[catamount]

Since switching to Shell Rotella synthetic (what I use in all of my cars & bikes) I've noticed that my clutch seems to slip when accelerating. I didn't notice this before I changed the oil, although that may have been because I was not throttling as aggressively as I am now.



I'm just curious if anyone else has experienced any similar symtoms when using synthetics with the TW. It's worth noting that Shell Rotella does not have friction modifiers and many, many people swear by this oil for use in motorcycles.



I don't want this to be another oil thread, I'm just curious about clutch slipping & synthetic oil. I guess the only thing I can really do is to change back to non-synthetic and see if the problem goes away.



It could be symptomatic of a larger issue (clutch).

 

[catamount]

Well a quick search brought up this thread in which several TW riders note using Rotella with much success and no slipping.



Looks like I've got a problem unrelated to oil.

 

[srs713]

Well a quick search brought up this thread in which several TW riders note using Rotella with much success and no slipping.



Looks like I've got a problem unrelated to oil.

Sounds like time for a clutch adjustment.

How many miles on the bike? Might need new plates if you've been feathering the clutch a lot.



Oh, and never use Slick50 in a bike. That stuff is really slippery.

 

[catamount]

Sounds like time for a clutch adjustment.

How many miles on the bike?

10,139. I've got the service manual at home so I'll look into this tonight. Thanks!

 

[mga60tw]

I use Amsoil and no slippage

 

[TW_in_BC]

I've used synthetic for the past 5 years with NO slipping.

As a side note, I tried the Rotella in my bike and DID NOT LIKE IT at all...it seemed to make the engine and valve-train noisier. On the other hand, I used the Rotella in my Honda CT90 and wife's Suzuki XL-7 for the past two years without a problem.



I don't think your problem is oil related...probably an adjustment, or a replacement is due!

 

[Gene Bond]

Mobil 1 seems fine in mine, although I also feel things are noisier ???

 

[qwerty]

When I switched to Mobile Racing 4T the clutch seems a little stronger than the Havoline dino cycle oil I was using.

 

[FnMag]

Castrol 20w-50.. Changed the other day and clutch seems to slip more. 59xx Miles.. ??



Weird. Might have to try Rotella to see if it fixes it.



Clutch engages fine. But can hear/feel it slipping when shifting. Mainly 3rd and 4th.

 

[sakogu]

castrol syntec 10w30, has been fine so far for me, although im only bout 400 km into the oil change

 

[sakogu]

castrol syntec 10w30, has been fine so far for me, although im only bout 400 km into the oil change

 

[qwerty]

Any oil that claims "Energy Conserving" will be more likely to cause clutch slipping due to friction modifier additives.

 

[Turtle Chaser]

Redline HP 20w50, no slippage / very smooth engagement & shifting.

 

[the-wild-man]

Brad Penn 20W-50 is what I run. It's not synthetic, but is a premium grade oil. It's also what I use in my 400hp turbo Porsche.

 

[TW2007]

Any oil that claims "Energy Conserving" will be more likely to cause clutch slipping due to friction modifier additives.

Note what Qwerty Stated----"Energy Conserving" will be more likely to cause clutch slipping due to friction modifier additives.



Shell Rotella T6 is an energy conserving oil. But I don't know which Shell Oil you put into the bike. If you go to the ADV Forum there have been others that have run into problems with Shell Synthetic in their bikes.



Lots of good oils out there but make sure that - your clutches are properly adjusted and not worn. The slippage could be coincidental.



Best of Luck



Mike

 

[qwerty]

Due to pollution and efficiency concerns oils are becoming more and more specialized. Mobile even makes different synthetics for Harleys with their hydraulic lifters and separate engine and transmission sumps and other bikes. They call it V-twin oil and it is not suitable for our bikes. I would think twice about running any oil not specifically developed for motorcycles with mechanical cam followers, a wet clutch, and a common sump for the engine and transmission. The additives that protect the cam followers, allow the clutch to bite, and prevent the molecule shearing in the transmission can reduce engine efficiency and increase pollution in cars, so those additives have been removed from nearly all oils, including V-twin oils for Harleys. Havoline makes a suitable dino oil for our bikes. Castrol and Mobile make suitable synthetics. There may be others, but those three are all that are available in my local market.

 

[superdave]

Years ago, I switched from a synthetic oil to castrol oil. The clutch slipped from the get-go. I tried switching back to synthetic, putting washers on the springs, roughing up the plates with sandpaper, nothing worked! The only way I cured the problem was to replace the fiber plates, then staying with the oil of choice. I have talked to other riders who have experienced the same problem with switching oil types, the paradox was that it didn't always occour! Whenever I buy a new bike, I always find out what type of oil it contains, then I stay with it! You can switch brands, but not types, or you may experience your clutch slipping.

 

[superdave]

Years ago, I switched from a synthetic oil to castrol oil. The clutch slipped from the get-go. I tried switching back to synthetic, putting washers on the springs, roughing up the plates with sandpaper, nothing worked! The only way I cured the problem was to replace the fiber plates, then staying with the oil of choice. I have talked to other riders who have experienced the same problem with switching oil types, the paradox was that it didn't always occur! Whenever I buy a new bike, I always find out what type of oil it contains, then I stay with it! You can switch brands, but not types, or you may experience your clutch slipping.