I read the post on oils, but it's dated back to 2012. Are there any recent recommendations on good oils with proper ZDDP levels. It sounds like there is a debate on this topic. Not trying to start a stone circle death match.

You should use an oil that meets the JASO MA or MA2 standard. This will be stated on the back of the oil bottle along with other standards it meets.
The reason many recommend Rotella, is that it meets JASO MA standards and is stated on the bottle.
I checked all the oils at my local Walmart, and Rotella was the only non motorcycle specific oil that listed it met the JASO MA standard.

https://www.whitedogbikes.com/whitedogblog/choosing-the-right-motorbike-oil-w...

Hiko wrote on 09/15/20 at 21:45:01:


The Savage should not use an MA2 oil, as those have a reduced amount of ZDDP.....I believe they are down around 600 PPM.  Experience on this forum has proven you need at least a 1,000 PPM of ZDDP in order for the cam and rockers to survive.

The MA2 oils are supposed to allow the Oxygen Sensor and Catalytic converter to last longer as a result of the reduced amount of ZDDP.  Modern engines designed for the MA2 oils are built differently than the primitive Savage engine - and they can operate with the reduced ZDDP levels.

The Rotella oils have 1,200 PPM of ZDDP, and long term use by forum members has proven that it allows the engine to last a very long time.  Youzguyz rebuilt his motor at 160,000 miles and the only parts worn beyond specs was the valve guides.  The piston, cylinder, cam, rockers and other engine parts were put back in and have recently gone beyond 200,000 miles and Youzguyz is still riding the bike and adding more miles daily.

I use Rotella T6 in my Pontiac Vibe that has the original oxygen sensor and catalytic converter, and in 177,000 miles the high ZDDP level has not damaged those parts.

The "cat" in a Harley muffler is really just a scrunched up bunch of metal designed to raise exhaust temps enough to burn off exhaust gases that escape combustion.
There are no chemicals or anything to damage or block in there, so don't worry about damage.
Cat friendly oils protect O2 sensors which we don't have.

It says it is intended for modern, high performance motorcycles. Perfect fit for a Savage.
Seriously though, you may have to do some research to find the ZDDP level.
I would go with Dave's recommendation of 1000 or more ZDDP.

It says it is intended for modern, high performance motorcycles..
Which is exactly why you shouldnt use it..
The engine design on the savage is ancient.
You asked
You were sent to
Rotella
Youve been given the best advice available
Better than what the dealership would give.
People here have LITERALLY Hundreds of thousands of miles on these bikes and they KNOW what works.
Choose wisely and be ready to accept the consequences of your choices.
People who ask and choose then to argue,,
Hmmm,, I Just dont know what to think..

Go to where Big TRucks have oil changed..
Rotella, when I first discovered it, was what I was using in my backhoe.
Avoid, like the PLag,,,Uhh, CV19,, anything with friction modifiers. Those are Fine if youre sliding on asphalt,, but not in a wet clutch.
Take with you a print out of what Rotella is and talk to them about the oils they have available.

I'm not the go to guy on this and maybe someone will say something completely contrary to this,, but what I Think I know is
Our valve train is Frikken brutal. And oils for older engine designs are more likely to be appropriate than oils for engines that use lifters.
I'd go to where truck drivers buy oil.
And hope..