Shell rotella equivalent

motoarmageddon wrote:

I ran Wesson oil in my TT500 never had a problem…should i keep using it?

adamw21 wrote:

NOT LOOKING FOR A OIL DEBATE DONT CARE ABOUT ANY OF THAT I have ran this stuff for years and have been satisfied So it seems...

NOT LOOKING FOR A OIL DEBATE DONT CARE ABOUT ANY OF THAT I have ran this stuff for years and have been satisfied


So it seems as if rotella is next to impossible to find. Heard some diesel buddies talk about them not being able to get it so I figured I better go buy some for oil changes this summer and sure enough shelves empty of t4 t6 and etc and no stores seem to have it instock. So what else are people using that’s equivalent to rotella but in the same price range ? I was buying a gallon of t4 for 15$ otd.

chuck356 wrote:

Never understood this fascination over oils designed for low RPM use (diesels) in motorcycles that turn 12,000 RPM, I have to wonder about foaming issues at...

Never understood this fascination over oils designed for low RPM use (diesels) in motorcycles that turn 12,000 RPM, I have to wonder about foaming issues at higher revs. I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue.

Broseph wrote:

What makes an oil a “motorcycle oil”?

chuck356 wrote:

Never understood this fascination over oils designed for low RPM use (diesels) in motorcycles that turn 12,000 RPM, I have to wonder about foaming issues at...

Never understood this fascination over oils designed for low RPM use (diesels) in motorcycles that turn 12,000 RPM, I have to wonder about foaming issues at higher revs. I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue.

Broseph wrote:

What makes an oil a “motorcycle oil”?

Broseph wrote:

Pouring Rotella T from a Motorex bottle while sipping water out of a Monster can. The world is not as it seems!

chuck356 wrote:

Never understood this fascination over oils designed for low RPM use (diesels) in motorcycles that turn 12,000 RPM, I have to wonder about foaming issues at...

Never understood this fascination over oils designed for low RPM use (diesels) in motorcycles that turn 12,000 RPM, I have to wonder about foaming issues at higher revs. I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue.

Broseph wrote:

What makes an oil a “motorcycle oil”?

TeamGreen wrote:

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs? As I recall, Shell Rotella was in...

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs?
As I recall, Shell Rotella was in the owners manual of a certain orange brand...for years...?

A few years ago, I went to the store to pick up Rotella...as requested...by a team crew chief...so, there's always that...and that was for factory engines. Not kidding.

As Chuck says above, "I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue." and that does makes sense.

I know the popular spec used for our engines that share the engine oil with the transmission is JASO MA2. Does your oil meet that spec?

As for the old-school Rotella users, there's all sorts of discussion and posts allllll over the internet and for many, many years about guys that have used the stuff FOREVER & plenty of discussions about "which T" to use, too!

The stuff works AND it makes economical sense, too.

Now, for those that CAN'T FIND IT...? I'm thinking any comparable oil that meets the same spec is the way to go...? Guessing on that; but, the specs are on the bottles. Chevron, Mobil, Motorcraft...etc.

Myself, I have Bel-Ray, Motorex, Lucas and VP oil in the shop. Recently had my KLR Adventure serviced at Fator's in Redding...Suzuki Ecstar from a drum

I think the point to this discussion is this...(KTM 450 SX-F for example)...you CAN put really good oil in your bike for $3.60 / QT (Gallon of Rotella T4 $14.38 at WalMart) ...$7.20
*Using 2 qts since you've got to crack a 2nd bottle for most user's needs/situation.
-OR-
$16.40/ltr (33.8 oz) for Motorex from MotoSport ...$32.80
-OR-
A complete Tusk oil change kit including 2 bottles of Maxima Synthetic, Filter, 12mm al. crush washer & disposable funnel for $28.88...(Bargain and great stuff).

Here's one that'll throw some of ya for a loop and it comes from being involved in OEM test programs: I -DO NOT- always change the Oil Filter. I do it per the recommended service interval/owners manual...usually.

Broseph wrote:

What makes an oil a “motorcycle oil”?

TeamGreen wrote:

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs? As I recall, Shell Rotella was in...

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs?
As I recall, Shell Rotella was in the owners manual of a certain orange brand...for years...?

A few years ago, I went to the store to pick up Rotella...as requested...by a team crew chief...so, there's always that...and that was for factory engines. Not kidding.

As Chuck says above, "I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue." and that does makes sense.

I know the popular spec used for our engines that share the engine oil with the transmission is JASO MA2. Does your oil meet that spec?

As for the old-school Rotella users, there's all sorts of discussion and posts allllll over the internet and for many, many years about guys that have used the stuff FOREVER & plenty of discussions about "which T" to use, too!

The stuff works AND it makes economical sense, too.

Now, for those that CAN'T FIND IT...? I'm thinking any comparable oil that meets the same spec is the way to go...? Guessing on that; but, the specs are on the bottles. Chevron, Mobil, Motorcraft...etc.

Myself, I have Bel-Ray, Motorex, Lucas and VP oil in the shop. Recently had my KLR Adventure serviced at Fator's in Redding...Suzuki Ecstar from a drum

I think the point to this discussion is this...(KTM 450 SX-F for example)...you CAN put really good oil in your bike for $3.60 / QT (Gallon of Rotella T4 $14.38 at WalMart) ...$7.20
*Using 2 qts since you've got to crack a 2nd bottle for most user's needs/situation.
-OR-
$16.40/ltr (33.8 oz) for Motorex from MotoSport ...$32.80
-OR-
A complete Tusk oil change kit including 2 bottles of Maxima Synthetic, Filter, 12mm al. crush washer & disposable funnel for $28.88...(Bargain and great stuff).

Here's one that'll throw some of ya for a loop and it comes from being involved in OEM test programs: I -DO NOT- always change the Oil Filter. I do it per the recommended service interval/owners manual...usually.

Fouled Plug wrote:

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money...

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money to purchase different oil if they did?
It seems the story of KTM using Rotella instead of their sponsors oil (Motorex) seems older than Rotella itself lol.

Broseph wrote:

What makes an oil a “motorcycle oil”?

TeamGreen wrote:

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs? As I recall, Shell Rotella was in...

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs?
As I recall, Shell Rotella was in the owners manual of a certain orange brand...for years...?

A few years ago, I went to the store to pick up Rotella...as requested...by a team crew chief...so, there's always that...and that was for factory engines. Not kidding.

As Chuck says above, "I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue." and that does makes sense.

I know the popular spec used for our engines that share the engine oil with the transmission is JASO MA2. Does your oil meet that spec?

As for the old-school Rotella users, there's all sorts of discussion and posts allllll over the internet and for many, many years about guys that have used the stuff FOREVER & plenty of discussions about "which T" to use, too!

The stuff works AND it makes economical sense, too.

Now, for those that CAN'T FIND IT...? I'm thinking any comparable oil that meets the same spec is the way to go...? Guessing on that; but, the specs are on the bottles. Chevron, Mobil, Motorcraft...etc.

Myself, I have Bel-Ray, Motorex, Lucas and VP oil in the shop. Recently had my KLR Adventure serviced at Fator's in Redding...Suzuki Ecstar from a drum

I think the point to this discussion is this...(KTM 450 SX-F for example)...you CAN put really good oil in your bike for $3.60 / QT (Gallon of Rotella T4 $14.38 at WalMart) ...$7.20
*Using 2 qts since you've got to crack a 2nd bottle for most user's needs/situation.
-OR-
$16.40/ltr (33.8 oz) for Motorex from MotoSport ...$32.80
-OR-
A complete Tusk oil change kit including 2 bottles of Maxima Synthetic, Filter, 12mm al. crush washer & disposable funnel for $28.88...(Bargain and great stuff).

Here's one that'll throw some of ya for a loop and it comes from being involved in OEM test programs: I -DO NOT- always change the Oil Filter. I do it per the recommended service interval/owners manual...usually.

Fouled Plug wrote:

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money...

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money to purchase different oil if they did?
It seems the story of KTM using Rotella instead of their sponsors oil (Motorex) seems older than Rotella itself lol.

adamw21 wrote:

And the bike raced a pro sx on a factory team and didn’t blow up with disel oil 😂😂 I have had nothing but luck with...

And the bike raced a pro sx on a factory team and didn’t blow up with disel oil 😂😂 I have had nothing but luck with it. Funny how I was asking for similar options if I couldn’t get rotella and it turns into a oil fight.

TeamGreen wrote:

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs? As I recall, Shell Rotella was in...

To break it down: what specifications does the oil for your engine require and what oil satisfies those specs?
As I recall, Shell Rotella was in the owners manual of a certain orange brand...for years...?

A few years ago, I went to the store to pick up Rotella...as requested...by a team crew chief...so, there's always that...and that was for factory engines. Not kidding.

As Chuck says above, "I just buy motorcycle oil for my motorcycles and never had an issue." and that does makes sense.

I know the popular spec used for our engines that share the engine oil with the transmission is JASO MA2. Does your oil meet that spec?

As for the old-school Rotella users, there's all sorts of discussion and posts allllll over the internet and for many, many years about guys that have used the stuff FOREVER & plenty of discussions about "which T" to use, too!

The stuff works AND it makes economical sense, too.

Now, for those that CAN'T FIND IT...? I'm thinking any comparable oil that meets the same spec is the way to go...? Guessing on that; but, the specs are on the bottles. Chevron, Mobil, Motorcraft...etc.

Myself, I have Bel-Ray, Motorex, Lucas and VP oil in the shop. Recently had my KLR Adventure serviced at Fator's in Redding...Suzuki Ecstar from a drum

I think the point to this discussion is this...(KTM 450 SX-F for example)...you CAN put really good oil in your bike for $3.60 / QT (Gallon of Rotella T4 $14.38 at WalMart) ...$7.20
*Using 2 qts since you've got to crack a 2nd bottle for most user's needs/situation.
-OR-
$16.40/ltr (33.8 oz) for Motorex from MotoSport ...$32.80
-OR-
A complete Tusk oil change kit including 2 bottles of Maxima Synthetic, Filter, 12mm al. crush washer & disposable funnel for $28.88...(Bargain and great stuff).

Here's one that'll throw some of ya for a loop and it comes from being involved in OEM test programs: I -DO NOT- always change the Oil Filter. I do it per the recommended service interval/owners manual...usually.

Fouled Plug wrote:

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money...

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money to purchase different oil if they did?
It seems the story of KTM using Rotella instead of their sponsors oil (Motorex) seems older than Rotella itself lol.

TeamGreen wrote:

Team was on the road and had done a lot of riding/testing locally and went thru more oil than they'd expected. Their shipment to the stadium/hotel...this...

Team was on the road and had done a lot of riding/testing locally and went thru more oil than they'd expected. Their shipment to the stadium/hotel...this was an out of town race, hadn't arrived yet. Went and got what was available.

And...this was a few years ago.

LungButter wrote:

No Rotella to be found in my neck of the woods either.

What about Chevron Delo 15w40 ?

LungButter wrote:

No Rotella to be found in my neck of the woods either.

What about Chevron Delo 15w40 ?

coastie44 wrote:

Al Posey (noted NorCal engine builder) recommended Chevron Delo 400 to me for my '13 KX450. I've ran it ever since. When that bike was opened...

Al Posey (noted NorCal engine builder) recommended Chevron Delo 400 to me for my '13 KX450. I've ran it ever since. When that bike was opened up a 94 hrs the builder (Haeseker) told me everything looked really, really well taken care of. We replaced things prophylactically, but not at all any issues with the oiling.

motoarmageddon wrote:

I ran Wesson oil in my TT500 never had a problem…should i keep using it?

mx317 wrote:

I remember watching a tour on the KTM race shop on TV and as Decoster was talking I saw a jug of Rotella sitting on the...

I remember watching a tour on the KTM race shop on TV and as Decoster was talking I saw a jug of Rotella sitting on the workbench behind him.

profeshenal125 wrote:

10.00 plus cheaper than the other oils. Pic is 4-21 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/22/545447/s1200_02444538_3842_4A68_B660_10933B577C8B.jpg[/img]

10.00 plus cheaper than the other oils. Pic is 4-21

clarkgray432 wrote:

Yep. I worked for the Rocky Mountain team for a year before it was moved to butler bros and can confirm a bunch of teams do...

Yep. I worked for the Rocky Mountain team for a year before it was moved to butler bros and can confirm a bunch of teams do this. We were sponsored by Hondas line of oil and it was never put in the bike lol lots of rotella tho. I still put it in my Honda now

Fouled Plug wrote:

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money...

Quick question, and not trying to argue, I'm just curious. Did this team not have an oil sponsor? Wouldn't that be a massive waste of money to purchase different oil if they did?
It seems the story of KTM using Rotella instead of their sponsors oil (Motorex) seems older than Rotella itself lol.

Sandusky26 wrote:

Sorry guys, but Rotella has made main events and outdoor moto’s, I don’t know what to tell you.

captmoto wrote:

What I don't get is a major team doing that when they dump their oil and rebuild the motors every week. They can't possibly be worried...

What I don't get is a major team doing that when they dump their oil and rebuild the motors every week. They can't possibly be worried about an oil related failure in one hour of SX racing and maybe 2 at a National. That is also a contract violation that can cost them money and I may be wrong but doesn't the AMA watch for that kind of thing? Sounds like an urban myth to me.

Broseph wrote:

I call B.S. and here’s the proof: [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/23/545545/s1200_AF402B3D_0C89_4D71_ABDD_471E160D1701.jpg[/img] Clearly shows a truck, a pickup, a tractor, and an excavator. Where’s the dirtbike Sandusky?!

I call B.S. and here’s the proof:




Clearly shows a truck, a pickup, a tractor, and an excavator.

Where’s the dirtbike Sandusky?!