Synthetic oil in XS11.

[Graman]

So. What's the final consensus on using synthetic oil in a 79 XS1100?
I have read a lot of threads and others articles. Some say yes some say no. Does it cause problems with the factory original clutch? Slippage etc.

[Radioguylogs]

Here it comes....

Duck!

[bikerphil]

Your clutch may slip and the synthetic oil will find it's way past many seals that were not designed for it, YMMV, JMHO.

[tomcos67]

oil for xs

Hello there.!! Many people here that ride the xs prefer 20 w 50.reg. Oil.I believe.! Seems to work .well..!.

[Prisoner6]

Hi, Graham ...

As Phil alluded to, some here have reported clutch slippage when using synthetic oil.

Plus ... these old 11's have looser tolerances than modern engines, causing the oil to become contaminated/dirty much more easily/quickly.

IMO, it would be a waste of money to use synth. oil in the 11, when plain old conventional 20W-50 oil has proven itself to work very well in these engines ...

With no clutch slippage.

Besides, recommended oil change intervals for the 11 are pretty short, and IMO using synth. wouldn't increase that interval (due to the contamination problem).

Personally, I use either Valvoline or Castrol GTX conventional 20W-50 in my SF. Some here use other brands such as SuperTech.

Just make sure the lower half of the API Service label on the bottle is empty (no friction modifiers) ... like THIS: (Thanks, Greg)



I say stick with conventional oil, and don't even risk the possibility of clutch slippage.

Just my

And ... YMMV

[HalfCentury]

Walmart Supertech 20W-50. I used it in my XJ650 for the 4 years that I operated it. When I bought it, the clutch was slipping noticeably. One oil change fixed the slippage. The PO must have used some fancy pants new fangled oil.

My XJ1100 uses the same Wally World oil.

I also use the Wally World generic 80/90 final gear oil.

[mjpxs11sh]

+

if ur curious why not try it urself and report back like others have. i used Mobil 1 15W50 without issues and found the shifting smoother which is why i used it. im back to Valvoline 20W40 bike oil for the price and works fine FYI ppl are anal about oil lol. if u dont like the synthetic u can go back to dino without a problem

[timktm]

I have been running dino rotella 15w40 in mine, and was wondering if the 20w50 would help to smooth out the shifting?
Tim

if ur curious why not try it urself and report back like others have. i used Mobil 1 15W50 without issues and found the shifting smoother which is why i used it. im back to Valvoline 20W40 bike oil for the price and works fine FYI ppl are anal about oil lol. if u dont like the synthetic u can go back to dino without a problem

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Tim,

Compared to your Harley, it should shift pretty good! Just joking!!! These bikes are known for shifting like a Russian Tractor, with straight cut gears and such! Learning to hit the right rpm range before shifting helps smooth things out, along with using the clutch.

But there is a big gap between 1st and 2nd, and takes a strong firm long motion to make that shift complete and properly. Secondly, when sitting still idling and then shifting into 1st from Neutral is also a big bang event, the gears are spinning and get slammed together! Different techniques can diminish this....hold the clutch in for several seconds prior to shifting to help slow down the spinning gear, or once warmed up, shut off, shift into 1st, and then restart and go; also when approaching a stop, go ahead and downshift into 1st, and then sit there holding the clutch while at the light....considered safer anyways to allow a quicker getaway maneuver in case of a pending rear ender coming up behind you.

But finally, a thicker grade oil can help to cushion things as well as better lubricate the moving parts to help smooth shifting out, but using the proper technique goes a long way.

T.C.

[Eastcoaster]

Never Tryed It

I was thinking of giving Synthetic in my Ventuer a try. I have struggled with the starter clutch for a year and several different oil types with no luck. Wondering if the synthetic might have the slip it needs I really want to avoid splitting the cases. Anyone ever tried for this reason?

[timktm]

Thanks TC. Good info. I have been trying to get better at my technique and am improving. I did miss going into 2nd today. Although I have done that on the harley once or twice. I guess I am surprised after riding the old hog for so long I was expecting a smooth shifting jap bike. You would be surprised how you can bang those old harley 4 speeds. I will most likely switch to a heavier oil when the temps warm up. I run straight 60 in the hog.
Tim

[jetmechmarty]

So. What's the final consensus on using synthetic oil in a 79 XS1100?
I have read a lot of threads and others articles. Some say yes some say no. Does it cause problems with the factory original clutch? Slippage etc.

Motorcycle specific synthetic oil is just fine in the XS1100. I have used Mobil 1 and that other one that gets sold like Amway. I also used a synthetic from the local dealer. I also used Rotella, Valvoline Racing, Castrol, and usually the cheapest 20W50 motorcycle oil at the parts store. Synthetic doesn't make the clutch slip or leak onto the floor. I can't tell any difference with any of them. I'm showing about 85,000 miles.

[trbig]

I also use the Wally World generic 80/90 final gear oil.

It's your bike and your choice, but since there's no clutches involved there, most use a full, or at least partial synthetic in the middle and final drives. It's just a fact that synthetics have better lubing properties than regular dyno oil, can withstand more heat and abuse, don't break down as much in the long run, etc... Just a lot more protection for not much more money, if any. the 80/90 you're using is pretty light for your gears even in dino oil. I'd look for at least a 140 if you're going to stick with it.

But like I said, it is your bike and your call.

[BA80]

Full Synthetic 75w140 is what I use in both the middle and final drives.

[dbeardslee]

Mobil 1 V-Twin 20/50 is supposed to be specifically formulated to work with wet clutches. Supposed to be better in high temp air-cooled motors than dyno. I'm going to give it a try when I give Betsy her annual oil change in a month or so.