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oil question

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by kphenix, Jul 14, 2012.

  1. kphenix

    kphenix New Member

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    been running Yamalube in my 82 650 maxim since I picked it up 5 years ago. Someone said I should switch to a full synthetic because of its age. Is this recomened or should I stay to the Yamalube. Open for other alternate oil brand as well.
     
    kphenix, Jul 14, 2012
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  2. biggs500

    biggs500 Active Member

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    I would stay with the Yamalube. There are numerous post regarding people having trouble with starter clutches and synthetics. If you do switch away from the Yamalube make sure it state "Motorcycle Oil" on the label. Regular automotive oils contain friction modifiers that don't play well with wet clutches.
     
    biggs500, Jul 14, 2012
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  3. kphenix

    kphenix New Member

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    so as long as it says for motorcycles its ok to use?? I noticed some of them say JA, T, R or some kind of letter after what it is. Does that mean anything special??
     
    kphenix, Jul 14, 2012
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  4. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    Any non-synthetic oil that says "motorcycle" and "wet clutch" will work just fine.

    Valvoline and Castrol will be cheaper than Yamalube.
     
    tskaz, Jul 14, 2012
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  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Motorcycle oil now has its own spec, "JASO." Motorcycle oil also generally only meets API rating SG; car oils are now up to SL, SM, etc; which is why we need to avoid those. The new specs mean friction-modifiers.

    "Switching to full synthetic because of the age of the bike" is pure nonsense. While there ARE full-synthetic motorcycle oils out there, XJ folks have had mixed results in regard to their starter clutch behavior so I would avoid them.

    Kaz is right; Castrol 4T or Valvoline will be much cheaper than Yamalube. Remember, Yamaha doesn't make oil; they buy oil from somebody that they pay to put in "Yamaha" bottles.

    That being said, I've been evaluating Castrol's SEMI-synthetic Act>evo Xtra 4T in one of my 550s now for a season and a half and it works quite well. Unfortunately, it's also difficult to find and more expensive than conventional motorcycle oil.
     
    bigfitz52, Jul 15, 2012
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  6. kphenix

    kphenix New Member

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    also, the number next to the fill hole (mine is 2500) that means 2 1/2 quarts of oil to fill right??? does that include filter?
     
    kphenix, Jul 15, 2012
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  7. biggs500

    biggs500 Active Member

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    2500 cubic centimeters. I don't recall if that's with the filter. I don't think so though.
     
    biggs500, Jul 15, 2012
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  8. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    2500cm3 is 2.5 litres, which is how motorcycle oil is sold. With a filter change it takes about 2800cm3 to get the level just below the top of the sight glass.
     
    tskaz, Jul 15, 2012
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