"Proper" oil for GL1800

[Blueribbon]

There are thread after thread on this forum, as well as others forums as to what oil one should (or could) use. Went to buy oil yesterday (as I'm going to switch to Rotella next change) and I found my friendly Wally World carries:

Rotella, Rotella T, Rotella T1, Rotella T5, and Rotella T6.

In discussions on different threads I see a lot of references to: Rotella, Rotella T5, Rotella T6 and Rotella (in white jug), which happens to be Rotella T, which is the least expensive.

Which ones are suitable for use?

[tfdeputydawg]

Any that meet or exceed the requirements called for in your owners manual. Including the weights specified!!!!!!!

[Solidbob]

For you Rotella T lovers:

Motorcycle usage

Though marketed as an engine oil for diesel trucks, Rotella oil has found popularity with motorcyclists as well. The lack of "friction modifiers" in Rotella means they do not interfere with wet clutch operations. (This is called a "shared sump" design, which is unlike automobiles which maintain separate oil reservoirs - one for the engine and one for the transmission). Used oil analysis (UOA) reports on BobIsTheOilGuy.com have shown wear metals levels comparable to oils marketed as motorcycle-specific.
JASO-MA

JASO is an acronym that stands for "The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization." Among other things, they set standards for oil to be used in motorcycles.
Shell Rotella T 15W-40 conventional oil does list on its packaging JASO MA as one of the specifications it meets. Note that the 10W-30 conventional oil does not list JASO-MA.
The newer fully synthetic T6 5W-40 oil lists JASO-MA compliance on its packaging and on the Rotella website.

I used it for a number of years but finally changed to Mobil 1 and gained smoother shifting / still Synthetic

Hope that helps...

[lgjhn]

Any that meet or exceed the requirements called for in your owners manual. Including the weights specified!!!!!!!

+1 Yep. What tfdeputydawg said.
There have been many a bitter forum war fought over this very subject throughout the years.
Personally, I use Amsoil 10W40 motorcycle oil myself, but I wouldn't hesitate to use something else if I were in a real pinch for oil as long as it meets the minimum manufacturer's recommendations.

[msocko3]

+1 Yep. What tfdeputydawg said.
There have been many a bitter forum war fought over this very subject throughout the years.
Personally, I use Amsoil 10W40 motorcycle oil myself, but I wouldn't hesitate to use something else if I were in a real pinch for oil as long as it meets the minimum manufacturer's recommendations.

I run Amsoil because I get a pretty decent price on it, but also wouldn't hesitate to use another synthetic which meets the requirements.

[Calgary]

There are thread after thread on this forum, as well as others forums as to what oil one should (or could) use. Went to buy oil yesterday (as I'm going to switch to Rotella next change) and I found my friendly Wally World carries:

Rotella, Rotella T, Rotella T1, Rotella T5, and Rotella T6.

In discussions on different threads I see a lot of references to: Rotella, Rotella T5, Rotella T6 and Rotella (in white jug), which happens to be Rotella T, which is the least expensive.

Which ones are suitable for use?

I've used T6 in two Gl1800 and like it

[riverdoc]

There are thread after thread on this forum, as well as others forums as to what oil one should (or could) use. Went to buy oil yesterday (as I'm going to switch to Rotella next change) and I found my friendly Wally World carries:

Rotella, Rotella T, Rotella T1, Rotella T5, and Rotella T6.

In discussions on different threads I see a lot of references to: Rotella, Rotella T5, Rotella T6 and Rotella (in white jug), which happens to be Rotella T, which is the least expensive.

Which ones are suitable for use?

This is easy. Use Honda oil (synthetic). You know that it will be right for your engine and won't cause you clutch problems. My grandfather was service manager for Harley Davidson over 50 years. He told me many times that the real experts are in the factory designing and building the machines. Yes, I know, why am I riding Honda. I sold my last Harley this year; ROAD GLIDE 2008. I wanted a water cooled trike with a capable engine. The decision was easy. GL1800 + Hannigan trike kit. Harley cools the exhaust valve on the new Ultra. Far from water cooled. It is to bad that all the experts are either riders who have not had their first oil change yet or local bike shop experts which I would never trust. Take a Honda oil filter, cut it in half and compare it with a cheaper knock off. I have been riding for 59 years, and I would never skimp on top notch oil. It is the life blood of your bike.

[John Luciano]

Blue jug

[Pegasus1300]

Since Valvoline 20-50 Racing became virtually unavailable I have gone to Rotella T 15-40 and have used it for over 40k in 3 different bikes with no problems. My thoughta have always been I am throwing it away in 3 to 4 thousand miles along with the filter anyway.

[dogman513]

Amsoil all the way!

[nucseal]

[JaysGone]

I prefer goose grease or owl fat.
But when I cant find enough.
I use Amsoil 10w-40.
Any synthetic is usually Ok as long as its friction modifier free.

[trikemike]

I have always used Honda oils in the Honda bikes, trikes I've owned. I prefer the blended synthetics

[rmrc51]

I have always used Honda oils in the Honda bikes, trikes I've owned. I prefer the blended synthetics

Ditto.