I was told by my Suzuki parts dealer that I need to use a motorcycle oil (i.e. suzuki) because it also lubes the transission and it has some special stuff in (magic bean powder) is this true? I like mobel 1

I have personally never used non-JASO oil in my m/c, but some have reported that it caused clutch slipping.  Actually, the dealer fed you a load of bull.  non-JASO oil will lube transmission gears better than JASO oil will.  The only question is whether the clutch can handle it.  I use Amsoil 10-40 in mine.  It is JASO rated, but also CI-4++ and SL...

Note:  JASO specifies wet-clutch compatability, CI-4++ is the best lubricating diesel oil rating, SL is the best gasoline engine rated oil.

I've been doing a lot of sailing this summer with a friend and she SWEARS by diesel-marine 4-stroke oil.
She uses it in her on-board volvo V6, in her gasoline car and Harley too (dynaglide). She bought a few 5 liter cans (15W-40 I think) a while back and still has some, I'm gonna try it next oil change   , all the claims sound wonderful and all but I'm a bit worried about the "special" marine additives messing the savage's transmission though. Currently using Mobil1 10W-50.


Wikipedia.- In petrol engines, the top compression ring can expose the motor oil to temperatures of 320 °F / 160 °C . In diesel engines the top ring can expose the oil to temperatures over 600 °F / 315 °C.


DIESEL MARINE 4 STROKE OIL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Diesel marine oil is a modern blend of high performance synthetic base stocks, natural base stocks, and advanced additives. It provides outstanding performance and protection over extended drain intervals in light and heavy-duty engines.

- Remains Stable at Temperature Extremes
Oil does not change viscosity (thicken or thin) at temperature extremes like conventional motor Oil.
- Resists Oxidation - Reduces Engine Wear
- Extended Drain Intervals
- Improves Cold Weather Performance
Due to their wax content, conventional Oil thicken in cold temperatures and, on cold starts, may take minutes to lubricate internal engine parts. Synthetic Blend Diesel Motor Oil stays fluid at very low temperatures. It circulates rapidly to provide vital lubrication and prevent engine wear caused by lack of Oil flow.
- Reduces Oil Consumption
- Improves Fuel Economy and Reduces Emissions
- Protects Against Rust and Corrosion


Also found this interesting 4-Stroke ATV Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-40 http://www.lubes-n-filters.com/synthetics/motor-oil/synthetic-four-stroke-0W-...


...any thoughts?

Stimpy - FSO wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:


The Amsoil 0-40 would work fine year round and might be prefered if you ride thru the winter.  Considered switching to it myself.

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Vtail, if you or anyone else is interested in getting discounts on Amsoil, send me a PM and I'll give you details...I wouldn't be in this to make any $, just cover my dealership fees.

In my very limited experience this is the way it went for me.
When I got the bike from a dealer I have no Idea what was in it but no clutch slip. I changed the oil and filter a few times over the next say 8,000 miles I used Rotela T car oil  or Chevron 15-40 oil.  During those times I noticed the clutch would slip from time to time when I opened it up a bit. So much so I ordered heavy duty clutch springs. Last oil change I used Valvoline MotorCycle oil. Which is about the same price as car oil from Autozone. Tonight I deliberately tried to make the clutch slip, it wouldn't slip at all.  Now it took about 2000 miles on the MC oil to stop it slipping. I will try to make it slip a bit more aggressively tomorrow, but there is marked improvement by changing oil for me     I know this probably makes it even more confusing but I would say go with a MC oil or experiment with a diesel oil but the common car oils seem to be no longer suitable for a wet clutch.

Just my 2d's worth
Steve

Thats the one I was using,  maybe it's the age of my bike it's an '87. Maybe my clutch springs are just a little weaker than they should be. Who knows but I am going to see if I can make it slip tomorrow and I'll post my finding.  I may have spoke too soon, about it not slipping.
Steve