Using heavy duty diesel oil Shell Rotella T6 in the RS

[Grumpy Goat]

After a few insightful posts in the "30k Service" thread (starting here), I took the plunge after doing some light research into equivalency.

[MrVvrroomm]

https://www.samsclub.com/p/shell-rotella..._product_3

Great video

[Grumpy Goat]

Thanks Bruce. Depending on how this works I might have to switch to this full time.

[Liteitup]

I've used Rotella T6 in several motorcycles, (FZ1, Super Tenere, KTM EXC) with no bad effects. Haven't used it in a BMW yet, but that's about to change this week.

Thanks for the research/video.

[MrVvrroomm]

Everything with two wheels in my garage runs Rotella T6.

Dawn's car, 2018 BMW X2 runs whatever the dealer puts in for free oil changes.

My new Tesla doesn't require oil. Just a relatively small supply of fossil and/or renewable, or nuclear electricity. Woot!

off topic: two confirmed kills so far with new Model Y Performance
1) 2014 BMW R1200R. I asked if it was fast. He said yes. I told him he was gonna get his ass handed to him. He did.
2) 1999 Yamaha R1. Let him get the jump since I was in his lane directly behind him. He took off, I hit the go pedal as I was moving to right lane.
Formidable foe at first, but every time he shifted he lost about 3 feet. Crushed the poor guy's soul. LOL

[Grumpy Goat]

Nice ...
Start up a new Off Topic thread and post up some pictures of the new missile ...

[Grumpy Goat]

I tell you, my video has attracted the attention of an RS owner from the other forum, who says he is a chemical engineer and who does NOT recommend diesel engine oils - including Rotella T6 - in motorcycles. Here is the comment thread so far. I sort of understand where he is coming from but his word is offset by others who have had no issues with Rotella T6.

fortunato lagana
8 hours ago
chemical engineer working on industrial site including lubricant. If Rotella T6 is API SL compliant, use it. Otherwise no. Typically diesel engine oil are not suitable for gasoline end more specifically motorbike.

Grumpy Goat
3 hours ago
Thanks for the input. From what I have found out, in order to be JASO MA2 compliant, you first have to meet API SL standard, so that suggests that Rotella T6 should be compliant with both.

Besides, not all API SL oils (e.g. car oils) can / should be used in motorcycles, so that suggests that meeting SL is not the only criterion.

fortunato lagana
2 hours ago
@Grumpy Goat See the link, just for your info. You cannot be sure it is SL. I do not recommend to use diesel engine oil on motorcycle even for many other reasons. Unfortunately your test cannot be representative and it is wrong to ensure people it is suitable for a motorbike. Your oil must be SL and (not or) MA2. Sorry for my assertiveness but there are a lot of legends on oils... https://www.penriteoil.com.au/assets/tec...O%20MB.pdf

fortunato lagana
2 hours ago
​ @Grumpy Goat Sorry, I forgot this link: http://www.jalos.or.jp/onfile/pdf/4T_EV_LIST.pdf list of licensed MA2 oils. Look at it

Grumpy Goat
2 hours ago
@fortunato lagana I agree it has to be SL (or later) and MA2. I also agree that I have not be able to see a statement for Rotella T6 saying that in addition to MA2 it also meets SL or better. It just says CK-4.

I am glad to see your comments because this is what I was looking for when considering using Rotella T6, for balance.

I disagree that I am recommending to anyone that they use Rotella T6. My video is what I put in my bike. If others choose to do the same and our bikes get messed up then that is each on us, separately.

Grumpy Goat
2 hours ago
@fortunato lagana I have to look at this PDF on a computer. Looking at it on the phone is useless.

None of the documentation you have provided says NOT to use the Rotella T6 with its alleged MA2 compliance and no stated SL compliance. The Penrite Oil PDF appears to omit Rotella T6, but that doesn’t mean that it is not meeting that standard.

I know there is a lot of questionable oil stories out there, and I am not interested in adding to them. Just trying to discern whether this oil is good for me. Maybe it is maybe it isn’t. I need real unbiased proof from an independent organization that it is unsuitable and when I get that I will be the first to put up a revised video retracting what I said. I have no issue with that.

fortunato lagana
1 hour ago
@Grumpy Goat You are right you didn't recommend it (but even I didn't say you did!). The documents state: first PDF - MA2 does not mean API SL are achieved, second PDF - Rotella T6 is not MA2 (certified). ... then who read these comments can try even a frying oil on his bike, but because I'm an chemical engineer working even on lubrificant production (not for Castrol, Motul or Shell) my statements are not an opinion. You should use a API SL and MA2 certified oil and a Diesel Engine Oil is not. About the fact you need real unbiased proof I think you are in the wrong way. You don't have chemical laboratories, years of experience and enough money to achieve your target! Sorry this is the harsh reality. Peace!

Grumpy Goat
45 minutes ago
@fortunato lagana Not to belabour the point but you did state "Unfortunately your test cannot be representative and it is wrong to ensure people it is suitable for a motorbike." The subject of that sentence is my test, so it is reasonable to interpret the rest of the sentence to me, i.e. "Grumpy Goat is wrong to ensure people it is suitable for a motorbike."

I take the rest of your message in good spirit based on your stated qualification and experience. I too am an engineer (but not a chemical engineer, so I defer to you on these issues) and am also an auditor, so I am fairly well experienced and positioned to take a balanced view of facts when they are presented.

Speaking of which, someone else here posted that they put 63,000 miles on a bike like ours (RS) using only Rotella T6 and had no issues. That testimony is equally valid, in my books. ?

[MrVvrroomm]

Plenty of anecdotal evidence out there to support quality, clean oil regardless of brand/viscosity/rating/whatever is better than old shitty oil.

When is the last time anyone on this forum or any other has had a motor failure due to using the "wrong" oil. I'll wait.

[Grumpy Goat]

Can’t argue with that.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

Mobil one car oil for me. Never had a problem with an engine I used it on.

[Grumpy Goat]

Mobil one car oil for me. Never had a problem with an engine I used it on.

Hmmmm ... first I've heard anyone use Mobil 1 in their RS with no clutch problems. Doesn't state that it meets JASO MA2 though ...

[VTBob]

This is an Oil blog so it has to have more opinion..so I'll add to the mix

I've used the Shell T6 is my diesel tractors for years...no reason to complain at all...cheap at Walmart.

I'll never use it in my cars or bikes...because it is formulated for Diesel...In my level of ignorance I'm assume it is a good 5-40 base oil but the additive mix if for Diesel, much higher compression, likely more blow by, etc etc so at least the detergent mix are aimed toward that.

I've used the Castrol (most of the time), BMW (when dealer service is done) and Golden Specto oils (when I feel rich) motorcycle oils.

My favorite toy is worth the extra love and few bucks.

I like Mr. Vroooom point

[Grumpy Goat]

Yours are good points too, Bob.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

GG, I've used the Mobil 1 in at least three wet clutch bikes TDM-850, FJ-09, and the RS. No clutch problems at all. Also used it in several dry clutch boxers.

[Grumpy Goat]

GG, I've used the Mobil 1 in at least three wet clutch bikes TDM-850, FJ-09, and the RS. No clutch problems at all. Also used it in several dry clutch boxers.

Thanks for confirming that, Bob. At least, unlike Rotella T6, it is for petrol engines.

[SoCalR1200RS]

Good to know others have been using the T6 with success! I used T6 in my S1000RR with no issues and have a couple of gallons extra so I'm glad to know I can safely use it in the RS when the next oil change is due!

[36654]

My first job out of college was on a Hydroturbine development for Argentina. We were an American company, the customer was Argentinian and their consultants were Swedish. Suspiciously, although we won the contract, the customer routinely raised the issue of what international standard should be applied to satisfy the contract. It sure seemed like an attempt to renegotiate price....

According to the US brochure for Rotella T6, it says it meets JASO MA2. Listing an API rating for a SI engine wouldn't add much to the marketing for a Diesel motor oil. In fact, it would probably add confusion and possibly result in the loss of some diesel owners......

In all honesty, Rotella T6 is likely cheaper than a T4 MC oil, because most Diesel engines are larger and have generous oil capacities. Motorcycles, on the other hand, are toys and people tend to overspend on toys.