I stopped using Rotella when they reformulated it, but if I were to use now, I'd go with the 15-40 stuff. The "synthetic" stuff is group III dyno, that's all. The 15-40 cheap stuff also has a little more zinc, could help your tranny/shifting.
As for M1 5-40, it is worth noting that there is another version which is much better, but cost more. I think it is called Mobil 1"european formula" and the only places I know that sell it are Pep Boys and Dodge dealerships.
It meets the requirements for a lot more engines (mostly diesel) that the regular M1 5-40 truck/diesel stuff you see. It is also the only VW approved TDI oil that is 30w (most oils approved for TDI's are 5-40)- gives me an extra 3 mpg.I stopped being a M1 fan years ago with the switch to group III, then this awesome stuff came out. I haven't tried it in my bike and likely never will as it is $&T#@&^ expensive (almost $10 a quart) and I can get Redline 5-40 motorcycle oil for $7 a qt. But hey, if you see some that is accidentally priced the same as regular M1, pick it up!
Is the Mobil 1 you refer to JASO MA compliant? I know that both Rotella T & T6 are, but do not recall seeing JASO MA on the Mobil 1 container.
Is the Mobil 1 you refer to JASO MA compliant? I know that both Rotella T & T6 are, but do not recall seeing JASO MA on the Mobil 1 container.
Personally I would not use any 5W oil in my bike. I've been using Mobil 1 15W-50 for as long as I can remember in all my bikes (and some cars) with no issues.
My Shell Oil friend said that 5W number factors mainly during start-up cold engine temps and synth, whether blended or full, has a whole different characteristic when cold. 5W a non-issue.
From everything I've read, this is totally correct. A 5W-40 and 10W-40 are both 40 weight oils at operating temperature. They are the same (all other things being equal). The only difference is that the 5W won't thicken as much when it's cold compared to a 10W and therefore will do a better job of lubricating the engine when it's cold. There are no disadvantages to running an oil with a lower Winter number (again, all other things being equal). I would happily run a 0W-40 oil in my bike if it was available.
I wonder why Kawi is only recommending 10w as the lowest then...? My goodness, they should have talked to you first, Steve. They're probably just nervous Nellies and overly conservative. Maybe heard a rumor or two on the Net as well. The power of KIPASS is protects us all no matter what we do to the bike, right? I love it!
Where you getting Redline for $7 a quart?
+1
Most diesel oils contain some "bike unfriendly" additives.
Plus Shell > Exxon/Mobil