Purple Royal oil

Hi,

I changed my oil last weekend and used Rotella Synthetic and I drained Purple Royal oil. Even though I have read many people liking Purple Royal I have to say that I had to top off my bike 2 times in the last 4,000 miles using the P.R. . I never had to top off my Reflex, Majesty, or the Silver Wing before this. This was the only time that I used P.R. and I really don't think I will use it again. Other than that I didn't have any other problem, i.e. overheating, leaks etc but I didn't like the fact I had to top it off.

The first time I topped it off it was almost at the very bottom of the dip stick and the 2nd time it wasn't quite that low. But after I change my oil I am kind of anal about checking the level the next few days and all was good then. But I checked it about a month later and it was this low and I thought I may have had a leak. I parked my bike over a piece of cardboard to see if it was leaking and I didn't see any drops at all, so I just have to think that I was burning this oil.

Have any of you used this oil before and had this happen? I have read that many people use this and seem to really like it. But I think I will pass on it from now on.

I too, use Rotella synthetic that I buy in the big jugs at Wal-Mart. Never burns any oil, good mileage, and looks good coming out at 3,000 or more. Stay with the sure thing. The big rigs swear buy mileage and fuel saving.

Mighty Thumper

Jeff, what viscosity Rotella Synt do you use for the S'wing oil change?? I recently changed oil on my '05 S'wing purchased used, and since I did not trust the seller's judgement about his having the oil changed at 600 mi (S'W has 1450 mi on ODO), I drained it, purchased Honda 4cycle SJ oil at 4.99/ qt and filled C'case to specs. Is Rotella SYN better for use in the S'Wing than the Honda mineral oil?? I've used regular Penz in my Goldwing and 400 burgman in previous years without adding any between changes, so I've continued to use the mineral oil rather than the SYN! Advise please about Rotella and its assets! THNX

Bob

Bob,

I think my oil is a 15/40 weight but I will check tonight. I use syn since it just seems to be better when reading all of the remarks about it. I don't have anything against the dino oil at all but it seems everyone/thing says that the syn provides better lubrication to the moving parts. The only time my SWing used oil was with the Purple Royal and I'm not sure why.

Also, since I'm not an authority on oil I would hope others would chime in on the reasons for Rotella. I have just read so many others liking it that I decided to try it. I usually used the Mobil syn or the Amsoil oil.

Need some oil advice: For my first oil change (after the initial 600-mile service) I went to the Honda dealer, where they had some confusion about the proper type of oil--something about "with moly" or "without moly." After checking my manual, I got the proper one and easily changed my oil.

Now I need to do it again, but if there's a better and cheaper alternative to the Honda product, that's what I want. I see above that synthetics are recommended, maybe Rotella synthetic. Are all synthetics OK to use? Are there any particular markings or labelings that they need to have?

Thanks,
a different Bob

Bob,

I just use a good quality synthetic for my crankcase and final drive, although I did put in gear oil in the last time in my final drive. I have used Amsoil, Mobil syn, Rotella syn, and tried Royal Purple once. I use a 15-40w oil that is a quality syn and figure it is more than good enough for the SWing. Some just use a good dino and are very happy with it. I think any good oil would do just fine since the SWing's engine is so well engineered. These are just my opinions though.

I have a pictorial on how to change the Final Drive Oil without removing any tupperware or covers. You may just want to change that oil too while you're at it. It only used 10oz of oil and takes maybe 15 mins. Look in the maintenance section for the "Final Drive Oil".

Doesn't the owners manual say (going from memory here) the weight should be 10W-30? Just asking.

The owners manual does indeed specify 10W30 as the "Recommended engine oil".

Please let's not run down (or slide down) the slippery slope of engine oil discussions.

I should add, the owners manual is complete and should be the first item referenced regarding all maintenance issues. I don't wirte that statement simply because I am a Technical Writer.

But, use the oil you like, it's your bike.

I can't recall ever seeing 10W30 oil at a motorcycle dealer, to be honest. I just checked and the only weights Honda labels is 10W40 and 20W50. I guess I'll use the 10W40 which covers the range.

I stand corrected. I understand the AmsOil has a 10W30 oil for "high reving" engines. Red Line also.

Jay600 wrote:

I can't recall ever seeing 10W30 oil at a motorcycle dealer, to be honest. I just checked and the only weights Honda labels is 10W40 and 20W50. I guess I'll use the 10W40 which covers the range.

I stand corrected. I understand the AmsOil has a 10W30 oil for "high reving" engines. Red Line also.

Honda sells a 10W-30. I just bought some at my dealer on Saturday. Not badly priced either. I expected to pay $8-$9 a quart. Was $5 and change. For as little as the Swing uses (2.3 qts) you certainly can afford the best. And I don't mean to say that Honda brand is the best.

Jay600 wrote:

I can't recall ever seeing 10W30 oil at a motorcycle dealer, to be honest. I just checked and the only weights Honda labels is 10W40 and 20W50. I guess I'll use the 10W40 which covers the range.

I stand corrected. I understand the AmsOil has a 10W30 oil for "high reving" engines. Red Line also.

I use the Amsoil 10w30 motorcycle oil. They also have a 10w40 if you feel like you need it.

Jay600 wrote:

Doesn't the owners manual say (going from memory here) the weight should be 10W-30? Just asking.

My 07 manual says 10W/40 oil. I use Castrol Full Synthetic 10W/40 in crankcase and final drive. I change every 3000 miles, & I know that's overdoing it, but I'm anal about oil changes. Since I do my own, it's not that expensive, and it can't hurt anything.

Wendell