Alternative engine oil for an lc

[mario.costasa]

my thinking is the 5w oil viscosity is a tad too thin, so I've ordered the Motul 7100 which at 10w viscosity when hot will arrive today,

I am no expert here and I thought the 10W was the viscosity at cold - not hot. I understood the W is for Winter and the second number 40 (or 50) gives the viscosity hot - and is it not the higher second number that might help a rattle when hot with thicker oil viscosity?

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a53/1266801/

I know for my 2010 TC I have 15W/50 waiting to go in.

Again - I am no expert here so may have missed something in my understanding.

 

[Skid06]

ive always used 15/50w Motul.. 5w is too thin imo, i always let the bike tickover for at least a minute from cold before setting off which is about 40 deg

 

[JJH]

Anybody ever use Millars oils or have an opinion? JJH

 

[fredaroony]

Never the less, I've found the Motul oil from this one..
Also don't forget not everyone is as gifted as others & may all need a little steering in the right direction.
we shall see if the slightly thicker oil quieten the noisy bloody 2017 engines.

Not sure being able to use the search function in forum could be described as gifted mate. Really it's just laziness and have a look at his other 4 posts.

 

[ShakeyGS]

Not sure being able to use the search function in forum could be described as gifted mate. Really it's just laziness and have a look at his other 4 posts.

Jeez Fred. Let it go will you. It's getting boring.

 

[fredaroony]

Jeez Fred. Let it go will you. It's getting boring.

Bite me

 

[ShakeyGS]

Bite me

Charmed I'm sure. Bite yourself.

 

[ShakeyGS]

OK so we have distilled various bits of info in this thread specific to the LC. Let's put them all into a sticky for the LC for ease of finding.

What I think I know;

BMW spec is 5W/40 JASO MA2 semi synthetic
Semi synthetic is better for the running in period as it's better at moving any metal particles around the engine (this from the main oil sticky thread). I still had very fine particles in my oil at 8500 miles.

Motul 7100 10W/40 fully synthetic (e.g.) can be used thereafter and will quieten the engine and make shifts smoother.

And Mario's post

I think it may be helpful to the original poster to be clear on what alternative oils work for an LC engine, as opposed to the older air cooled which is where a lot of existing FAQ/search threads direct.

As an example, the book states 5W-40. This doesn't appear to be available at Motul 7100 which appears to 10W-40. Is the recommendation for Motul 7100 10W-40 in a LC engine or to use other Motul's? I don't know the answer to this so am unable to help but I would be interested to know if 7100 10W-40 has been tried and works successfully in the LC and reduces the engine clatter. I also run a 2010 twin cam so 1 oil for both the LC and the Aircooled has advantages.

Sticking with the recommended grade for the LC, a quick search at http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-781-5w40-motorcycle-engine-oil.aspx shows the following for my 2014 TE LC in 5W-40 Jaso MA2 - Castrol Power 1 racing is specifically mentioned in my 2013 handbook. I understand that the current BMW recommended oil is Shell


the Gulf syntrac looks very cheap at £32 for 4L

otherwise it is a choice of

Silkolene PRO 4 Plus 5w-40 Ultimate Ester Full Synthetic Bike Engine Oil £50

Motul 300V 4T Factory Line 5W-40 Ester Synthetic Race Motorcycle Engine Oil £48

or 4 x 1 of Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 5w-40 Fully Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil (4 x £12) - £48


I think it also may be worth reminding readers of the old FAQs that any posts recommending car engine oils refer to the older pre 2012 engine with a dry clutch. The LC, I understand has a wet clutch and hence needs m/c oil.

Hope this has been helpful in addition to previous posts/FAQs. Apologies if I have missed something obvious. I will probably opt for the Silkolene for now but am interested in the Motul clatter reducing as the engine gets more mileage on it.

What else?

 

[V2bul]

Thanks for all your replies I have used motul 7100 10w 40 and the engine is quieter , the old bmw oil was like piss after 5 miles , looking forward for a ride to feel if gear changes are smoother ,

 

[Shamone]

Thanks for all your replies I have used motul 7100 10w 40 and the engine is quieter , the old bmw oil was like piss after 5 miles , looking forward for a ride to feel if gear changes are smoother ,

Did it improve you gear changes?