Rotella T5 10w30 + CB1100 = HAPPY!!!

[Yata-Garasu_imp]

i run stuff under 1000 ppm on anything with an 02 sensor, particularly with a wideband like i have on my CB1100. I also don't run mobile 1.

JASO MA & MA2 ratings are *strictly* related to wet clutch performance. It has nothing to do with other things that may or may not be benefits or deterrents.

one has nothing to do with the other.

I appreciate your knowledge and contributions here. I don't mean to get off on the wrong foot.

I was unaware of potential zinc problems using typical motorcycle oils, and it seemed like you were selectively bringing them into this thread. It's definitely worth discussing if it will help our CB1100s last longer. Thanks for bringing it up.

As I mentioned before, not all of my experiences with representatives of Honda Motors have been very good. After 3K miles on what I was told was new GN4 10w40, it came out looking like watery coffee.

There are two distinct reasons for this. One could be that the GN4 isn't a very robust oil, or maybe the Honda dealership didn't actually perform the oil change... They thought I wouldn't notice.

Either way, it doesn't make me want to give Honda more money. Hence my quest for a non-Honda 10w30 that will work well.

I can change my own oil... But I can't do a flat tappet cam conversion! LOL

You mentioned Motul earlier in this thread. Is that available as a 10w30 or only as 10w40? Is there a way to check the zinc counts on Motul motorcycle oils? I'm not seeing any on their spec sheets.

If the zinc count is a critical issue for the CB1100, it makes sense to have a list of motor oils with appropriate add packs that will work without damaging O2 sensors or catalytic converters.

In the meanwhile, the T5 10w30 is the smoothest shifting, quietest oil I've had in this bike, compared to T6 15w40 and what the dealership said was fresh GN4 10w40.

The additive pack and zinc count is similar on all the Rotella oils, and it's significantly less zinc than the Mobil 1 4T, which several other forum members here swear by.

Just trying to do what's best for my bike without getting taken to the cleaners by shifty Honda dealers or snake oil salesmen!

A side note:

Curious as it might seem, the Moto Guzzi V85TT requires a JASO MA/MA2 SAE 10W60 engine oil, even though it uses a dry clutch.

I wonder what their motive is?

Good questions! Having never seen a 10w60 JASO MA oil, my guess is that the only source will be directly from them!

(Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to take my money...)

[GoldOxide_imp]

I thought there were very few 10W60 oil offerings worldwide - maybe only in Europe.

Today that is apparently no longer true and is thankfully available at a lower North American price - full synthetic too.

[Ollie]

A side note:

Curious as it might seem, the Moto Guzzi V85TT requires a JASO MA/MA2 SAE 10W60 engine oil, even though it uses a dry clutch.

I wonder what their motive is?

I don't know? Maybe Piaggio just feels they should spec JASO MA2 in all their motorcycles?

Since the V85 and my California utilize a dry clutch I had no problem with Motul 8100 10W-60 (on sale) which is for high performance cars (Ferarri, Porsche, Maserati, etc) which also have dry clutches. For wet clutch bikes spec'ing 10w-60 I'd use Motul's less slippery 7100.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/10w60-8...soEALw_wcB

[GoldOxide_imp]

I had an Aprilia which did not have a wet clutch. I used automobile (non-MA/MA2) synthetic Castrol 5W40 oil in the V-twin and never experienced an operational or performance problem. Aprilia spec'ed a MA/MA2 oil. So maybe they are in bed with certain engine oil companies. (dunno)