engine oil question?

[redkaw58]

My 02 voyager needed all fluids changed. Problem: I went from valvoline 10w-40 motorcycle oil witch was fine, to spectro 4 10w-40 oil. I think it's the oil, but it does not want to shift very well at all. To coincidental not to be the oil. Opinions please! O yea, for some reason I also lost my neutral light right after I changed the oil. I've never had a neutral light burn out before.

[Mart656]

Not too sure about the oil. Will let experts answer that one. How much oil did you put in? 3quarts and 22 ounces is the recommended amount to put in. Also, there are 2 plugs to get the oil out for the oil change. That's all I can offer up. Neutral light can't help with that. Sorry.

[voyager55]

Be sure you do not use a oil that says Energy conserving, friction reducers etc.
It will make your clutch slip

[chevyman1]

I been using Castrol edge 10w-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil for years and never had a clutch problem.
The Spectro 4 10w-40 oil should be fine.
Shell Rotella 10w-40 oil seems to be the recommended standard oil.
Just make sure you drain both drain plugs, change the filter and do not put more then 3 qt. 22 oz. in no matter what the sight glass says.

[Mr Jensee]

For the record Castrol full synthetic in any weight range is not an energy conserving oil. I used it for 11 years on my ZRX1100 and it never had a clutch problem. Even Mobil 1 is fine. Look to avoid any oil with friction modifiers.

[ghostler]

For past couple oil changes I've been using Shell Rotella T5 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine synthetic blend Oil with 10% Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer added. So far, no clutch problems; Lucas helps quiet things down a little.

Lucas works as a wetting agent during cold starts. I remember pulling the head cover off my 1987 Suzuki LS650 Savage engine. Entire insides looked wet as though as though just run, although I hadn't run the bike for over 2 weeks. I continued to use it for a couple years. Then, even with the reduced recommended percentage for wet clutch, after a while I was experiencing clutch slippage. Scratched my head at a loss, thinking I'd have to replace the clutch. I discontinued Lucas and it stopped.
Haven't had a problem yet with my 2001 XII, even pulling a trailer.
I guess it's just another case of YMMV (your mileage may vary).