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2818 Views 27 Replies 22 Participants Last post by  Hanko
I have a question on full synthetic oil . can it be used or is it not recomended
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Yes it can be used. However a goldwing will run forever on non synthetic oil so why spend the extra money?
Make sure that it does not say "Fuel Saving" on it, otherwise it will destroy your clutch.
I run synthetic oil in all my vehicles I don't have to change as often but I didn't know how it would work with the clutching I have an 85 Goldwing interstate
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Both Mobil 1 and Valvoline make bike specific synthetics that they say are specifically for wet clutches. I think the terminology you want to stay away from is "energy conserving" which can be found in the round oil certification on the back of most automotive oils. This is supposed to indicate that 'friction modifiers' have been added to the oil, causing clutch problems. The only one I have found that seems to be usable, other than the Mobil and Val, is Shell Rotella T6. It is a diesel synthetic that also 'says' it is compatible with the JASO MA certification. Although it does not actually display that certification. Just put some T6 in my bike tonight. Will see how it does over the long haul. Others on the forums seem to like it.

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Oil!
:popcorn:
Mazola Corn oil for compatibility with the fuel we buy. :ROFL:
Delo 400LE in mine.
I use regular oil with luckas additave. just have to watch the % used, can make the slip under full power. anney negitive thing to say?
I don't recommend any specific brand of oil in an oil thread, because they are pretty much all the same. I use 20w50 non synthetic car oil, and change it as often as possible. The more wear an engine has (which usually goes along with age) the less ring seal it will have, and more combustion gases will find their way into the crankcase, which means the oil will get contaminated (turn dark) faster than in a newer engine. I change the oil in my '85 every 1,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Right now 3 months comes first, because of ongoing mechanical issues. The last thing I want in my engine is dirty oil, because I'm fairly certain the actual engine itself is is good condition.
I use regular oil with luckas additave. just have to watch the % used, can make the slip under full power. anney negitive thing to say?
I've never heard of this "luckas" snake-oil but if to much of it makes your clutch slip it can't be good.:?
Synthetic oil works fine in the GL1800, I can't say for the older models. Speaking of models, can you tell us what Goldwing you want to use the synthetic in? "notsure" in your profile isn't much help.
Look at the engine covers or body emblems, they will tell you what model you own, ie 1100, 1200 etc.
Older engines, especially four cylinders, are not good candidates for synthetic oil. They are likely to have worn tolerances, and worn seals, which may still hold conventional oil, but synthetic, with it's smaller molecules, will find it's way through. And as an engine becomes more worn, it needs "thicker" oil to help take up the space between the looser clearances, such as con rod and crank bearings and ring to bore. Heavier oil has more load bearing ability and shear strength.
Both Mobil 1 and Valvoline make bike specific synthetics that they say are specifically for wet clutches. I think the terminology you want to stay away from is "energy conserving" which can be found in the round oil certification on the back of most automotive oils. This is supposed to indicate that 'friction modifiers' have been added to the oil, causing clutch problems. The only one I have found that seems to be usable, other than the Mobil and Val, is Shell Rotella T6. It is a diesel synthetic that also 'says' it is compatible with the JASO MA certification. Although it does not actually display that certification. Just put some T6 in my bike tonight. Will see how it does over the long haul. Others on the forums seem to like it.

Bluewaterhooker0, what have you determined with the Rotella 6? Did you notice any difference?
I like the corn oil. Ken hit that nail right on the head.
I've been using Amsoil for a few years and I really couldn't tell you that it make a lot of difference. When I first started using Amsoil, I sent a couple of used oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories. I got reports back that indicated that Amsoil had the fewest contaminates in it than other oils I tried.
Yes, you can use synthetic.
No, it is not needed, but your choice.
Just select one that is not 'energy conserving'.

If it is the longevity issue, dozens or ore on this forum have 100k, 200k, and more using your basic over the counter oil. Like DELO. Like standard 10w-40. I have used regular and synthetic over the years. The bike gets basic oil (DELO in my case) and my '08 Focus gets synthetic. My Bronco? Whatever I have on hand be it DELO, 10w-40 blended, it just does not care.
I use regular oil with luckas additave. just have to watch the % used, can make the slip under full power. anney negitive thing to say?
i do the same!:bow:
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