oil for Hydros

[Mwether]

Apologies in advance for an oil question!

After reading every WG oil thread I can find, it sounds like Rotella T6 is the consensus recommendation for Hydros.
https://rotella.shell.com/en_us/products/full-synthetic-oil/t6-full-synthetic.html

I already have some Castrol Power 1 5W-40 on hand, because it's what Piaggio recommends in the Liberty.
https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united-states/home/products/our-brands/two-wheelers/castrol-power1.html

Would that be a bad idea in a Hydro? (For reasons OTHER than it costs $12/qt vs. $6/qt... )

[rocker59]

If you keep Castrol on hand, use it!

I've always used Mobil-1, myself, since losing easy access to AGIP 25-years ago.

For the hydros:

[Mwether]

Thanks again, Mike! 

ETA: Just for the record, I'll put this link here too. I'm getting a chuckle thinking of these bikes as "European Car."

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-fs-5w-40

[rocker59]

I've also used the Mobil-1 5w40 Turbo Diesel Truck in years past, but not in my most recent bike.

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-turbo-diesel-truck-5w-40

[Mwether]

Nice! I saw that product too and was wondering.

I guess the question is whether these bikes are more "euro sports car" or "diesel truck"? That seems like a tough question!

[StuCorpe]

I have been using Amsoil in mine for the last 19-20 years.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I think Motul 10W60 is close to the old Agip

[rocker59]

I think Motul 10W60 is close to the old Agip

Except the Hydraulic lifter Californias require 5w40.

[Tom H]

Chose the diesel version. Higher zinc package. '04 no Cat. so no problem.

Tom

[Mwether]

Chose the diesel version.

Mobil-1 or Rotella, Tom?

[Mwether]

I have been using Amsoil in mine for the last 19-20 years.

Is this the stuff, Stu?
https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-5w-40-ms-100-synthetic-european-motor-oil-afl/

[kingoffleece]

Here you go

[Tom H]

Rotella would be fine and normally a good price. Mobil 1 should be good as well if that's your preferred brand.

Bike gets Syn Rotella or Valvoline. 2014 F100 gets Mobil 1 for trucks rather than cars (probably the same stuff in a different bottle at the same price), but normal zinc levels due to Cats.

Tom

[rocker59]

Rotella would be fine and normally a good price. Mobil 1 should be good as well if that's your preferred brand.

Bike gets Syn Rotella or Valvoline. 2014 F100 gets Mobil 1 for trucks rather than cars (probably the same stuff in a different bottle at the same price), but normal zinc levels due to Cats.

Tom

Yeah, that's the thing about Mobil 1 5w40 for Diesel Trucks.  High-ish levels of ZDDP (zinc).  Not as much as the grey cap 20w50 or the V-Twin 20w50, but those two are too heavy for the hydro engines.

[Mwether]

Just circling back here to add a bit more information for other noobs:

1. The Hydro drivetrain is much more like like a car than a typical motorcycle: there is engine oil, a dry clutch, and separate lubrication for the transmission. Because the engine, clutch, and transmission do NOT share oil, the anti-shear properties of motorcycle oils are not as necessary. Using car oil in a typical wet clutch motorcycle is usually not recommended, but because of the design of this drivetrain, it appears to be acceptable in this case.

2. The extra zinc in diesel engine oils has to "compete" with other additives in the oil (like soot controlling agents, which are not in gasoline oils, and detergents) in making contact with metal parts. Just because zinc is present in higher amounts in diesel oil doesn't mean it is benefiting your gasoline engine. https://youtu.be/HcJHJL5Ys-Y?si=WT0vA5HRm99hiAd_

3. Related, running Rotella in gas engines was described as adequate by one expert but not the best solution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKRMX2MUFZ8&t=2628s

I realize #2 and #3 are from one source (Lake Speed, Jr.), but his conclusions do seem research based.

Interested in your thoughts. (Unless you don't want to perpetuate another oil thread!)

[Tom H]

I wanted to clear up what I wrote. The Mobil 1 in my F150 is Full Syn. 5W-20 for "truck and SUV", not diesel truck. I do run Rotella T6 5W-40 in my EVT which is diesel rated.

Valvoline VR1 does come in Syn, but I do not know what the ZDDP value is compared to the Conv. VR1. VR1 is considered a racing oil for gas engines and not suitable for Cat. Converters, I have not looked to see the diesel rating.

This is pretty easy, just pick a Syn. that meets your quality and price range that is 5W-40 and ride on.

Tom

[michaell32]

I think you are putting too much thought into this.  Just get a full synthetic in the correct weight and change it on time.  The oil change interval is much more important that the brand.

[SemperVee]

    The Hydros are much more forgiving as explained above.   I plan on Rotella T-6 5-40 for my first ownership oil change along with RedLine oils for the trans and final drive.  I just can't stop looking at the bike how elegant and simple it is.  Love My Norge too, aka VroomHilda. She fits me so well.   With the summer heat even 15-40 seems fine as does the 10-60 which is way more expensive.  All good choices.

[StuCorpe]

MWETHER  yes that's what I use.

[Mwether]

...Just get a full synthetic in the correct weight and change it on time. ...

I appreciate this advice. And there's a ton of variability in the 5W-40 world.

To me, the following two questions seem important and worthy of at least some consideration.

1. Diesel oil or gas oil? Or more specifically, compression ignition oil or spark ignition oil?
2. Motorcycle oil or car oil?

Sure, the '04 EVT is a gas-powered motorcycle, so these questions seem to have easy answers.

But it's a very atypical gas-powered motorcycle with a car-like drivetrain.

As a Guzzi noob, I'm interested in hearing the opinions of folks more experienced than I.

If one of those opinions is, "Those questions are not terribly important," then consider that opinion duly noted.