98 Yamaha oil?

[CATCRACKER]

what kind of oil should i run in my 98 yamaha big bear 350 4x4. i think it has a wet clutch so i dont think i can run synthetic. what would you guys suggest? i have always used yamaha lube but i am not very happy with it.

 

[Skydiver]

I own same unit.

Mine is a 98yfm350 4x2 and I run castrol 20w50.

What a pain it is to remove the oil strainer if, the 4x4 is like the 4x2.

Tim

 

[Big E]

You can use synthetics. Just make sure that it is wet clutch compatible. Many automotive oils contain friction modifiers and viscosity index improvers. These can cause clutch slippage and sludge buildup in motorcycle engines. (So I've been told. )



I've been using Amsoil's Formula 4-stroke 0W-40 in my 93 Honda 300 and my 03 Arctic Cat 500i. I have no complaints.

 

[TowPro]

I use Amsoil 4 stroke motorcycle oil in my Beartracker, Husqvarna TE-610, Kohler 18hp riding mower, Log splitter, Generac Generator, etc, etc.



I used to run Castrol (and others) in my XR-600 I used to race. After only 30 miles I could drain the oil (cold) and it would run out like water. the oils designed for Motorcycles don't have this viscosity breakdown problem.



Somebody explained to me that an oil molecules are shaped like a ribbon, run it through a roller bearing and it gets cut in 1/2. Run it through a roller bearing several times, and it gets real small. He went on to say oils designed for motorcycles have round molecules. Don't know for sure why, but I notice the Amsoil (and other synthetic motorcycle oils) are still thick when I drain them, and because of that, you don't have to drain them as often. I think I run around 300 miles in my Dirtbike between changes. That is as long as I stay out of the water with it.



Now the Bear Tracker is used for yard work in the summer, and snow plowing in the winter, I change it every spring and fall.

 

[CATCRACKER]

I guess i will have to call the mfg's to find out if it is wet clutch compatible. can i run mobile one syn?

 

[rfcom]

I have a 2000 Yamaha Venture and a 2002 Yamaha Grizzly. They both get Castrol 4-stroke Motorcycle in 10W40. Both owners manuals specifically state not to use automotive oils that have the energy conserving symbol on the bottle. You can also use synthetic motorcycle oil, such as Golden Spectro, but at $10 per liter, they can keep it.



Jim

 

[TowPro]

Originally posted by rfcom

, but at $10 per liter, they can keep it.



Jim

Thats another reason I run Amsoil, Prefered Customer cost is under $5. 00 per quart.

 

[Smokin 90]

I am a Snowmobile, ATV, and Motorcycle mechanic and at the shop I work at we use the manufacturers oil in whatever we work on, in your case it would be Yamaha 10w-40. In my 94 Yamaha YZF 750 street bike I use Motul Synthetic, it costs almost twice as much as the stock stuff but it sure makes a big difference in shift quality and clutch action.



Just my . 02

Kurt