Update on the new Mobil1 formula

[jaypro55]

In one of my other threads Rich had mentioned that he had never used the new Mobil1 oil with SuperSyn and didn't know it would cause any complications. Well I ended up getting some last night but I e-mail Mobil and sent them this.

Many people I know have been using the Mobil 1 15w50 synthetic oil for the transmission on their dirtbke. It has always worked well for them. I recently ran out and upon my trip to purchase a few new bottles, I could only find the new formula with SuperSyn. I have not used the new formula yet. I'm afraid to use this because I've heard it has additives which could lead to clutch slipping while in use. I was inquiring as to whether this new formula could give me trouble. I'd really appreciate an answer. Thanks.

This is what I got back:

The Mobil1 Supersyn motor oil will not cause any problems in your transmission.

So apparently we should be fine with the new formula. This is not only good news to me, but hopefully to everyone else so we all shouldn't have to worry about the new 15w50 stuff.

 

[BRush]

Yes, but was it a reasoned, thoughtful reply - or corporate boilerplate?

 

[jeb]

I actually called Mobil when this question first popped up, I think on a different forum. They have a toll free number on their website. The guy I talked to was emphatic that the new formula in the 15-50 still did NOT have the friction modifiers that the rest of the automotoive line of M1 has.

 

[jaypro55]

That's great to hear Jeb. I think I'll change it after my next ride and wash.

 

[weimedog]

I didn't even notice the "Supersyn" until this post and another here...Upon looking at my empty bottles it appears I've been using the new formula for a while. I haven't had any clutch related issues on my personal VOR 503 V-Cross. It has to have as much torque as anything out there. My kid has been thrashing it as of late as well. He does fan the clutch. Funny thing to watch too. Bottom line is I haven't seen a reason to change yet.

 

[jaypro55]

Yeah, well that week I kinda wimped out and went back to get the Tri-Synthetic formula. I've noticed no troubles with it, everything seems ship shape. The only thing I noticed (but I noticed this before when I changed and added GN-4) is that for like the first ride or two after a change, I was having a tough time from first to second, like I was baby-shifting it I guess and hitting neutral, but since then, only one incident. Yesterday I was shifting to second right before a hill and I think I must have not popped it up enough and it went into second and slipped out under load. But that was only once and I blame it on me really.

 

[Shawn Mc]

In the manual for my 426 they tell ya specifically "dont run oil with friction modifiers" So Ive strayed away from the Mobile1. Ive been running the Golden Spectro4, and all is well, but Id love to dodge that bill when I change the oil. At 6.95 a flipin quart, it aint cheap.

 

[biglou]

I'm getting Yamalube4 non-friction modified 10/40 or 20/50 for $3.65/qt. from my local shop. That seems pretty reasonable to me. Any reason for using the Mobil1 or others over the OEM stuff?

 

[endosports]

I have been using the Mobil 1 15-50 and have had no problems. I found an Easy lube that has the old blend in stock and will stay with what works and is affordable. I pay 25.-- for a box of 6.

I feel that mobil 1 is an excellent choice for my bike and my truck.

I will do a little more research on the new blend before running it.

I change my oil every 3 or 4 rides.

 

[jeb]

Lou,
Is that Yamalube a pure synthetic? If so, that's a very good price and I'd use it too.

 

[biglou]

No, I don't think it is pure synthetic. I think it is Yamalube 4R, but I'd have to verify. I never have gotten totally on board with the full-synthetic thing, and I don't really have a good reason for that, either. I change the oil, in all actuallity, after about every 2 tankfulls, cleaning the filter every other change. I have done the mineral thing in my trucks, too. Changing at the first 1000, and every 3-5k after that. Old habits are hard to break!

Edit: Semi-synthetic is what I am told. It reads simply "Synthetic" on the bottle, but I did some searching around the web and it is referred to as semi-synthetic.

 

[KDX220rm]

The Mobil-1 red cap still does not contain friction reducers like the blue and green caps do. Even the new formula red cap still contains no friction reducers.

 

[jaypro55]

I just wanted to follow up on this to make positive since some time has passed that this is still a good choice for a tranny oil. I have enough left for one more change and then I'm going to get some new stuff and I'm not going to be sure if I can find the old formula anymore. I was wondering if it'd be good to stick with the Mobil1 or if I'd be better of going the ATF route. Thanks for helping out again.

 

[smb_racing]

I've been running the Mobil 1 redcap in my KLX for a long time now with zero problems. I'm a longtime Mobil oil fan so this is in no way biased :silly:

Look at the back of the oil bottle and you'll see the API circle, even the supersyn mobil says it meets "API service SL/CF" and you'll notice the bottom half of the circle is blank. Look at any other bottle of automotive oil (except for conventional Mobil 10w-40) and you'll see the lower half says "energy conserving" which means it contains friction modifiers.

 

[woods_rider1]

I had been using the "red cap" oil in my bike since new, until I read of the new formula. I didnt want to take any chances, so I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for my KTM 250. The cost is the same, as is the feel during shifting. Good stuff.

 

[Wolf]

I've been using the new Mobil 1 Red Cap in my Drz for about 3 oil changes now. I bought a case and didn't even realize it was different.
I have not noticed any problems or differences as of right now. I will use up what I have and then re-evaluate, but I don't think I am going to change anything.

 

[jaypro55]

Yeah I was really checking out the bottles in Wal-Mart. Like everyone said it's the only one that doesn't say energy conserving on it. I think I'm going to stick with it unless I notice something happening.