Oil change - will this cause issues?

[VNA]

Haven't had a go in a good oil thread for years.  This is just like old times!  :lol

Last time we did an oil thread it went on for endless pages and caused a few headaches.  :wall

As you rightly say, if an oil meets Yamaha's specs and stays 'in grade' for whatever oil change interval you work to, then it doesn't matter what pictures are on the can.

Not quite what I was saying.  I think the fear is it can meet the API spec (which is pretty basic in the case of the old thou) but wreck the clutch cos it has a friction modifier in it.  So that’s why, being lazy, or playing safe, I choose an oil with a picture of a motorcycle on it.  Or if you wish to be a little more scientific about it, you look for a JASO spec ie JASO MA2 rather than just a picture of a motorcycle :lol


JASO MA2 means - This specification was introduced in 2006 for modern motorcycle engines. As well as being a higher standard of oil the JASO-MA2 approval means the oil is suitable for use in bikes with catalytic converts in the exhaust system.  JASO-MA oils don’t contain friction modifiers.


Yamaha specifies API SE I think.
In my garage I have found the following;
Silkoline super 4 – API SF,SG and SH        JASO MA2            10/40
Silolene comp 4 – API SL                                JASO MA2          10/40
Motul 5100 4T  - API SG,SH,SJ,SL,SM      JASO MA2    JASO T903  10/40
Castrol Edge 5130 – VW 504 00/507 00  5/30
Quantum Platinum – VW 502/00                5/40
I think the problem is the oil manufactures are a bit vague as to which oils they use friction modifiers in and which they do not.  And yup it pays em to be vague, as they can them sell us the same oil, or a cheaper lower grade oil for a higher price.  Good for them and good for the motorcycle retailers but we get ripped off.