Oil Questions Asked And Answered

Originally Posted by Schamby

I am just going to stay out of it.

Paul, pull up that skirt and chime in, you've seen the inside of more Vics than some dealer mechanics. If anyone has a valued opinion you'd be the man.

[ALStensby]

Since I'm sure you're all dying to know, I just rode up to Northway to get the stuff (they were out of the filters when I first called and I have a touch of impatience at times). Frankly, it was all settled for me once I learned that it wasn't just a standard jug of oil with the Victory name slapped on it...but actually one that was developed by the engineers specifically for the bike.

And dang these things are easy to change the oil on.

[Crimsonaro]

Nice thing about the TCVR is that when there is an oil thread, people really just post their 2 cents and walk away. Unlike other places where it turns into a 16 page argument and half of them are complaints about 'another oil thread'.

this place rocks.

I use mainly Vic oil. I think I used something else twice when I was spending 9-10 hours at work and 2 hours commuting every day. And living just a little bit over paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes in life you have to start trimming the budget even if it is a risk later. And at the time I couldn't justify the hour and a half round trip to the dealership just to pay more and burn more gas. About all I can tell you is it another oil. I'm a skeptic every time I hear someone say "this oil is better/worse." With out data it's too much of a personal judgement call.

What I haven't seen mentioned here yet, is that there is allegedly an additive in the Victory brand oil that aids the oil in carrying the heat out of the engine. Since they are air/oil cooled, I reckon that one may carry some weight.

I do wish Vic and the mothership would release a smidgeon of the data shows why the branded oil is better. Although competitors would probably start trying to clone it and release their own data. It's just that I work on robots/automation and know there is certain lubes that are better for certain applications, but knowing why helps. Specially when it comes to convincing the next guy not to change the oil to something cheaper because management starts screaming for cost cutting measures.

Other then that, I use Vic oil most of the time because I can. I don't use Motorcraft oil in my truck. Does that make me a hypocrite?

I'm gone...

[KillerX]

Most of you have seen how I ride. I now have over 75,000mi on my Hammer. Since I bought the bike in 2007 with 3900mi on it, I have used Rotella 15-40, and a Walmart filter. Costs about $20.

No opinion. Just my experience.

[Joe Gopher]

Originally Posted by KillerX

Most of you have seen how I ride. I now have over 75,000mi on my Hammer. Since I bought the bike in 2007 with 3900mi on it, I have used Rotella 15-40, and a Walmart filter. Costs about $20.

No opinion. Just my experience.

Hmmm, now the real reason comes out as to why your bike is so fast!!!

You've been holding out all these years Kyle. I'm switching to Rotella! Or is it Canola??? Sometimes these oil threads make me so cornfused...

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally Posted by JoeGopher

You've been holding out all these years Kyle. I'm switching to Rotella! Or is it Canola??? Sometimes these oil threads make me so cornfused...

Now Joe that's just plain CORNY!

Originally Posted by KillerX

Most of you have seen how I ride. I now have over 75,000mi on my Hammer. Since I bought the bike in 2007 with 3900mi on it, I have used Rotella 15-40, and a Walmart filter. Costs about $20.

No opinion. Just my experience.

Hmmm, snake oil. And they say it never works

[Sparky_Bill]

Originally Posted by flatsboy

Hmmm, snake oil. And they say it never works

Ahhhh snake oil? That explains the paint job.

[Rainmaker]

Sparky, I mean no offense to anyone asking a question, but how about pinning the oil subject at the top of the forum list. Every new rider or old ones like me who forget that we discussed this last year (or was it last month) The results are the same. Nothing ever changes. Even the jokes. Although no one tried to sell Amsoil this round...yet.
I think most of us who use Victory oil use for all the reasons expressed here and those who don't for the same reasons expressed here.
Just a suggestion. I'll probably make this same suggestion next time.

Originally Posted by Rainmaker

old ones like me who forget that we discussed this last year (or was it last month)

Rob, they make a pill for that. Try one of mine, they work great. If I can just remember where I put them....

As a new bike owner and a woman, this all helps me to decide which is best for my Garrett. I plan on keeping him, my life time, running or not. I want the best for him. I have used all. Bristows want $165.00 for an oil change. I may be a woman, but I do know how to change the oil in my SUV and have, as well as know how to on my bike. I refuse to GIVE them money. I have gone to other bike places and had them to change it, using there filter and oil. My bike is a 2008, I am the second owner, and has 16,000+ on it (it had 8,200 miles when I bought it a year ago in Jan). I consider this "still breaking in" miles. I want it to last but am confused. I know longer feel bad for saving some extra money, however I will go back to Victory oil, when I can. I will just buy the oil change kit and have Hardtails in St. Cloud change it. No sense in me taking away from riding time when they have all the equipment to do it , plus they only charge $25 for an oil change, not $165.00

[ALStensby]

Originally Posted by SuesAsses

plus they only charge $25 for an oil change, not $165.00

Only $25? That's not half bad to save a little time. I need to check what the final cost is for Northway to do mine. Oil changes are the only thing I have others do on my car. Not because I can't or anything, but because they see hundreds of them and I see...mine. They know signs for common issues well before they become issues.

[stillsteamn]

The early part of this thread mentions potential clutch slippage if you use the wrong oil. You do need to use motorcycle specific oil for sure. I am running Amsoil motorcycle oil in my KP as I mentioned earlier. This note is just an additional observation. The other day I absent-mindedly downshifted instead of upshifted. Released the clutch lever as per usual, and I can guarantee there was no clutch slippage judging by the instant sliding rear tire. I do not recommend you try this (but I'm guessing I am not the first).

[Pyro]

I have only used Victory oil in my Hammer, but have noticed that it is kind of foamy at times. Is this normal or should I have concerns?

I agree Adam! They can tell just by looking at the oil if there is an issue. I have not had any clutch slippage and yes I have accidently down shifted and skid the back tire...oops. I do use only motorcycle oil. I only to it to the bike shops to have them do the change and I am picky about what shop. I always have to see the oil and make sure that it is new and a brand that I am aware of and has a good rep, although I am still learning this part.