I know I shouldn't start an oil thread...

But I am going to. Just to share my thoughts on Amsoil 10w40 FSYN vs Shell Rotella T6 FSYN.

I strictly ran Honda GN4 until recently, when I got a deal on Amsoil and thought I try and jump on the synthetic bandwagon to check it out. My first Amsoil change went ok, bike seemed to run a little nicer BUT, my previously silent CCT's were now rattling like crazy and gear changes felt more harsh than before. Matter of fact, they felt as harsh as they did with the old GN4 in it... not nice!

Since I ran out of Amsoil, I just used Rotella T6 5w40, figured I'd give it a shot since a lot of people here seem to like it. I had GN4 on my shelf, but I figured what the heck. Same price nowadays...

I like it. Much more than the Amsoil. Still feels like it has that perceived "extra pep/quicker rev", much less CCT noise but best of all, I have my snick-snick gearbox back! Yay!

Now to see how it holds up to my abuse.


ps - Doug told me to add a spoonful of Mazola but I'm gonna hold off till next time. lol

And much cheaper: O'Reilly's has Rotella T6 Synthetic 5W-40 for $20 per gallon. Heck, Amsoil is almost that much for a quart isn't it? :rolleyes:

I run full synthetic in my car(since new) and Castrol GTX 10w40 in my '02 VFR(since I got it). I have never switched from Synth. to fossil or vice versa. Is there any extra step to making the switch or is it just change and ride? Sorry if this is elementary, but, I don't want to screw up my bike if I make the switch.

I ran T6 in the first 8,000 mile, it didnt hold up very well, this was through about 6 oil changes, while i never spent any time with amsoil 10w40 , the AMS 15w40 I ran longer than the T6 and all the shifting and oil hold up was much better. My oil analisys done says the AMs went double the miles, with the exact same wear numbers, Both were 30 weights when I changed them out.
As far as the CCT rattling, I agree, it can deffinately make a difference depending on the oil type. Really the rear cct actually has to be bad to make noise(its flooded with oil), the front one is more subjected to lack of oil flow, certain oils seem to offer a differnt film base that the front cct's like.  Certain car oils really eliminated the front cct. While Ive been back on diesils, for the last 40,000 mile, I hear a hint of cct noise from my front tensioner recently, so my intent is to get back on car oil, for a few thousand miles.  I Think changing out the tentioners for noise, is mostly a waste of time, cause it will come right back, depending on the oil your running. Although the front cct I installed immediately was rattling like day one. So replacing is mostly temporary and a waste of time may last a day, a Month or a year. But I quelched that CCT through car oil and it was a very loud clacker  , as bad or worse than the one it replaced.

But if the Honda oil keeps the front cct quiet, cant argue with that