Scarse Rotella-T Synthetic

[sullivan]

After much reading, especially from our friends at CalSci, I'm switching to synthetic and wanted to try the Shell Rotella-T Synthetic, not the regular Rotella-T.

Closest I've come to finding it this weekend is at Wallyworld in a 5-40, which I won't use. Aiming for the 15-40 in the gallon. Guess I'll just go with the Mobil-1 motorcycle or the even-more-expensive Amsoil.

No hurry as another afternoon of thunderstorms and rain is wetting us here in the northeast. I'll have to change to paddle tires.

Before closing, I think back to previous bikes and just putting in any oil. Young and stupid: didn't even think about the wet clutch. Oh well.

 

[SkooterG]

Synthetic only comes in 5W-40, whether it be Rotella T, Mobil, or Delo.

Also, for all three, the non-syn is 15W-40, which works just fine IMHO.

 

[Toecutter]

Also, for all three, the non-syn is 15W-40, which works just fine IMHO.

I'd rather change it more often with "good enough" oil.

However, the value of syn is in the marketing to the next owner. I don't plan on selling mine, so....

 

[Fergi]

Pepboys has it.

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

I bought the Rotella synthetic a Wallyworld in the 5/40 version, three jugs. I also got Mobil 1 15/50 in a 5 quart jug for for about $23. About the same per quart as the Rotella. The Rotella comes in 4 quart jugs. I like the Mobil 15/50 in the summer and the Rotella for the winter. Seems logical and works for the FJR and the Wee Strom. Also use the 15/50 in the dirt bikes.

 

[mdisher]

I just picked up a gallon of the regular Shell 15w-40 at Wally World yesterday ($10.50) they had plenty, and plenty of the Synthetic too... Though Skooter is right, it's 5w-50.

-MD

 

[DE OPPRESSO LIBER]

Synthetic only comes in 5W-50, whether it be Rotella T, Mobil, or Delo.
Also, for all three, the non-syn is 15W-40, which works just fine IMHO.

A rare Skooter correction: It does come in 15W-40 full synthetic. Just put the new Delo in today, actually.

 

[SkooterG]

A rare Skooter correction: It does come in 15W-40 full synthetic. Just put the new Delo in today, actually.

D'oh!

I didn't know that. I wonder if that's new, or always been that way.

Also, I see I had a typo above. Should be that the synthetic versions of the oil come in 5W-40. NOT 5W-50.

 

[S76]

 

[Bluestreek]

I have been using this from my local Wally World

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

From SHELL:

https://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId...products08.html

 

[Toecutter]

Synthetic only comes in 5W-50, whether it be Rotella T, Mobil, or Delo.
Also, for all three, the non-syn is 15W-40, which works just fine IMHO.

A rare Skooter correction: It does come in 15W-40 full synthetic. Just put the new Delo in today, actually.

You got a picture of that empty container?

I don't see any evidence that Shell Rotella or Delo Synthetic comes in 15W40, just the Dino oil....

Not that I'd use it anyway....

From Chevron:

Chevron Delo 400 Synthetic Engine OilChevron Delo 400 Synthetic heavy duty motor oil is recommended for use in turbocharged diesel and four-cycle gasoline engines, torque converters, gear cases and hydraulic systems operating in arctic-type climates and high temperature conditions. Using the latest synthetic oil technology, Chevron Delo 400 Synthetic provides excellent performance with either high- or low-sulfur diesel fuels and in extended service applications.

Features

• Easier cold-weather starting due to excellent low temperature pumping capability

• Excellent shear stability and are designed to not shear down to a lower viscosity grade in most applications

• Lower oil cost results from excellent deposit control that reduces oil consumption, and oxidation is minimized to help extend oil service life

• Reduced inventory costs are achieved because the wide operating temperature range allows Delo 400 Synthetic to be used in all seasons

• Longer engine life results from excellent soot dispersing and low temperature pumping, which reduces startup wear

• Available in SAE 0W-30 and 5W-40 grades

 

[Bearly Flying]

Jestal,,,,, Jestal, Please answer the White Courtesy Phone...........Thank You....

 

[S76]

I have been using this from my local Wally World

A few months back they changed the bottle. The next time you look for it look for the new jug.

 

[Big-D]

Shell no longer refers to their Rotella as “Diesel” oil. After realizing how many motorcyclists are now using their superior product in their 2-wheelers, it was more profitable to delete Diesel from the bottles to prevent scaring away potential motorcyclist from using it.

Although I had posted this once already, this topic warrants a repost of this short question and answer I received from Shell’s technicians concerning their Rotella T oil for use in motorcycles.

QUESTION:

RE: Regarding your Rotella Diesel oil and using it in motorcycle engines.

After recently reading information in a motorcycle forum that many people recommend using Rotella in their motorcycles, stating it performs perfectly. My owners manual states that I should use an oil that "API service SG type or higher, JASO standard MA". Does Rotella T meet these standards? What can you tell me about this subject? I currently use Rotella exclusively in my Diesel pick-up and using it in my motorcycles also would make life mush easier.

RESPONSE:

Dear Sir,

Shell Rotella T 15w-40 is an API CJ-4/SM Rated oil which exceeds the API SG requirements and is suitable for use in those applications. While Rotella T 15w-40 also meets the frictional requirements of JASO MA, it does not have formal JASO MA approval. If your warranty specifies JASO MA, you should probably use an oil with formal JASO MA approval while your motorcycle is under the manufacturer's warranty period.

Best Regards,

Shell Technical

So before the price skyrocketed, I bought 20 gallons of Rotella T and a dozen SuperTech ST7317 oil filters!

 

[Toecutter]

RESPONSE:Dear Sir,

Shell Rotella T 15w-40 is an API CJ-4/SM Rated oil which exceeds the API SG requirements and is suitable for use in those applications. While Rotella T 15w-40 also meets the frictional requirements of JASO MA, it does not have formal JASO MA approval. If your warranty specifies JASO MA, you should probably use an oil with formal JASO MA approval while your motorcycle is under the manufacturer's warranty period.

So before the price skyrocketed, I bought 20 gallons of Rotella T and a dozen SuperTech ST7317 oil filters!

You know what's best for your comfort. But what about putting that old oil in your bike?

Any time I can get the benefits of a synthetic oil for the same price as a normal motocycle oil, I'll do it. I've used the synthetic Rotella for years on bikes.

BTW.....the ONLY advantage of the synthetic products is their ability to survive at very high oil temps...like as in 150 C or 305 F. If the engine doesn't run the oil that hot (very very few engines run the oil that hot) then synthetic is pointless. I suspect you will find the FJR runs the oil temp far less than 300 F so synthetic is pointless. It won't hurt anything, it just doesn't do anything conventional oil wouldn't do.

And the mouth of the Lord hath spoken....

 

[big ears]

Regular rotella 15/40 was recomended by the knowing on the roadstar forums. I used it in my roadstar and have used in in my fjr. On extended trips I will use royal purple syn 20/50 but it is like 11 bucks a quart. It also comes in 10/30 I believe. A tad steep for every change use unless you leave it in for longer which I don't like to do.

 

[Toecutter]

Regular rotella 15/40 was recomended by the knowing on the roadstar forums. I used it in my roadstar and have used it in my fjr.

Not only does the Rotella, Delo, Delvac NOT have friction modifiers, which will damage a wet clutch, but they also have more ZDP (zinc dithiophosphate, the anti-wear additive) in them than gas-engine oils, or so I've heard. The ZDP gets depleted by doing its anti-wear thing, so for longer change intervals, more of it is better.

On extended trips I will use royal purple syn 20/50 but it is like 11 bucks a quart. It also comes in 10/30 I believe. A tad steep for every change use unless you leave it in for longer which I don't like to do.

Does it say on the bottle that you can exceed the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval by using it? I'd bet not....

 

[Jagermeister]

Closest I've come to finding it this weekend is at Wallyworld in a 5-40, which I won't use.

Why not?

5W-40 is actually a better weight than 15W-40. Same viscosity at high temps, but more protection in the winter. Not a concern at the moment, but it will get cold again.

BTW, YamaLube rules!