Are Oils Just Oils

pjl52

.040 Over
Joined
Aug 6, 2009
Messages
77
Location
Queensland Australia
Iv'e noticed on the R3 forums that a large majority of owners use full synthetic in their bikes; my dealer recommends and uses a semi-synthetic (Belray EXP) which is what he put in the bike during the first service (800kms, 500mile).

I on the other hand, believe that the R3 would benefit with the full synthetic especially with the transmission, this is what I am planning on doing at 5,000 kms. What is the general consensus amongst the forum readers ie, do you use full synthetic for any other reasons other than just because it is the best (supposedly) or like me, think that the full synthetic would aid in gear changes? Or, do you think that there is no discernable difference/benefit in using the full synthetic and a good semi-synthetic is more than good enough for most riders?

Btw, recent talks with my dealer revealed that Triumph (Australia) is now recommending Castrol oils instead of the Mobil 1, Castrol must have offered them a great deal.

Regards

Peter
 
The service interval is 10,000 miles. The only oil I trust to perform that long is synthetic and I've had good results from the wifes Mercedes and my Cooper S running Mobil 1. I now use it in my R3 and wouldn't change if the oil was free. It was the 1st synthetic and its been around along time, I've used it for many years and trust it to last 15,000 miles in my Cooper.
 
If that was an R3 your dealer was messing with, I would be leery of him doing future oil changes. The bike, new, comes with semi-synthetic, at the first oil change that is drained out and (supposed to be) replaced with the full synthetic blend. Whether it is the Mobil synthetic or Castrol shouldn't matter as long as it is full synthetic. After that first oil change you should also be noticing increasing smoother gear shift changes because of the full synthetic.

You may want to educate your dealer and show him the owners manual and have him read a service bulletin or two while he is at it.

Good luck,

Dennis
 
From the owners manual on the Triumph UK site, also had look on the US site but it appears to be the same manual, my manual also says semi of full synthetic.​


Fill the oil tank to the maximum mark with a
10W/40 or 15W/50 semi or fully synthetic
motorcycle engine oil that meets specification
API SH (or higher) AND JASO MA.​
 
Unfortunately, I do not have my owners manual over here, but in order to maintain those 10,000 miles intervals between services I would rather pay the difference and get the full synthetic. You may be right as far as what you are quoting, and as long as Triumph backs up their warranty with you using semi-synthetic more power to you.

Dennis

29 dtg Dubai
30 dtg Home
 
Mobil

I have just had the 500 mile service...bike was filled with mobil 1 fully synthetic and i have found the gear change improved..just my two cents.

ray
 
Hellfire runs it in his Merc and BMW I have run fully syn since 500miles (now 40000+) with no problems. The only argument with the oils is how long between changes we all know what the oil companies say but I personally do not feel comfortable running 10000 miles between changes I usually go around 6000 a waste maybe but it keeps me happy and as Flip always says you can use the old oil in your lawnmower.
 
Well, I've got just over 100,000 miles on the Cooper S right now. They are hard miles, SCCA races every summer and the engine is modified putting down 225hp at the wheels. Since it was new in 2002, the only oil thats ever been been put in it is Mobil 1 5W30. You'll love this part ... it's only been changed 6 times.
The tires have been replaced more times than the oil.
It still runs like new and placed 1st in class 2008. Not bad for a daily driver slash race car, serviced according to the factory recomended maintenence schedule it's whole life.
 
Last edited:
Amsoil 20w50 front and Amsoil drive gear lube in the rear. I do an entire 10k between oil changes; and drain and clean the Scotts permanent filter every 3k.
Even after 10k the used Amsoil works for another season in my lawn equipment.
 
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