Which oil for smoothest gearbox?

[Andre]

Thanks Trav

I look at the data sheets like the following.
http://www.penriteoil.com.au/assets/pis_pdfs/MC4-ST%2010W-40%20(PAO%20ESTER)%20.pdf

However, an important data is missing from that sheet but found in the safety data sheet whose link you provided.
That is the flash point. "Typical Flash Point 206 degree C." That flash point I would expect from a mineral oil! Pretty low for a full synth oil.

I do like the zinc level (since I don't have a catalysator in my 14). The boron is also good to have in the oil.

Density at 15°C, kg/L 0.861
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 40°C 87
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 100°C 13.6
Viscosity Index 158
Cold Cranking Viscosity, cP at -25°C 6150
Zinc, Mass % 0.124
Boron, Mass % 0.063
Phosphorus, Mass % 0.112
Sulphated Ash, mass % 1.2
Base Number 9.8

JASO MA

The cSt at 100°C I don't like. It is towards the low end for SAE 40.
JASO MA is also a low standard.

Also I am not keen on Esters as they attack the seals. Penrite writes regarding this: "... there are some downsides to esters. One concern when formulating with ester base stocks is compatibility with the elastomer material used in the seals. All esters will tend to swell and soften most elastomer seals however, the degree to which they do so can be controlled through selection. Another disadvantage with esters is that they can react with water or hydrolyse under certain conditions."



Just judging from the data I would rather take the Penrite MC4-ST Full Synthetic Four Stroke Motorcycle Oil 10W-40.
The flash point is more like it. The cSt at 100°C is close to SAE 50 (better for those hot temps down under). It does have the same amount of zinc. It meets JASO MA2.

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/assets/pis_pdfs/MC-4%20FULL%20SYNTHETIC%2010W-40%20.pdf
Typical Flash Point 222 °C

TYPICAL DATA
Density at 15°C, kg/L 0.865
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 40°C 97
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 100°C 15.1
Viscosity Index 165
Cold Cranking Viscosity, cP at -25°C 5049
Zinc, Mass % 0.124
Sulphated Ash, mass % 1.17
Base Number 9.5

JASO MA2

Again, based on their data, I would get the NON-Ester Full synthetic from Penrite.

[Speedy1959]

I did my first oil and filter change 2 weeks ago.
I cant say which oil was in already BUT I can tell you that the Motul 5100 I have put in has made the gearchange WORSE!
Its nothing to do with clutch plates etc.
The lubricity of various oils will obviously affect the gearchange mechanicals.
In the various cars I have owned in the past I have on advice of the various forums switched gear oil types/makes with some pretty startling results with regards to gear change.

I know cars have seperate gearbox oil but it shows that different oil types/makes have a definite effect on gearchange.

I certainly wont use the motul again.
My prvious bike the MT-01 slipped its clutches when I used fully synthetic oil.
I am surprised to read that the GSX is ok with it.
I will do more research and try some synthetic if I like what I read.

[Speedy1959]

Quite like the idea of Deisel oils..
mmmmm

[Trav Man]

Thanks for that Andre I do appreciate the imput. 
I'll try the non ester on the GSX next change

[KiwiCol]

Quite like the idea of Deisel oils..
mmmmm

I think Snapey runs Valvoline 15/40 diesel oil in his bike & has done for years with no ill effect, but bet it's nice & clean inside!

[Sweaty]

Thanks for that Andre I do appreciate the imput. 
I'll try the non ester on the GSX next change

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Penrite-Full-Synthetic-Engine-Oil-10W-40-6-Litre/348769

This is the Penrith one I have been using, which is recommended for 4 stroke wet clutch motorcycles.
Don't pay extra for Penrith so called specialty Motorcycle oils which are worse.

Andre, what do the specs on this look like to you ?

[grog]

oil talk. was talked to death on old forum. somewhere on there was my report on what i tried, was 5 or 6 different types. silkolene, valvoline, penrite, castrol, nothing to do with clutch action, all were good in that department. even tried the most expensive shell, recod by suzuki dealer. biggest pain in arse from silko was 4l containers, had to get top up bottle. slight timing chain rattle from cold with every oil, winter temps especially, down to 5 degrees. last two years using gulf western synnex 3000. semi syn. no rattles at all, gear change much better than any others. my oil choice for my bike, my stock oil choice for my shop. we do around 50 to 70 car services each week using it. never a prob. very cheap, can buy 5l at repco for 20 bucks, motul up near 100, shell 94 bucks. silko around 75 with top up bottle. best oil ive tried. figures mean nothing to me, just what works. victor bray uses it in his 2000bhp drag car, good enough for a humble 14. 

[T 24]

@Speedy1959
As I earlier wrote "Motul 5100 was the worst oil I have ever used" !   And very expensive! Never again.

[Mick_J]

I did my first oil and filter change 2 weeks ago.
I cant say which oil was in already BUT I can tell you that the Motul 5100 I have put in has mad the gearchange WORSE!
Its nothing to do with clutch plates etc.
The lubricity of various oils will obviously affect the gearchange mechanicals.
In the various cars I have owned in the past I have on advice of the various forums switched gear oil types/makes with some pretty startling results with regards to gear change.

I know cars have seperate gearbox oil but it shows that different oil types/makes have a definite effect on gearchange.

I certainly wont use the motul again.
My prvious bike the MT-01 slipped its clutches when I used fully synthetic oil.
I am surprised to read that the GSX is ok with it.
I will do more research and try some synthetic if I like what I read.

Can't go wrong with Halfords oil, been using it for over 30 years with no problems.

[froudy]

@Speedy1959
As I earlier wrote "Motul 5100 was the worst oil I have ever used" !   And very expensive! Never again.

I've always used Motul 5000 as it's one of the cheapest I've found..BUT, I don't think the gearbox likes it very much..Quite rough and sometimes not very positive gear changes.
I'll be looking to change to a different brand next oil and filter change.
I usually pick up 4+1 litre from a sell on Ebay for £24.85

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motul-5000-4T-Semi-Synthetic-4-Stroke-10W40-Motorcycle-Bike-Engine-Oil/371317089949?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[Andre]

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Penrite-Full-Synthetic-Engine-Oil-10W-40-6-Litre/348769

This is the Penrith one I have been using, which is recommended for 4 stroke wet clutch motorcycles.
Don't pay extra for Penrith so called specialty Motorcycle oils which are worse.

Andre, what do the specs on this look like to you ?

@Sweaty @Trav Man
Absolutely totally the exact same as for MC4-ST Full Synthetic Four Stroke Motorcycle Oil 10W-40

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/assets/pis_pdfs/FULL%20SYNTHETIC%2010W-40.pdf

Instead of using JASO MA2 they say "non–friction modified"

Great find Sweaty!

@Speedy1959 Here you got a light duty diesel engine oil for your 14.

Leads me to rethink my aversion to diesel engine oils 

[T 24]

That Penrite oil has good specs, Jaso MA2, full zink, etc. (and diesel oil, keeps clean). Can be worth of trying...

[seth]

I did my first oil and filter change 2 weeks ago.
I cant say which oil was in already BUT I can tell you that the Motul 5100 I have put in has mad the gearchange WORSE!
Its nothing to do with clutch plates etc.
The lubricity of various oils will obviously affect the gearchange mechanicals.
In the various cars I have owned in the past I have on advice of the various forums switched gear oil types/makes with some pretty startling results with regards to gear change.

I know cars have seperate gearbox oil but it shows that different oil types/makes have a definite effect on gearchange.

I certainly wont use the motul again.
My prvious bike the MT-01 slipped its clutches when I used fully synthetic oil.
I am surprised to read that the GSX is ok with it.
I will do more research and try some synthetic if I like what I read.

Can't go wrong with Halfords oil, been using it for over 30 years with no problems.

same here used halfords 10w/50 semi synthetic oul for best part of 100,000 miles over 7 gsx1400's change  both oil and filter every 4-5000 miles never a problem and gearbox is just nice and smooth .

[Speedy1959]

@Speedy1959
As I earlier wrote "Motul 5100 was the worst oil I have ever used" !   And very expensive! Never again.

Indeed you did T24..
The Motul 5100 has been in 2 weeks and maybe 150 miles.. As soon as it stops bloody raining I shall be changing it..

To make myself clear re gear change.. Its NOT the clutch action I am on about..
Its the notchy stiff, rough gear change felt through the gear lever. It became apparent as soon as I set off with the new oil in.

[Hooli]

I did my first oil and filter change 2 weeks ago.
I cant say which oil was in already BUT I can tell you that the Motul 5100 I have put in has mad the gearchange WORSE!
Its nothing to do with clutch plates etc.
The lubricity of various oils will obviously affect the gearchange mechanicals.
In the various cars I have owned in the past I have on advice of the various forums switched gear oil types/makes with some pretty startling results with regards to gear change.

I know cars have seperate gearbox oil but it shows that different oil types/makes have a definite effect on gearchange.

I certainly wont use the motul again.
My prvious bike the MT-01 slipped its clutches when I used fully synthetic oil.
I am surprised to read that the GSX is ok with it.
I will do more research and try some synthetic if I like what I read.

Can't go wrong with Halfords oil, been using it for over 30 years with no problems.

same here used halfords 10w/50 semi synthetic oul for best part of 100,000 miles over 7 gsx1400's change  both oil and filter every 4-5000 miles never a problem and gearbox is just nice and smooth .

I've used it for over 70k in the same 14 (which is now pushing 114k) after trying all the ones around & finding it was the only one to give a decent gearbox & no topend rattle. Considering my bike looks clean inside when I've taken the cam cover off & doesn't burn a drop between services (every 4k) I'd say it's pretty good.

Considering I don't like Halfords as a shop so it must be good stuff.

Oh & my local branch does Champion oil filters, so a COF038 every time as well. Oh yes & it's their cheapest 10w40 semi-sync bike oil that goes in mine.