The debate is over. Rotella T wins!

[OneTrack]

I had my 1st service performed at the selling dealership, and they installed Motul mineral oil. This caused some issues, particularly a "screech" that would come from the clutch on occasion when engaging it. When I got to about 2000 km's, I decided to install some synthetic oil. Amsoil was on sale at our local Canadian Tire store, so I put in Amsoil 10w40 and replaced the oil filter.
Fast forward to this morning, and just over 3000 km's later. I did an oil change on my 06 FZ6 in preparation for putting it in storage (medical issues ) and installed Shell Rotella T 5w40 synthetic, along with a PureOne oil filter. I took the bike for a spin this afternoon and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!
Now, just so you know, I am a fully licensed auto mechanic even though I don't work on the bench anymore, so am not subject to sales hype or imaginary improvements.
If I hadn't experienced the difference myself, I wouldn't have believed it. My bike vibrates less....MUCH less, has more power and the clutch and transmission work like a dream. The engine even sounds different...and I'm not kidding. It also runs cooler by a full bar on the dash display. Wow.
That does it for me. Rotella 1, Amsoil 0. End of story.

[Botch]

Thanks for the hand's-on report!

I'm more concerned, however, that you have to put your bike away, hope its nothing permanent!

[rvbiker]

It is important to use oil designed specifically for motorcycles especially when the bike has a wet clutch. Motorcycle oil has friction modifiers to prevent clutch slippage.
Motorcycle Oil FAQs

[rvbiker]

Shell Rotella T has no friction modifiers and will cause your clutch to slip and chatter.
http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2005/0...synthetic-oil/

[stevesnj]

Thats why I use Mobil 1 4T 10W-40 for motorcycles. Its a proven oil with a long history.

[rvbiker]

yup, that's what I use. Walmart used to carry it but discontinued it

[brad81987]

Originally Posted by rvbiker

Shell Rotella T has no friction modifiers and will cause your clutch to slip and chatter.
http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2005/0...synthetic-oil/

Your post doesnt make sense. You sound like you're slamming it as a bad product for bikes but then link to a page that praises it? I'm confused.

[brad81987]

Originally Posted by rvbiker

It is important to use oil designed specifically for motorcycles especially when the bike has a wet clutch. Motorcycle oil has friction modifiers to prevent clutch slippage.
Motorcycle Oil FAQs

Here i believe the page you linked to begs the opposite:
"So unlike Mobil 1 for cars, Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 has no friction modifiers, which could lead to clutch slippage."

BTW- not trying to be an a$$, just making sure I understand. I run regular Rotella T 15W-40, thinking of switching to the new synthetic coming out eventually that meets JASO MA specs

[fz6nick]

Originally Posted by stevesnj

Thats why I use Mobil 1 4T 10W-40 for motorcycles. Its a proven oil with a long history.

Same here, love it.

[dimitre977]

Originally Posted by rvbiker

Shell Rotella T has no friction modifiers and will cause your clutch to slip and chatter.
http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2005/0...synthetic-oil/

Thanks for the link that was a very good read. I read this article from the page you linked to. But like brad81987 said after reading that I think the Rotella T would be just fine. According to the article you want a oil that does not have friciton modifiers in it. The way I read the article was the friciton modifiers are added to lower friciton for increased fuel efficiency which in turn could cause clutch slippage in a motorcyle. I also believe this is why our owners manual tells us to not use oils labeled "Enegry Conserving", these are oils that have had friciton modifiers added to them.