|
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Lillian, Alabama | Ok, I just changed my oil on Saturday and went with the Rotella T6 (full synthetic). I'm not trying to start any kind of oil debate but....
Most posts that I've read from people switching to Rotella claim quieter engine noise and quieter shifting.
This DID NOT work for me. The engine is definitely noisier, The shifter is definitely clunkier and to top it off....the gear indicator is now very undependable. It can take more than 5 seconds to change after a shift is made...or it can just be wrong altogether. I stopped at a red light the other day...had the tranny in 1st gear and the indicator was flashing back and forth from 2nd to 3rd!!!!!
On the good side...no clutch slippage. Everything else seems just fine.
Why would the same oil, put into the same model bikes....produce different results? |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 99
Cold lake Alberta | It can take more than 5 seconds to change after a shift is made...or it can just be wrong altogether. I stopped at a red light the other day...had the tranny in 1st gear and the indicator was flashing back and forth from 2nd to 3rd!!!!!
Welcome to my world with 11000 kms and Vic oil, I also lost my grenn neutral light. I think theres some kind of bolt in the primary that needs changing! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 244
Fargo, ND | I just had my flakey shift indicator fixed under my 5-year extended warranty. There is a bolt in the primary that causes it. Side cover gasket needs to be replaced when the do the job. It can be done without dumping the oil if they tip the bike on it's side, but you might as well schedule to have it done when you need an oil change and get a two-fer.  |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | The gear indicator is no oil based. No matter what oils I use, Polaris,Mobil,amsoil and rotella it does the samething. And only gets worse with age and mileage.. dealer said I need the sensor replaced. Ill worry about it in the winter. . Its a defect. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | BTW just like my green neutral light just one day it started to Act up.. my gear indicator didn't start to act up until after 9000 miles and just started one day out of the blue |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | R-o-t-e-l-l-a tomorrow, silver jug, I believe. I've been using the SuperTech filter for sometime so this should be a good combo. Please don't lose any sleep over an indicator, if you ain't learned by now what gear you are in, you just don't ride enough. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Lillian, Alabama | I really don't have a need for the gear indicator. I've been riding for 35 years without one so that's no big deal....it just seemed strange that it coincided directly with the chance to synthetic oil....just wondering if there was a correlation or merely coincidence. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 235
Kincardine, Ontario, Canada | had my gear indicator switch replaced along with the new bolt and star washer, it was good for a week before starting up again.
I have discovered if you jiggle the wiring behind the front drive gear housing the problem corrects itself for a few days before acting up again and requiring jiggling of the wiring harness. I believe there is either a short to ground or a poor connector. I'm leaving it that way until the winter.
Moose381 you're right most of us don't need it, but it's funny how I have become dependant on it with my aggressive riding.
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Moose381 - 2010-08-13 1:21 PM
I really don't have a need for the gear indicator. I've been riding for 35 years without one so that's no big deal....it just seemed strange that it coincided directly with the chance to synthetic oil....just wondering if there was a correlation or merely coincidence.
I had a 1980s model Suzuki that had a gear indicator, along with neutral. I always considered it a guide, not a fact. Even back then they had a 'false neutral' issue, so I got in the habit of always keeping the front brake engaged and sloowly letting out the clutch just to be safe.
I took that 850 in-line four across country and back - Man, would not even consider that today! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 99
Cold lake Alberta | Please don't lose any sleep over an indicator, if you ain't learned by now what gear you are in, you just don't ride enough.
Well trur enough varyryder but..why bother putting it on then? And of course we paid for it so it should danged well work.
Love my Vision and KP but fit n finish on the Visions are poor.
If this is a known fault going back to 08 it should have been fixed by 09!
Cmon Victory your making awesome bikes, lets get the little crap taken care of! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | salty - 2010-08-13 10:40 PM
Please don't lose any sleep over an indicator, if you ain't learned by now what gear you are in, you just don't ride enough.
Well trur enough varyryder but..why bother putting it on then? And of course we paid for it so it should danged well work.
Love my Vision and KP but fit n finish on the Visions are poor.
If this is a known fault going back to 08 it should have been fixed by 09!
Cmon Victory your making awesome bikes, lets get the little crap taken care of!
yeah, sorry I get carried away. I actually did think when I bought my Vision "Why did they have to put on a stinkin' gear indicator on this bike, it'll just gives something to go bad and people something to ...."
Something that has been on other bikes as well, and it has became a sore spot also, and this includes the required green safety light that would work on the showroom floor to meet CFR.
I question the magnatude of some problems, though they may seem overwhelming based on a few folks that post on forums, the slice is thin compared to overall ownership. So the question is, how many are really experiencing the problems and complaining directly to Victory so they know they have a problem? A few words on the internet is not likely to rattle any corporate's cage, but being inudated with complaints directly to them will.
Edited by varyder 2010-08-13 10:06 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | varyder - 2010-08-13 9:56 PM
salty - 2010-08-13 10:40 PM
Please don't lose any sleep over an indicator, if you ain't learned by now what gear you are in, you just don't ride enough.
Well trur enough varyryder but..why bother putting it on then? And of course we paid for it so it should danged well work.
Love my Vision and KP but fit n finish on the Visions are poor.
If this is a known fault going back to 08 it should have been fixed by 09!
Cmon Victory your making awesome bikes, lets get the little crap taken care of!
yeah, sorry I get carried away. I actually did think when I bought my Vision "Why did they have to put on a stinkin' gear indicator on this bike, it'll just gives something to go bad and people something to ...."
Something that has been on other bikes as well, and it has became a sore spot also, and this includes the required green safety light that would work on the showroom floor to meet CFR.
I question the magnatude of some problems, though they may seem overwhelming based on a few folks that post on forums, the slice is thin compared to overall ownership. So the question is, how many are really experiencing the problems and complaining directly to Victory so they know they have a problem? A few words on the internet is not likely to rattle any corporate's cage, but being inudated with complaints directly to them will.
speaking of some of the problems and if they are important or not.. I wasnt able to pass state inspection withOut the green Neutral light! and if you dont have a warranty its almost $900 for that light to work! Ouch.... bad design, even the dealer was like... are you telling me they put all their lights and gauges into One seal cluster! and if one fails they ALL need replaced! as far as calling victory and letting them know..Good luck on that one as you dont actually get to speak with anyone that gives a hoot. you are referred to calling your dealer and they are the right people to contact for any problems with your victory product... |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
So. Cal | Whether the problem is big ( sheared gear bundle) or a simple neutral light issue ,.....a problem of any kind affects the joy of free riding. That is with a clear mind of possible break downs.
Though a simple idiot light will not affect my ride, the state requires its operation. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | ...yes, it appears to be a solid unit, so if one part fails, the entire cluster must be replaced to remedy it. In the scheme of things, I'm bare bones and would be content with an 8-Ball just as it is. However, I like listening to tunes and the convenience of some of the creature comforts. But with that being said, I've put many miles on the bike with the radio off, no cruise, and even in the dead of winter with no heated stuff on. But that's just me. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | Am I missing something here? Wasnt the question from the original poster having to do with engine noise? Loudness etc? Granted the mention of gear indicator came up, but I thought the main question was geared (pun intended) around engine noise level vs brand of oil.
So,,,,,,,,,, thats what I am going to respond to. Owning a 2008 VV street premium, I have always been a big Amsoil guy. It ifs good enough for my 40 foot boat with twin diesel Cummins engines, it outta be good enough for my motorcycle. On my first oil change, i changed out the oil. Within the first couple days i could tell the bike rode quieter AND slightly cooler then it did with whatever factory oil
was put in the bike by Polaris and my dealership (whoever puts in the first oil). To this day, my Victory tech says that I own the quietest
and smoothest riding Vision he has ever worked on. AND HE OWNS A VISION. He uses the purple stuff. I have to say that the biggest reason i just upgraded to stage1,level 1 was because the bike was too smooth and quiet. Now i have a great decent macho rumble
but a smooth tranny and all my gears and lights continue to work as they should. Is it due to Amsoil???? who's to say. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 77
Virginia Beach, Virginia | Sorry I missed this one before- when do we all get to come to Richmond for the dinner cruise on the boat? I can reciprocate on my 25 ft deck boat, once I get it to stop overheating and get the seat cleaned! But cmon, I will drive up quickly just to see you and varyder discuss the finer points of an oil change! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | Birdneckrider - 2010-09-11 7:31 AM Sorry I missed this one before- when do we all get to come to Richmond for the dinner cruise on the boat? I can reciprocate on my 25 ft deck boat, once I get it to stop overheating and get the seat cleaned! But cmon, I will drive up quickly just to see you and varyder discuss the finer points of an oil change! That's the way Bird', let's get these two guys goin at it. I love to watch the fur fly over oil. Ha!! Don, you can chime in here any time you like. ;-)
Edited by hoosiervic 2010-09-11 8:08 AM
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | OK, OK, I'm sure this question has already been answered, but I wasn't paying attention. My wife says I do that all the time. Victory recommends 20-40 weight oil. I have not found it in the full synthetics. Also do you use the full synthetics made especially for motorcycles or just the regular automobile oil? Vision riders have a lot more Vision miles under their belt now than they did when this subject first came up, so I am going to pay a little more attention to the responses. Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | you dont have to worry about the (20)w40 you only have to worry about the number AFTER the w40 as thats the true visocity. a lower number in front of the W will flow faster at colder temps. i personally use oils rated for a motorcycle. but after oil that is w40 or w50 ISNT energy conserv so you dont have to worry. but the reason why I use a motorcycle oil OR oil like rotella that is also rated for a motorcycle is because of the extra additives.. right now im using rotella 5W40 Full Synth.. it was $19 for a 4 qt jug from walmart. it IS rated jaso-ma our scooter use 4.5 qts so i just pruchased a extra qt and used have of it so the next oil change i will just purchase the 4 qt jug again. So far i have 1700 miles on the rotella and shifting is Still good. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | Thanks for the info, Ark. It sounds like the Rotella is working well for you. I've got a friend who uses it in his warrior.
My understanding on the numbers is different from what I think you are saying. I think the lower number is the lowest viscosity it will get to in high temperatures and, conversely, the higher number is the highest viscosity it will run at at low temperatures. My riding frequently takes me into three digit zones temperature wise, so I am a little concerned about the 5W thing. It would probably be OK in the winter, and the W50 stuff would probably be OK in the summer. So 10W40 in winter and 20W50 in summer.... whatcha think? |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Blue Sky Guy, your on the right track. Put it in and may the blue sky be always over your road!!
Edited by VisionTex 2010-09-14 9:34 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 244
Tucson , AZ | My light bounces around in the gears also... does not make a difference..Its been doing it for over a year now. But i do hear that Amsoil makes a big difference in the Vision. It will be in my bike my next time i change the oil.
Has anyone had any problems with the clutch slipping once they put Amsoil in??? i have read some posts that state the noticed the clutch slipping. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | ...it would occur with a hard style of riding more than just a "normal" riding style. I'm using Rotella 5w40 now and don't notice any significant difference. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | I sent an e-mail to Amsoil asking if they plan on offering a semi-synthetic product any time soon, I mentioned that clutch slippage is a concern with full synthetic. Here is the response:
JIM;
There is NO truth to the claim that full synthetic oils, that have passed JASO MA or the more stringent MA-2, causes clutch slippage. This specification is very specific on the performance of wet clutches and how it prevents slippage.
Byron Selbrede
Technical Services
AMSOIL INC.
ADDRESS: 1 AMSOIL Center, Superior, WI 54880
E-MAIL: bselbrede@amsoil.com
PHONE: 715-392-7101
FAX: 715-392-3097
I have used Amsoil in my bikes, including a Kingpin, and never noticed any slipping. The first 2 changes in my Vision were with VIC oil, I think it will be Amsoil at the next change. In the hot weather the VIC oil seems to breakdown around 1800 miles the shifting clunks much louder and neutral is harder to find. I have always changed oil & filter at 3000 miles, using Amsoil 10-40 my KP was just starting to sound louder when shifting at 3000.
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Lillian, Alabama | I think I found the culprit to my original question. I read a post by someone on here that the purolator oil filter is not approved for motorcycles. That is what I put on my vision when I changed the oil last (when the noise started...was noisey even at idle). Well last night I changed it and put on a Bosch filter....rode a few miles and there seems to be a marked difference in the noise level from the engine. I'm guessing the filter elements in the purolator may be too dense...not allowing sufficient oil flow through the engine, therefore increasing engine noise. What do y'all think? Is this possible? |
|
| |
Sorry about this, but I'm curious about an oil question
