SAB Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 Are there any realistic mechanical dangers to running a heavier weight oil than what the manual calls for? I know...I know...not another one of THOSE threads, FFS. Bike in question: 2012 Aprilia RSV4 APRC Manual calls for 5w-40 Would running a heavier weight oil (Amsoil 20w-50 or Motul 15W-50) present any real mechanical issues with the later (2011 onwards) APRC engines? I've been happily running Amsoil 20W-50 in my 05 R1 for years without issue. The manual even lists it as an acceptable weight in a given operating temperature range. I have little concern for what oil will yield me the most power. A few guys over on the Ape forum suggested that the reason Ape switched from 15w-50 in the 09-10 RSV4's to 5w-40 in the 11-13's was to squeeze out a couple of more ponies in the ever important (ahem) mag dyno shootouts. My main priority is engine protection. So, would it be safe to run the oil I've grown accustomed to using in the R1 (20w-50) in the '12 RSV4? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahatma Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 Wouldn't a heavier weight oil yield less HP? I would stick with 5w-40 or 10w-40 quality oil if I were you.Especially now it's getting colder, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdunc Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 Heavier weight oil will put more strain on the oil pump drive, especially if the clearances are set for 5/40w. Don't see any gain in using 15/40. As Kitparts, says it's the valves and valve train that suffer on these, the exhaust valves in particular suffer when used with aftermarket exhausts and the wrong engine map. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorenzo Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 If it can cope with 40 at temp, then surely it can cope with 15 when cold? A 40 weight oil at temp is stupidly thin in comparison to a 15 weight oil when cold, and it's probably a good deal thinner than a cold 5 weight oil too. If you're fucking about with oils and wanting to put something thicker in there for protection when it's hot, I'd still try and match the cold number, if anything go lower rather than heavier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick448 Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 Why would you want to ho away from the advice given by the manufacturer of the engine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evilchicken0 Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 If the engine is running hot then try to uprate the cooling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted November 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I guess I was a bit confused as to why Ape would go from 15w-50 to 5w-40. If they switched because they wanted to stay relevant in the dyno shootouts at the cost of engine protection, then I wanted to run the heavier oil. I could care less about losing a few ponies. Mille that was good info. I googled it a bit and you're spot on. Thanks, Learned something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evilchicken0 Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 But you'll still run 20-50 in your R1 ... ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted November 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 ^ Why not? It's listed as an acceptable weight in the owner's manual. She's been lovely during the 7k miles I've put on her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildawson8270 Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Is it listed as an acceptable weight for the climate in which you are using it though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted November 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Is it listed as an acceptable weight for the climate in which you are using it though? Yes. Page 8.1 of the manual lists 20w-40 for climate operating temps between 5 and 45 degrees Celsius. Is that another cock up in the manual then like the 72ft lbs of torque for the rear sprocket nuts mistake? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildawson8270 Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 ^^^ But you're running 20-50 not 20-40? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted November 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Surely she won't blow herself to the moon over that difference? Yamalube is the only offering I've seen over here in 20w-40. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildawson8270 Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Maybe not, but I'd still stick with what the manufacturers suggest unless I had specific reason not to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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