Going with Synthetic Oil (maybe)

[Tim in NC]

I've always used dino oil in my bikes. But I'm considering a change to synthetic. Looks like Rotella T6 is a popular choice here. Does anyone use Amsoil? One of the guys at work swears by it. I don't think Amsoil is officially "Energy Conserving", but it advertises that it conserves fuel and reduces wear. Opinions?

Ride safe,
Tim

[Tonyvdb]

I have personally not used Amsoil but my understanding is that the Voyager does not like it as it makes the clutch shift funny. T6 is the preferred choice making sure it's not 5w40 it should be 15w40

[voyager55]

I used Amsoil for over 10 years. Works great. Doesn't make the clutch shift funny
Who told you that?

Now thou I'm using Rotella T 15w-40 Dino oil. Works great and a gallon cost less than a quart of Amsoil.
Save your money

[Tonyvdb]

Lots of posts on here say do not use any "energy conserving" oil as it causes the clutch to slip.
Also using 5w40 synthetic makes you sometimes shift into neutral again rather then up into second (my own exsperience)

[cushman eagle]

I started running T6 5w-40 in my GS1100GK due to oil breakdown with high oil temps,and have never had negative results in that bike, or in the 34,500 miles on the VXII

[Lance McCaw]

Mobile 1 100% synthetic

[Jimvoyager01]

I have used amsoil 10/40 motorcycle oil in my 2001 voyager since I bought it new in 2001..It now has 68000 miles on. Never a problem with the clutch or shifting..Amsoil motorcycle oil is wet clutch compatible..I changed the rear gearbox to amsoil also and it quit howling above 70 mph..There are lots of other synthetics for sale,,,amsoil is as good as the best..But it is pricey..

[voyager55]

Amsoil motorcycle oil 10w-40 & 20w-50 doesn't cause the clutch to slip. It's a wet clutch oil

Lots of posts on here say do not use any "energy conserving" oil as it causes the clutch to slip.
Also using 5w40 synthetic makes you sometimes shift into neutral again rather then up into second (my own exsperience)

[misft]

I used Amsoil motorcycle oil for 12 years with no problems, then switched to Mobile 1 mostly because of availability also with no issues. However, I recently used Amsoil 75w90 gearlube in the differential and it leaked terrible and Carl Leo told me not to use synthetic in the final drive unit so I switched back to dino 80w90 gear lube yesterday. (haven't been for a ride yet to check for leaks)

[SgtSlag]

I'd suggest using the proper weight of oil, regardless of dino/synthetic/blend formula. The Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic is 5W-40, and the manual specifies 10W-40, for a reason. The thinner, 5W oil will not leave a thick-enough film on the parts, when the engine is off, which I suspect can lead to more wear. I ran the T6 Synthetic in my Voyager XII for a couple of years, experiencing weird shifting issues. I finally changed it out to the dino Rotella T 15W-40, and my shifting issues mostly disappeared (much less frequent). I might switch to a full synthetic again, but if I do, it will be no thinner than 10W cold viscosity. Cheers!

[JohnT]

In my Venture Royale and now in my Voyager dino is the way to go. Easier finding neutral, smoother shifting, and quieter operation. Not saying synthetic is bad, but Rotella non synthetic works best for me.
And it is relatively inexpensive as well.
Your mileage may vary, objects in the mirror may appear closer, and so on.

[trigger12]

Personally, I plan to stay with the correct weight in dino, in my Voyager. Since extreme heat isn't a factor, I'll stay with what works.
My 2003 Honda Nighthawk 750 is air cooled, with an oil cooler. So with extreme heat and oil shear from the gears meshing, I use synthetic on it.

[Tim in NC]

I went with Rotella 15W-40. The bike started, and the oil pressure light went out. WaHoo! I put about 40 miles on it today, and all is well. I've still got a few cosmetic issues with the bike, and I still don't have cruise control. I think the Distance Sensor is kaput, because my turn signals don't cancel, and my radio volume doesn't increase. But we're back on the road, after 4 years in storage.

[Iam60wed40]

After going to a Amsoil demonstration in 1977 I have been using it in all my bikes since and will continue to do so. It never gave me a clutch issue. Thats 3 Kawasakis, 2 Yahahas, and a Valkyrie. Just my experience

[Mr Jensee]

You can spend your money on any motor oil you want. Amsol for me just ridiculously expensive considering the Voyager runs fine on Rotella. Had this bike since 2008 and not used anything else. No loss of power, no loss of compression, nothing. I am sticking with what works.