Purely an opinion/oil

[flavor]

I've been reading a lot over the course of time about oil with wet clutches. I also keep reading about synthetic being better for the engine, but I also keep reading about bikes needing new springs and clutches Wonder if there's a relationship to synthetic oil and clutch related issues including non-jaso oil. I change my oil by 3800 miles and I think I keep doing that and see what happens. My only issue is a long trip I'm going to take next year which will mean at least 9000 miles. Oils are much improved over the last number of years.........

[Bdog]

I switched to snythetic around 6500 miles which was recommened by the kaw mechanic. I've had no problems but time will tell. The engine seems to run smoother and shifts better too. Bdog

[blowndodge]

I switched to synthetics at 600 miles. No clutch issues or anything else.

[hungryeye]

I would try to get your oil changed at 5K, about in the middle of your trip. and oil & filter and even final drive oil change can't be that much trouble. Maybe you can estimate where you'll be half way mark and another member can even help point you to a shop in that area or do it in their garage. If your going to be in Az, I'll help you do it in my garage. I have everything needed including tire changing equipment.

And go with the syn, don't listen to old wives tales.

[caddman11]

Synth oil (Amsoil) from 600 miles on---no issues.

[VulcanE]

Synthetics since 6,600 mile mark, now have around 26,000 with no issues (so far)

[redjay]

Changed to Ipone synthetic last oil change. It did not help with shifting or engine noise. Going to try Mobil 1 synthetic next.

[oldbikers]

Flavor I use Synthetic oil and you are right oil has come a long way but it doesn't matter what type oil you use it still gets dirty, I change my oil every 3000 miles but that is a through back from the 60's (oops telling my age now) but you never need to run 9000 miles with out changing your oil IMHO

[gopjohnny]

once y ou get past 10w40 I get lost. :)

I now run Spectro Golden 4 a blend, and the majority of my engine noises have ceased. Oil related, I really dont know. I know my bike responds better to it then a full syn. But each one is different. I do agree the higher the ambient temperature the more pinging you will hear.

[rlfaubion]

Went to Synth at 600 mi - now 26K - smooth as a babies ass

[paul]

Went from special kawa recommended syn. to Mobile 1 after 9000 miles. WILL NOT go back. Mobile runs quieter, comes out cleaner after 4k intervals, and gives the same shift/run performance throughout the whole 4k.

I use the 15W50 straight syn. In fact I changed oil today, picked up mobile in 5 quart jug @ Wallyworld for 5.24/quart. Checked the V-Twin mobile and @ 8.75 a quart, no thank you.

Of course, NEVER use energy conserving oil. As to the clutch issue, I made a point to pay close attention after the switch for any differences. Have found absolutely no change in clutch behavior. It still grabs after prolonged down time, feels and acts the same. Just the shift effort and noise is better.

Oh yeah, as a side note, the last two changes, I checked the site glass and measured what came out. If the bike has used more than 6 drops of oil I can't tell it. You gotta love these things!

[ruruson1]

I run the Kawasaki 10w40 full syn. I'm starting to have a clutch slipping issue mainly when its cold. ( I posted this a week or so age.) I'm also an aggressive rider. I like to make my pipes sing. anyway I jsut ordered my meanstreak spring and have the judge washers on my list of things to get. If I have to open the motor up I'm gonna do it right.

[ruruson1]

I do wonder if swithcing to semi ot partial synthetic will make a difference.

[dkdixie]

9,000 miles????

I wanna go to!!