Oil for smoother shifts

[garncarz]

I know, another oil thread... I did search and didn't find a thread addressing this specifically. And I value the opinions on the forum, so here goes.....

My 2014 GL1800AC doesn't shift great. I typically preload on the 1-2 shift. Still clunky in general and sometimes its hard to find neutral. I'm using Honda GN4 10W-30 Motorcycle Oil currently. Less than 200 miles since it was changed. What's the best motorcycle oil/additive you've experienced for shift quality? Thanks.

[kwthom]

The Honda transmission has never been a 'buttery smooth' transmission.

How many miles on this machine that's only six years old?

[Rocky]

How many miles on the bike?

Test- Grab your shifter with your "Hand" how much play does it have "Up/Down" ??

The 2 shifter Hyme joints are not serviceable and have a lot of slop/play right out of the box, and tend to wear as they are used.
Your environment plays into wear as well.


OIL---
My bikes prefer Rotella T4 15/40 (5,000-intervals)


The T6 Synthetic had me changing oil to soon due to viscosity breakdown. (3,000-intervals) ya weird huh?



I tell everyone- Try different oil weights/brands until YOU find what your bike likes??

[garncarz]

The Honda transmission has never been a 'buttery smooth' transmission.

How many miles on this machine that's only six years old?

3,900

[kwthom]

You don't really have that machine broke in, to be honest.

Run that oil you have in the bike another 1000 miles or so, then toss in one of those two that Rocky mentioned.

[garncarz]

[QUOTE=Rocky;n135663]How many miles on the bike?

Test- Grab your shifter with your "Hand" how much play does it have "Up/Down" ??

The 2 shifter Hyme joints are not serviceable and have a lot of slop/play right out of the box, and tend to wear as they are used.
Your environment plays into wear as well.


6 mm of play in the shifter.

[Rocky]

6 mm of play in the shifter.

6mm is not a lot of play at your mileage.

My 1800 gets temperamental shifting after 4500 miles after an oil change.


As kwthom says. these 1800 trans are a harder than other bike transmission to shift smooth. (It's about technique)

I've owned 6 GL models the 1800 is the worst of all of them to shift smoothly.

Some days it is as smooth as glass. if it gets a hair across its A s s ?
I'm trying to find that technique again.

My 86 1200 SEI shifts soooo much better.

[garncarz]

Thanks for the advice. I'll give the rotella a try at the next change.

[dxlnt1]

Although its not cheap in comparison, I use Royal purple in mine. Shifts are very smooth. And quieted the noise down from the gear box

[Clamper]

I have been using Shell T-6 for 172,000 miles and the only time it gives me trouble is when I get in a hurry and wear my shoes instead of the Boots. And yes after 5000 to 8000 miles it does shift a little harder or clunk if you prefer.

Edit: I have 214,540 miles on my 2004.

[Rocky]

My bike loves the "Rocky shifter kit".

Much smoother shorter positive shifts.

[GWJHB]

I found a noticeable improvement when switching from semi-synthetic to full synthetic oil (Amsoil)...... Jim

[garncarz]

Switched to Mobil1 Racing 4T. Initial impression is that she shifts more smoothly than with GN4.

[travellingtenor]

I use RedLine 20-50 full synthetic and it works for me here in the desert. I would not use it in a cooler climate. I have run it for a lot of years and I have had zero problems and the shifting is pretty good.