Engine Oil

[S.E.Lucas]

How often should I change it and what type should I use, weights and that? I've noticed that my clutch doesn't go off fully when I accelerate, would bad oil cause this? I don't know what the correct word is I ride a sherco 290 if that makes any difference to what oil or when I should change it. Anyone know how much I should put in?

[robert]

Im assuming you mean gearbox oil not motor oil. Your motor oil is your 2 stroke mixed through the fuel.

I generally try and change mine every 4 serious rides. SO full practice days or trials.

As far as oil, all bikes are different. Ive always gone for the lightest oil around. Previously ive seen people using trac tran and things like that too. They all do the same job effectively. I found with one of my old bikes that if i used a slightly heavier oil the clutch didnt like to engage or disengage.

[Neo]

Hi S.E.Lucas,

As you know I have an 02. 290 - Finding the right oil has been a bit of problem because the clutch has a problem with sticking (not disengaging) on first start up and it can also be snappy with the wrong oil too. I’ve fond that Dextron II stops the Sticking but the clutch is far too snappy.

The best solution I’ve found is “Shell Advance Gear” (semi synthetic) This is not a perfect solution but it dose reduce the sticking and it does give good clutch control.
Believe it or I not found it in any Shell petrol station. Only motorbike shops.

This has been my experience but you should be aware that, for some reason, Sherco do not recommend the use of semi or synthetic gear oils.

BTW I also use Shell VSX two stroke oil at 80:1 and find it perfect like that.


Best of mixing and balance.

Neo

[S.E.Lucas]

Thanks for the help. I did mean gearbox oil, I've just been brought up on four-strokes

I suppose I'll be changing it once weekly by the sounds of it.

Neo, what gearing are you running on your 290?

[Neo]

Hi S.E.Lucas

On the 02 I’m told that the gearing is higher than other years so I’m swapping over to a 9 tooth front sprocket. Which oddly enough I just ordered today. But I don’t really know about your 290. May need to run this past a few people here or Trials Central.

I spent the weekend riding in first gear (normally I use 2nd for most climbs) and using the clutch a great deal. Apart from a aching index finger the result were very promising.

Best of balance.

Neo

[S.E.Lucas]

I was going to say that I never use 1st gear. That's why I asked the question

I mostly stay in 3rd and use the clutch a lot unless there are is a lot of stops then I'll use 2nd. I have a feeling that this is the wrong way to do it.

[S.E.Lucas]

I changed my oil again today using some light gear oil but I seem to be getting a lot of clutch slip. Would this be because of the oil? Should I try a thicker one or is it a clutch issue?

Also how do I change my clutch fluid?

[Beech]

I've found over twenty years the best I've ever used is Pennzoil 5w/30w.
Available from many outlets incl Repco ect. It always warms up quickly and never gives any clutch problems, I've tried others from time to time but this always works great. Many experienced trials mechanics say 5-30 is the go and it definitely is.

[S.E.Lucas]

Ok, thanks. I'll give that a go

[Neo]

I've found over twenty years the best I've ever used is Pennzoil 5w/30w.
Available from many outlets incl Repco ect. It always warms up quickly and never gives any clutch problems, I've tried others from time to time but this always works great. Many experienced trials mechanics say 5-30 is the go and it definitely is.

Hey Beech,

Pennzoil don't seem to do a 5w/30w
http://www.pennzoil.com.au/products/pz_ ... retail.asp

There's 5w/40w and 10w/30w but no 5w/30w

Am I missing something?


Best of balance.

Neo