Mobil 1 Motor Oil

Have any of you used Mobil 1 oil in your Valk?  I'm getting close to an oil change and wanted to go Mobil 1.  I'm even thinking that Mobil 1 may smooth out the shifting clunk a bit.  

I'm using Mobil 1 Gear Lube (75W90) in the rear differential and it seems to run the RD cooler than it used to run, which I feel is good.  

Any thoughts on Mobil 1 for the crankcase?  I assume the viscosity would be the same as standard Honda oil.

I have a '99 Interstate and a '97 Yamaha VMax and use Mobil  1 Motorcycle oil in both.  I began using this oil since it came out.  My reason for using Mobil 1 Motorcycle oil vs. automotive Mobil 1 is that it is supposed to have greater shear additives which are needed for the motorcycle transmission.  I change my oil once a year, and have gone up to two years, but my rides are very seldom short and both bikes reside in a heated garage.  Is it worth the $8/quart, I don't know, but I've never had a problem.  As to gear noise and ease of shifting --- I honestly can't tell much difference.

I have used both the Mobil 1 MX4T and the 15/50 Auto oil. I can't tell a difference after I leave the cash register as the MX4T is $4/qt more expensive. I have run the auto (ONLY run the 15/50 red cap) Mobil 1 in a lot of my different bikes with zero clutch or other oil related problems for a number of years and well over 100,000 miles. I have the auto in my Valk right now with 52K on the bike. I change mine about every 3-10K miles or about 3-5 times a year. I will switch to the Amsoil motorcycle oil in Sipapu this summer-I have run it several times and like it a lot also. I will probably not change my oil between now and then as I will only put about 5K on it from now 'til then.

I plan on using Amsoil AMF-QT - SAE 10W-40 Synthetic High Performance Motorcycle Engine Oil - (1) quart bottle -  $5.85. in my Valk as soon as I get to the first oil change.

I have used the synthetics oils in everything from lawn mowers to my F-350 Diesel!! I love the stuff. I notice cooler engine temps  and even a little MPG increase. And here is the bonus...The stuff is made right here in the USA! Just my 2 cents worth!

Phil

...will be $32 oil/filter/labor. That is the motorcycle specific oil. Click on the Amsoil link on the Ride In Vendors/sponsor page.

I now use shell rotella full syn auto oil in my valk.  For the first four years I used Honda"s 1/2 syn, 1/2 reg. bike oil and paid $8 to $9 a quart. I used it for my own piece of mind, However I owned a 1986 Shadow for 12 years and used nothing but castrol gtx 20-50 and never had a clutch problem. The shell has a higher level of zinc (zddp) which has been removed from most auto oils
for enviromental reasons. It cost about $15 a gallon at wal-mart and I change it at about 5 to 7 thousand miles. It still looks like new when I take it out, I actually have put it in my old lawn mower after the valk. If you change your oil regularly most oils on todays market will suffice. I think it boils down to what makes a person feel comfortable.

Thanks for all your help out there!  All I've got to do is run down to the Honda shop to get a filter (as soon as this rain stops in a few days) and I'll be ready to go synthetic!

You veteran riders are a wealth of knowledge!!

- Rev

Using Mobil1 will cause you to have to change the engine.


















At around 500,000 miles:laugh: BR

I have been reading your posts for a couple of years and before I scrolled down, I was about to disagree.  I too have used the auto Mobil Syn 15-50 (red cap) for 4 years now.  The only trans slip I ever experenced was using an after market clutch lever, early on, that was not machined correctly.  On the other hand, I am not a speed shifter, most of the time.  Ever once in a while, I get the urge, but generally, smooth.  I do a lot of engine breaking and live in the north GA mountains, however.
Thor

Thanks again BR & Al and the rest of you guys.  Well, I changed oil last wknd and put the 15-50 red cap Mobil 1 in.  I then rode to the beach and back Saturday (about 300 mi. RT) and I was really impressed with the overall smoothness.  The biggest difference was in my transmission!!!!  With the 15/50 in there, that clunky transmission shifts NOTICIBLY smoother and not nearly as clunky or loud!

Thanks again!  I'll never go back to regular oil.

Rev

Originally posted by The Rev
.  I then rode to the beach and back Saturday (about 300 mi. RT) and I was really impressed with the overall smoothness.  
Rev

What beach? BR

The beach was Folly Beach in Charleston.  When we go to the beach, it's usually Folly, Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms--all off the coast of Charleston.  Sometimes we make a run to Myrtle Beach where my brother lives.  It's only about 45 minutes further, but you have to pick your time of year there to avoid the crowds.  It takes about 2 hours to get to Charleston on I-26 or 3 hours on the backroads, which are a lot nicer.  

To really appreciate the ride on a motorcycle, on the last weekend in September for the past 14 years, we've ridden our bicycles from here to the beach (160  miles).  That takes about 12 to 13 hours including breaks, meals, etc.  A swim in the ocean feels GREAT after that ride...and when I get home, I can't wait to sit on my stock '97 Valk seat!!!!

Originally posted by The Rev
The beach was Folly Beach in Charleston.  When we go to the beach, it's usually Folly, Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms--all off the coast of Charleston.  Sometimes we make a run to Myrtle Beach where my brother lives.  

Next time you make a run on Myrlte Beach give me an E-mail and we can meet for breakfast (lunch or supper). BR

I too have changed to Mobil 1 (2 weeks ago). I had been using Castrol Syntec. Motor is definitely quieter. Shifting is easier with less clunk. Only difference noted is that it takes a second or two longer for oil light to go out on start up. I'm using 15-50 red cap auto oil. Price is actually better than Castrol as it runs usually about $6 / qt. whereas the Mobil 1 runs $4/qt.

Thanks, BR!  Yes, I'll let you know when I make a run to Myrtle.  You must not be too far away.

Rev