is 20w-50 ok for tls?

[skeeball]

guy at the shop recommended mobil 1 20w-50 synthetic (says good for v-twin) for my tls. i see manual says 10-40. is this good option for summer riding?

[skeeball]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

forgot to add, any tips to getting the old oil filter off. tight as a novice in a CONVENT!

[zippytlsr]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

set of Channel Locks adjustable pliers... if that does not give enough leverage.. you could take a Large screwdriver, like #3 phillips and drive it through the filter, near the top.. clean through one side to the other. You just want to make sure your near the top/front of the oil filter so that you dont hit the oil filter nipple inside. I've never used the screwdriver method.. the channel locks always did the trick.

[GhostMAFIA]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

I've used the screwdriver method a few time on cars... works fine... but like zippy said, do it at the top, far away from the threads.

I don't know that much about your question, as I've never tried different oils, but 20w50 seems awfully heavy.

[SatrnFreAK]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

The oil question comes up all the time. 97 TLS DO NOT USE SYNTHETIC or any energy conserving oils. The stock 5spring is usually going to start to slip. Most people agree on RotellaT from shell, or Delvac from Mobil both in 15-40. Im a Delvac user, and never had any problems... and yes they are diesel oils....

[mightyz06]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

My first oil change the guy at the shop recomended this Honda 4 stroke oil and my 3rd gear starts to give me problems. My last oil change I bought valvoline 10w-40 and it shifts fine on all gears and it seems to run cooler too. On your oil filter problem, go to a parts store and buy adjustable oil
filter pliers $13.00 or so it's worth it down the line. Don't forget to oil the gasket of the new filter so it doesn't give you a problem like the old one.

[Steve TLS]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

Synthetic oil is fine. If your clutch slips on synthetic, there's something wrong with your clutch, not the oil (as long as it doesn't have friction modifiers in it).

That V twin oil is probably for slow revving air cooled Harley type V Twins.

But if it's warm enough where you are, the 20W/50 shouldn't be a problem, although 10W/40 would be the preferred option.

The TLS owners manual lists 20W/50 as being acceptable for temperatures between -10C to 40C+ (14F to 104F+) although I wouldn't use if the engine was being started that cold.

[cyclecamper]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

Just what he said.

[smonkbmw]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

20/50 is for very warm weather (hot) riding and frequent sitting in traffic etc. there shouldnt be any issue with a synthetic MOTORCYCLE oil. as stated if the clutch slips there are other problems. im sure this is known but using a car/diesel oil is not good for your clutch. there are modifiers and additives in the oil to help keep your clutch lubricated.

[SatrnFreAK]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

Synthetic oil is fine. If your clutch slips on synthetic, there's something wrong with your clutch, not the oil (as long as it doesn't have friction modifiers in it).

Guess i shoulda stated, car synthetics like Mobil1 They have the "Fuel conserving additives" in them.... Wonder how much they really help saving fuel Oh well.. off to google...

And Steve, he has a 5spring stocker i believe, which is notorious for slipping all by its lonesome(mine did), now with some Barnetts in it,, different story.....

[JiffyPark]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

im sure this is known but using a car/diesel oil is not good for your clutch. there are modifiers and additives in the oil to help keep your clutch lubricated.

I know a crap ton of guys who have run nothing but Rotella T and Delo 400 in their bikes and have never had any issues. I personally don't run diesel rated oil in my bikes but the overall consensus is that it's fine to use.

[skeeball]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

thank you all for the tips & input. I do use my bike for commuting so there is a lot time spent idling or crawling along with the temp gauge at 105 C & the fans blowing like no tomorrow. I'll let you know if it runs cooler using the 20-50.

[Steve TLS]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

It shouldn't run any cooler with the 20W/50.

Temperature affects what oil you run.

The oil you run doesn't affect the temperature. (For simplicity's sake. Not that you'll see any change on the dash anyway).

[Sticka]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

im sure this is known but using a car/diesel oil is not good for your clutch. there are modifiers and additives in the oil to help keep your clutch lubricated.

Not true. A lot of us use Shell Rotella (diesel oil) with fantastic results.



.

[DropKickChip]

Re: is 20w-50 ok for tls?

What Steve said about the weight...

Shell Rotella in all the bikes and lawn equipment with no problems.