XH Motorcycles Forum
Motorcycle Resource Forums => Technical Resource Discussion => Topic started by: wytfut on January 05, 2013, 01:12:45 PM
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Maybe I've just missed this in the past, but its been brought to my attention in the past few weeks that several oil additives just don't work with our X's.
At the rally last summer I met a great fellow X owner Jim Turek out of In.. Knowing that I like to help out anyone that I can dealing with X issues.... He wanted me to check out his X with an unknown shifting problem. There was a definite problem although seemingly innocent.... The shifter would shift the gears, but just felt a bit sticky.. Something like you had to force it a bit to get it to go... And it always would, without any grinding. ...
Jim like me is a bit of a wrench... So I fed him a couple of ideas, not knowing for sure what the issue was... Hoping him luck, and he'd get it figured out.
Via few emails.... Jim was still stymied, with no results. I contacted Jamie Jones and Jim via 3way email investigation. Jamie replied with multiple ideas.
but this one came up front and is looking to be the culprit. Jim (I'm sure many of us have done this thinking it was just the thing to do), was using "Lucas Oil additive. I know I have used it many time in the past, but usually only when I could afford it. i have 30k+ miles now on 525.
Jamie had stated that oil additives don't work with our clutches, as it contaminates the surfacing, and won't let things slip as they should.
so for you that don't know.... Now you do. there was't any discussion about ZDDP... And honestly at this time I personally don' know of any issues with that product.
If you don't know about a certain oil additive..... My recommendation, don't use it. Might just be an early life for your clutch
FlatlandersupportingXworld Bruce
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Bruce,
To be precise, what I advise is not to use any oil or additive that contains Friction Modifiers or is labeled Energy Conserving. These friction modifiers were mandated by the EPA to increase fuel mileage in cars and trucks, not motorcycles that share the same lubricant between the engine, transmission, and primary drive.
Jamie
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Excellent.... Thanx Jamie for the details!!
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I've been adding ZDDP to all my motorcycles for over a year now with no problems. :D
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From my research, it appears that ZDDP content was only reduced in automobile oil due to concerns about the life of the catalytic converters. Motorcycle oil was not affected by this change! Good quality motorcycle specific oil should already have an appropriate amount of ZDDP in it's additive package.
Ride Safe
Jamie
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And of course you know I'm gonna chime in with a plug for .... Mobil 1 V-Twin 20-50W!!!! The BEST OIL FOR YOUR SUPER X!!!!
(Hehehe.. Hey Bruce... Thought I was asleep didn't you??!!)
Jumper ::)
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LOL..... Oh no the great oil debate!!!