Oil question

[Huzo]

What is the oil grade of choice for the V85 in the gearbox/final drive ? It’s always been Motul 80/90 for the task in the Norge.
The manual specifies 75/140 for the ‘85.
Is this what the lads have been using ? I will talk to Pete later, he’s doing my first service.
Thanks all.

[Frenchfrog]

Use what the book says..I have always put that grade in my older small block final drives as they work pretty hard compared to their bigger brothers...not sure about the newer ones but if that's what they spec...

[malik]

The spec for the slightly earlier smallblocks is 85w140 and Penrite makes one of those. It's a mineral oil too, (the synthetics encourage leaking from the final drive). Check with Penrite.

[Kiwi Dave]

Another oil thread.  Yay!

Something to contemplate, the owners manual states the first oil change for the gearbox and final drive should be at 30,000 kM.

On previous models, I would replace these oils with either Redline Shockproof Heavy (or Light for the small blocks), but I read somewhere that it is wise to heed the V85 manual recommendations, so that the surfaces can bed in properly.

I wish I could find this reference, but it appears to have vanished.  What does Peter Roper say?

[Huzo]

Another oil thread.  Yay!

Something to contemplate, the owners manual states the first oil change for the gearbox and final drive should be at 30,000 kM.

On previous models, I would replace these oils with either Redline Shockproof Heavy (or Light for the small blocks), but I read somewhere that it is wise to heed the V85 manual recommendations, so that the surfaces can bed in properly.

I wish I could find this reference, but it appears to have vanished.  What does Peter Roper say?

Speaking with him yesterday, he said that although the oil may well go through to the specified replacement period without repercussions, he (like I) would dump it so as to get any contaminants .

[Pizza Guzzi]

[SmithSwede]

Coming up on 95,000 miles on a 2013 V7 small bock. Since new I’ve used Mobile 1 75W-140 in the final drive.  Cheap and readily available.  I know many recommend not using synthetic for fear of leaking, but mine has not leaked.

Until I got a handle on the water leak in the rubber boot on the swing arm, I would occasionally get milky green water contaminated oil draining from final drive.  If water can get into the swingarm, an amazing amount does, and then it just sits against the exterior seal on the final drive, working its way in to the measly 170cc of oil therein. 

If you ride a lot in the rain and haven’t waterproofed
the swingarm boot, I bet regular changes of cheap dino oil that’s not contaminated with water beats whatever fancy oils you put back there.   

My understanding is that even 2 to 3 % water contamination in an oil is death.    I suspect that is why motorcycles have pretty conservative oil change intervals.  It’s not because the oil has worn out, it’s because the manufacturer suspects it is contaminated with water and other crap.

[Two Checks]

Modern seals don't leak with modern synthetics.
Guzzi uses a lot of paper seals such as valve covers and tranny rear cover housings and synths will weep.
If synthetics cause leaks why do many cars come with synthetic oils from the factory?
My 92 Dakota uses ATF+4 and leaks nary a drop.
I use shock proof heavy in my final drive on the Cal III. No leaks. Put it in the tranny and before long the rear cover starts leaking. They are paper. All other seals are rubber. No leaks.

[Mr Revhead]

Synthetic wont cause any leaks.
If you have an old bike with high mileage, flash synthetic witj good detergent might clean extra shit out that was blocking something. But it will never ever cause a leak

[Huzo]

I got some PRoper advice and put that stuff in..

[Mr Revhead]

Modern seals don't leak with modern synthetics.
Guzzi uses a lot of paper seals such as valve covers and tranny rear cover housings and synths will weep.
If synthetics cause leaks why do many cars come with synthetic oils from the factory?
My 92 Dakota uses ATF+4 and leaks nary a drop.
I use shock proof heavy in my final drive on the Cal III. No leaks. Put it in the tranny and before long the rear cover starts leaking. They are paper. All other seals are rubber. No leaks.

Both of my Guzzis run synthetic in all places. The only leak I have is from around the rear main bearing carrier on the Cali which I believe was caused by over filling and nothing to do with any oil used.

[Muzz]

Thats wot goes into mine.

75/90 in the gearbox.