Final Drive Lube?

[Bananas!]

Is it really necessary to spend the $20 for a pint of Yamaha's magic elixor for the final drive, or can I go to Wallyworld and buy a quart of GL-5 synthetic for $7?

Bananas!

 

[skyway]

I'm still using the magic yammi snake juice, but lots of others have been using the Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube with no reported problems. Get it a Kragen for around $8.00? When I'm all out of the yammi juice I'll be switching out.

 

[PapaUtah]

FJR rear end is no different than the Venture or VMax units. Any GL-5 rated lube will work and as it has been said Mobil 1 works great. I change mine at every oil change.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Agree with MNFJR05, I've been using Mobil 1 since the first change, all is well. I also change the rear at each oil change. Cheap Insurance......

--G

 

[F2002]

GL-5 gear lube is all you need. I use Mobil 1 with no problems.

 

[motorgod]

Mobil 1 used here since 600 mi. 8300+ miles now with no problems.

 

[radman]

Mobil1 also. Gained 15 rear wheel horsepower.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Only 15 Hp radman ? I'll bet if you add a shot of STP there is more to be found....Whatdaya say

--G

 

[radman]

Actually, regarding the STP in the oil thing, Sat I switched Frank over to the new Mobil1 5w40 Syn Diesel oil, straight up. So far, so good. We'll see how it goes.

 

[FJRocha]

First of, I used hypoid gear oil fo rthe Honda Goldwing at $2.50 a bottle (The dealer gave me this saying that this is what they put on the FJR when they service it) I know, I shouldn't trust the dealer, and I will change to the recommended oil for the next change.

Now getting on my soap box:

I am reading the thread and I am somewhat confused... :huh: I read about the use of Mobile 1 synthetic followed by the ever-present "no problems" statement. What do you mean "No problems"? As I understand it, Yamaha chose (or created) their recommended gear oil because of foaming problems found on some FJR bikes. If I get to use a different oil, say "x" or "y" gear oil, how would it be possible for me to affirm that "no problems" are occurring on the gears? I would have no point of reference to indicate whether there is a problem or not. Just because is not broken, does not mean there is no problem. The way I see it, the "no problem" statement is an opinion based on gut feeling, not a fact.

Getting off my soap box now.

$20+ every 4000 miles comes to be half a cent per mile, while average spending is $0.25 on gas alone per mile. Using the right oil is unlikely to break the bank. <_<

 

[PapaUtah]

For those of us changing every oil change the the cost gets to be a little high. And as I have noted before, this rearend isn't some new, ultra-efficient, never seen before unit they installed. It is the same unit you find in a VMax or Venture (different ratio in the Venture) and those units can use any GL-5 rated lube. My factory service manual specs GL-5 rated and others have called Cypress and it was confirmed by the mother ship. I know we like to think our little baby has some unobtanium parts but the the rear diff isn't it.

As for your gas price I hope you getting more than 9 miles to the gallon with your FJR or you don't feel bad paying $11.25 a gallon. Otherwise something is very wrong...

Motorgod...who is the blonde in your avatar??? Wowie!!!

 

[escapefjrtist]

There was discussion elsewhere.. that the reason for the expensive rear lube was drive problems in Europe on the autobahns. Something about heat...IIRC

@radman, keep us posted on the Mobil 1 5/40. I was considering using that on my next change. It's due soon, so thanks for being the test pilot, and get some quick miles on....

--G

 

[FJRocha]

@MNFJR05,

You are absolutely right, I messed up the numbers, I have to pay $0.057 of gas per mile to ride my FJR. Hey if Mobile 1 works, then I have no objections, I just need more proof than a "No problems" statement.

 

[Alex]

Yamaha recommends changing the rear fluid every 6,000 or so miles. That little pint for $20 will do 2 1/2 changes. That's a bit more than 1/10 of a penny every mile.

I use Mobil 1 synthetic 75-90 BTW

Concerning foam, I changed the rear fluid right away after driving at elevated speeds and saw no foaming. I did this a while back to confirm to myself that that wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Stu64]

For those of us changing every oil change the the cost gets to be a little high. And as I have noted before, this rearend isn't some new, ultra-efficient, never seen before unit they installed. It is the same unit you find in a VMax or Venture (different ratio in the Venture) and those units can use any GL-5 rated lube. My factory service manual specs GL-5 rated and others have called Cypress and it was confirmed by the mother ship. I know we like to think our little baby has some unobtanium parts but the the rear diff isn't it.
As for your gas price I hope you getting more than 9 miles to the gallon with your FJR or you don't feel bad paying $11.25 a gallon. Otherwise something is very wrong...

Motorgod...who is the blonde in your avatar??? Wowie!!!

So is it possible to swap out gears on the FJR to a different ratio??

 

[escapefjrtist]

I'm sure with the correct parts a gear swap is possible on the FJR. IIRC, it's been said elsewhere that the VMax pumpkin will bolt in as a direct replacement. Again relying on memory the VMax ratio is 3.33 and FJR is 3.66. Maybe someone else remembers more. Swap will lower cruising revs by about 10% , but first gear might be kinda tall..... Thread hijack over.

--G

 

[PapaUtah]

VMax is also 3.66, the Venture is the 3.33. Same rear end. I bought a new rearend for my Venture and it fit on my FJR.

 

[Stu64]

Is the venture still made?

 

[Windjammer]

Is the venture still made?

Nope, Venture has been out of print since the last year offered, which was 1993. Apparently one can still purchase a new Venture rear end gearcase assembly for around $600. A little more than you'd pay for a chain and sprockets, I guess, but that's the price for a gearing change unless you buy used.