SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

Shifting problems

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deltarider:
Actually 15W40 is the better oil, unless you live in the north of Canada and ride at temperatures below zero a lot. Mine shifts better with 15w40.

kifer:
I have read with great interest and am definitely no expert with regards to oil, But through the years have owned many 750,s,
As I remember I used Morriis oil 20/50 changed every 1000 miles, I don't even think it was bike specific, I used bikes every day in all weathers even snow and never had any gear box troubles.
Now moving on 30 years we have all these fancy oils but seem to have more problems with clutches and gear boxes.
That said I have as in a previous post just put 5/40 fully synth in an old DR and seriously its a better bike smooth changes etc.
I think keep it clean keep it changed cheaper oil more often.
Good luck with your 550,

Tomb:
Its more to do with the API (American Petroleum Institute) standards of modern oils rather than the grades, our old bikes are best suited to SE or SF oils, they have less friction inhibitors. Friction inhibitors of modern (SJ, SL, SM) oils are obviously a huge leap forward, until you put an old style clutch or starter motor clutch in the mix, then the problems can start. I always used 20/50 grade oil in my old bikes whilst they were readily available, they ain't any more coz modern cars use 15/40 now.

I always had better shifting with the heavier oils as they're nearer to proper EP (Extreme Pressure) gear oils.

I now use Morris Ring Free 15W/40 APISL which still gives me clutch slip but its the best I can get at none silly prices.

For our old bikes the cheaper/nastier the oil you can get, the better it is, that is as long as it does have an API of around SE or above.

toucheturtle:
I had the gearbox rebuilt and new clutch on my CB500 but once it was warm I still found it difficult to change up from 1st-2nd or to find neutral. I was using 10/40 mineral oil but am now using 15/40 Shell Helix. It has made a noticeable improvement, the change is very smooth when the engine is cold to warm but is still a bit reluctant to shift in to second when really hot.

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