Follower scar oil tests (2018)

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comnoz said:
I would switch to either Mobil 1 v-twin 20-50 or Royal Purple HPS 20-50.

I would not use BG-MOA. It is not needed with a good quality oil and may even be a step backward with a good oil. Jim
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Hi Comnoz, just reading this again, the Royal Purple HPS 20/50 I bought, the individual oil test report says excellent oil but "not wet clutch safe" ? was trying not to have a split between the crank and gearbox (2015 961 CF) is this correct ?
 
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Bluey72e said:
Hi Comnoz, just reading this again, the Royal Purple HPS 20/50 I bought, the individual oil test report says excellent oil but "not wet clutch safe" ? was trying not to have a split between the crank and gearbox is this correct ?
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I think he means modern motorbike shared gearbox/clutch/engine.
 
Bluey72e said:
Hi Comnoz, just reading this again, the Royal Purple HPS 20/50 I bought, the individual oil test report says excellent oil but "not wet clutch safe" ? was trying not to have a split between the crank and gearbox (2015 961 CF) is this correct ?
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Yes, the Royal Purple is NOT suitable for a wet clutch. Do not put this in your 961 transmission.

Your 961 has shared transmission and clutch / primary oil, I thought this was very strange when I first found out, I still do really, but it is what it is. The engine oil on a 961 is separate.

Others on here have raved about Bel Ray Sport transmission oil when used in a 961, it’s designed primarily for HD Sportsters, and the 961 box is based on this. I’ve bought some but haven’t tried it yet. This is the stuff:

https://www.belray.com/product/sport-transmission-fluid/


Regarding your engine oil choice, you do know the 961 uses 10w 40 oil?

Bel-Ray 10W50 V-twin syn also scored very highly in Comoz’ testing, it actually had a higher load rating than the Royal Purple and it IS safe for wet clutches (I’m using it in my T140 which shares its engine oil with the clutch / primary, so can confirm this). It would probably be ok in your 961 transmission, but is it really worth it? My thinking is that the transmission deserves transmission oil.

Being a 10w 50 I would think the Bel-Ray is better suited to the 961 engine than 20w 50, and the Bel-Ray Sport would be a better choice for the transmission IMHO.

I like to keep things standardised too, Bel-Ray 10W50 V-twin syn is the new ‘standard issue engine oil’ in my shed and the Bel-Ray Sport will become the ‘standard issue transmission oil’ if it works out ok.
 
Thanks Eddie, you've set me on the right path, didn't really see the Bel-Ray product readily available in AU in the short search that I did.

It started a conversation with my mate who happens to be a sales exec in Castrol, (also ride with him at weekends BMW S1000R) he has hooked me up with Castrol Power 1 Race, meets the clutch/gear/crank specs and by all accounts is a premium product.

Thanks again :o)

Follower scar oil tests (2018)

Application Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T is designed for high performance 4-stroke sports bikes to deliver optimum power and protection in all riding conditions. It is suitable for all makes of 4-stroke bikes, both carbureted and fuel injected where API SL (and earlier) and JASO MA or MA2 specifications are recommended. Advantages Ultimate performance in extreme riding - oil flows fast and stays strong, reducing internal engine friction Tested and proven to deliver exceptional acceleration at the touch of the throttle Fully synthetic 4-stroke motorcycle engine oil with Trizone Technology™ protection of engine, clutch and gears Complies with requirements of catalyst equipped exhaust systems
 
Bluey72e said:
Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T is designed for high performance 4-stroke sports bikes
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Trouble is, the 961 ain’t one o’ them!

Comnoz was of course testing oils for the ‘old’ Commando. One really interesting thing he discovered is that old engines place very different demands on oils.

Yes, your 961 might be a new bike, but it’s a seriously old skool engine!

‘Modern’ engines are designed differently, so need a suitable oil.

‘Old’ engines do not manage heat so well, so can ‘cook’ oils. Tolerances tends to be much bigger, so need oils able to handle this. The Harley gearbox is a famously clunky affair, and specialist oils have been designed specifically for this.

Personally, I still intend to use the Bel-Ray gear oil as it was specifically designed for this box.

And I’m thinking the the Bel-Ray 10w 50 would be good in the 961 engine. It had one of the highest load ratings in Comnoz’ tests, being a 10w it should be the same when cold as a 10w 40. But being a 10w 50 should add an extra element of protection on not days, track days, etc.

However, having said all of that, it’s very easy to over worry this topic!

Regular oil changes are probably more important that oil choice.

But... I wouldn’t let the fact that an oil, any oil, is free affect my decision IMHO...
 
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You can alleviate worry by checking the Oil Test List for appropriate oil. By getting the very best oil FOR YOUR ENGINE you will have to pay more than an oil likely of somewhat lower rating. However, the additional cost for the best oil is a very small percent of the total value of your engine and
this is what provides Peace of Mind on a hot day in traffic far from home or as you push past common sense at the track.
You do not buy insurance to use it.
 
Onder said:
You can alleviate worry by checking the Oil Test List for appropriate oil. By getting the very best oil FOR YOUR ENGINE you will have to pay more than an oil likely of somewhat lower rating. However, the additional cost for the best oil is a very small percent of the total value of your engine and
this is what provides Peace of Mind on a hot day in traffic far from home or as you push past common sense at the track.
You do not buy insurance to use it.
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Amen.

Oil is CHEAP compared to parts & labor. Even the most expensive oil.
 
comnoz said:
I would switch to either Mobil 1 v-twin 20-50 or Royal Purple HPS 20-50.
Jim
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Jim
I had been following this thread with interest and was under the impression that BEL-RAY V-Twin Synthetic 10W-50 was one of the best performers.
Is that not so?
Cheers
Rob
 
robs ss said:
Jim
I had been following this thread with interest and was under the impression that BEL-RAY V-Twin Synthetic 10W-50 was one of the best performers.
Is that not so?
Cheers
Rob
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I hope so cos that’s what I’ve started using.

RP is not as easy to get in the U.K. as Bel Ray.
 
Fast Eddie said:
I hope so cos that’s what I’ve started using.

RP is not as easy to get in the U.K. as Bel Ray.
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Where do you get the Bel-Ray in the UK? I got some Bel-Ray synthetic 20-50 from a place in South Wales but they don't do it anymore. Found Bel-Ray V twin 20-50 at a Harley dealer but it's mineral oil.

Ian
 
I bought it from Rapid Moto previously but they’re now showing out of stock.

There are places on eBay and Amazon selling it.

I found these on google:
https://www.arhcustom.co.uk/product...oils-10w50-synthetic-4-litres-arm341219/20053

I’ve bought Bel Ray transmission oil from these guys before, they show the litre bottles, perhaps if you contact them they might do the 4 litre cans:

Motocross / Enduro / Spare Parts

24mx.co.uk UK's largest online MX store with spare parts, clothing, protection and much much more!
www.24mx.co.uk www.24mx.co.uk
 
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Bel Ray v-twin is a very good performer for a Norton. As is the Mobil 1 v-twin.

Actually any of the oils I tested that were made for a Harley would be suitable in a Norton motor -some just last longer than others when the temps get high.

But overall the winner ended up being the Royal Purple HPS 20-50.

It held the highest load at the highest temperature for the longest time.
 
Jim, what do I not understand about your table?

The Bel Ray out performed the Royal Purple with regards to load, is how I read it...

And Mobil 1 v twin is WAY down the list, it only climbed up close to the top when combined with 8.5% BGMOA...
 
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