uses a unique combination of synthetic fluids and selected additives in order to tailor the viscosity grade to its specific application. Exceeding Standards Mobil 1 formulation is available in five viscosity grades. Additionally, there's Mobil 1 Truck & SUV for hard-working gasoline and diesel engines. Mobil 1 0W-30 Mobil 1 0W-40 Mobil 1 5W-20 Mobil 1 5W-30 Mobil 1 10W-30 Mobil 1 Truck & SUV Mobil 1 is truly a global formulation, exceeding the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers. For instance, the appropriate grades of Mobil 1 exceed API Service SM/CF, European ACEA standards and Japanese valve train requirements. In addition, certain viscosity grades exceed ILSAC GF-4 and specific OEM standards. For instance, Mobil 1 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 exceed ILSAC GF-4 and are certified as "Energy Conserving." As another example, Mobil 1 0W-40 is approved against Mercedes-Benz’s demanding 229.5 specification. The Spirit of Innovation and Performance Continues Mobil 1 Extended Performance is available in four viscosity grades: Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10W-30 Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10W-40 Mobil 1 Extended Performance 15W-50 Mobil 1 Extended Performance products are guaranteed to deliver oil performance and engine protection for 15,000 miles between oil changes. Designed for today's longer oil change intervals, the Advanced SuperSyn system in Mobil 1 Extended Performance helps keep engines running like new and helps extend engine life by reducing wear and oil breakdown. Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oils have been tested to be fully compatible with engine seals and do not require a special oil filter. Several reasons influenced the decision to enhance the performance and protection afforded by Mobil 1. First, ExxonMobil has been working with leading car builders for years to develop lubricants that not only protect better, but also last longer. This collaborative work has resulted in today's Mobil 1 Extended Performance. © Copyright 2005 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ExxonMobil Home | ||
| Stevenknapp |
FYI, Mobil1 Truck&SUV is the same as Delvac1. I've found it hard to find Delvac1 for my truck, but if you're looking for it for some reason, Truck&SUV would be an acceptable alternate. | ||
| Lovehamr |
Anyone interested in oil facts and myths should check out this link; http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ There is a huge amount of info available here. Steve (Message edited by lovehamr on December 08, 2005) |
