It's not one of the recommended weights per the manual but they do recommend a 20w50 for above 32 so I don't see why it would be a bad thing, viscosity wise.The manual also recommends 10W50 for temps from -10 to over 104. 10W50 should be included in this discussion, I only mention 15W50 as that is what Motul offers. There are probably some good 10W50s by other brands.
Since the Rotella thread has wandered off into noiseville I am posting for comments on switching to 15W50 in general in the hope that I can be the very first human in history to start a meaningful, logical and useful oil thread.
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All other posters: insert drivel here....
Since the Rotella thread has wandered off into noiseville I am posting for comments on switching to 15W50 in general. I am looking at Motul 300V full Ester Synth or Motul 5100 blend.
This viscosity range should be good per OM recommendation for temps from -5 or so to10 to over 104 F. Since many of us, including myself, DO ride in temps above 104 it follows that 10W40 is inadequate for us. Some may argue that nobody rides in that heat but the actual engine environment two feet about a 125+ degree sun baked road surface is often above 104 according to my remote thermometer sensor mounted just below my ram air inlet. Additionally, those of us who have added foam inserts to block the heat exit are possibly making matters worse.
I had aksed the same question on the old board regarding the use of 10W 40 in occasional temperatures above 104, and the general consensus was it was NBFD. Particularly if you are using a full synthetic, you probably have a little more leeway in either direction.That's the key. I am not concerned about engine failure but longevity - 200,000+ miles. Prob. most owners will not keep a bike for 75,000 but I am about there already. BTW, I think Motul is one of, if not the best and the 300V is the best of Motul. Do you run the 300V for the full 7500 miles?
I've been running 10W 40, Motul 300V since break in, and we get occasional temps that breach 104 in the Summer. So far, so good.
Probably the best idea to have a summer VIS and a winter VIS except for those who ride less than two oil changes per year.
That's the key. I am not concerned about engine failure but longevity - 200,000+ miles. Prob. most owners will not keep a bike for 75,000 but I am about there already. BTW, I think Motul is one of, if not the best and the 300V is the best of Motul. Do you run the 300V for the full 7500 miles?
I go half 15W40 and 20W50 "all year".
I go with two quarts of 10W- 40, and the rest (two more quarts and 4.99783 glugs) of 15W-40 Rotella and finish off with one ounce of cam break- in lube to raise the ZDDP content. Except sometimes I use only the 15W-40. And some other times only the 10W-40 but mostly what I said at first. And I always use a ZDDP additive- it turns the oil red which I think must be a good thing.I like the cocktail approach, got a brand/product name for this cam breaki-in lube?
Brian
I like the cocktail approach, got a brand/product name for this cam breaki-in lube?
I have been in 'Vegas when it was 114 degrees. Now, I know some will say they have ridden in hot weather, big whoop. Well, until you have ridden in traffic when it is that hot, you have no idea what heat is. WHen it gets that hot, they start bumping people off of flights at the airport because the heat cuts into the lift of the plane.
This viscosity range should be good per OM recommendation for temps from -5 or so to10 to over 104 F. Since many of us, including myself, DO ride in temps above 104 it follows that 10W40 is inadequate for us. Some may argue that nobody rides in that heat but the actual engine environment two feet about a 125+ degree sun baked road surface is often above 104 according to my remote thermometer sensor mounted just below my ram air inlet.
Old standards contained between 1,200 PPM and 2,000 PPM.
Brian