I need to de-lurk here.
Shell Rotella T6 is NOT compatible with wet clutch systems like on the FZ8. Yes, it meets JASO MA, but JASO MA directly conflicts with the diesel grades T6 carries.
It might work, but it could cause clutch slip problems, especially over time. Unless you're Marvin the Paranoid Android, this sounds far too much like having both "tea" and "no tea".
From the FZ8 Owner's manual:
In order to prevent clutch slippage (since the engine oil also lubricates the clutch), do not mix any chemical additives. Do not use oils with a diesel specification of “CD” or oils of a higher quality than specified. In addition, do not use oils labeled “ENERGY CONSERVING II” or higher.
Shell reports that Rotella T6 has a number of grades, including
per
API.org, these grades each
meet or exceed CD.
I'd love to put that stuff into my bike, as it's stable and cheap... but the friction modifiers in there run counter to the manual-provided requirements. Which is more expensive to you - using a higher-priced oil, or replacing your clutch?
I forwarded your post to shell technical support and below is their response. I just did my first oil change too and am running Rotella T. I may change to motorcycle specific oil at the next oil change. The cost difference is negligible in my case since I am not going to be putting a ton of miles on my bike.
-----Original Message-----
From:
[email protected] [mailto:
[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2013 7:32 AM
Subject: RE: Rotella T & T6 and JASO MA
Al,
The API C-series diesel engine specifications have absolutely no
bearing on suitability against JASO MA, at least as long as the oil
contain 1.0% sulfated ash or less (many API CI-4+ and earlier oils do
have higher ash content). Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Oil SAE
5W-40 has been tested to the JASO MA specifications and passes the
requirements. Our position continues to be that Shell Rotella T6
Full Synthetic Oil SAE 5W-40, which meets API SM for gasoline engines
and contains no friction modifiers that affect wet clutch operation,
may be used in motorcycles where the SAE xW-40, API SF through SM and
JASO MA specifications are sufficient.
However, in the specific instance cited where a manufacturer has
excluded diesel oil for use in a bike model, we would recommend that
Shell Rotella oils should not be used. Diesel oils generally are not
"energy conserving" types. I'm not sure why the exclusion has been
made in this case, but again, it has nothing to do with compliance to
the JASO MA requirements.
