Oil change options

mjocanada

mjocanada

contributing rider
Joined
Jan 19, 2024
Messages
16
Location
Toronto
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and did a quick search but no results. I'm currently breaking in my new 2023 Vitpilen 401 and looking at oil options for the 1000kms (620 mi) oil change. The owners manual (and service manual) recommend the MOTOREX Formula 4T SAE 15W/50. I've always used Motul oil on all my other bikes and did a quick model search on their website for their recommended products:

MOTUL 7100 15W-50 4T

MOTUL 300V 4T Factory Line Road Racing 15W-50

Couple questions for other Vitpilen owners,
1) Do you use Motorex oil or some other compatible oil?
2) The recommended oil change interval is every 7500km (or 4650 mi) - do you stick with the interval? I generally use a 5000km (3125 mi) interval on my bikes

Thanks in advance for your input
 
I would check first that Husqvarna in your country allow self servicing and the use of non Motorex oil to maintain Warranty.
I dropped the factory (definitely not Motorex) oil out at 340 miles. I really wish I had done this earlier as the condition of the oil and the bits of liquid gasket in the oil strainer mesh were shocking. If you have have had Japanese bikes previously be prepared for a shock. A panicked internet search revealed this level of filth in the first few oil changes is “normal “ for these engines, phew.
As for oil I used 1700ml of Motul 7100 15w50. The engines seems fine on it. I have just changed this out again after another 300 miles (640 from new) and there was a little crap in the screens and the metallic sheen is much less than the original oil. The first change (340m) to Motul has done its job of cleaning out the factory stuff and the latest change (640m) will now remain in the bike until winter 2024. I will only do around 4000 miles a year as the bike is purely a plaything not for commuting etc.
By choosing to self service and not using Motorex I am voiding my Warranty here in the UK but I have made my choice. Most of the bikes I have owned have not come with any warranty (secondhand) so I am not worried at all.
I bought an oil service kit from Husky and now have a set of screens and ‘o’rings ready cleaned for the next service. They seem pretty robust so should last quite a few washes. I will just buy oil and main filter as required.
Just to add oil seems to be the most discussed topic on the net, I would go with what you feel is right for you.
 
Motul 7100 4T Synthetic Motor Oil

Oil Type: 10W50

I have 2021, manual also says 15w50. I would say it depends if you live in hot climate. I use 10 because it’s pretty standard for easy starting.

I don’t wanna start an “oil thread” argument but I’ve done lots of research and I concluded that 300 V is very good but it’s an oil that’s designed for the track. I.E., it’s thought that it doesn’t stay in the bike too long. I can’t remember exactly the reason, perhaps it breaks down faster due to lacking certain additives, but in the end 7100 is the better option for street use (from my research). Feel free to do your own. It’s a 400cc bike, not a race bike. No need for 300 v imo.

And it may just be my imagination but I swear my bike shifted better and the quick shifter even worked better with the 7100.

R
 
Thanks everyone for your input, I talked to the service dept of my dealership and they said it's not a problem using the Motul 7100 so I'm going to stick with what I know.

Jester - I'm very familiar with what to expect over the next few oil changes, my wife used to own a Duke 390 and understand the quality/crafstmanship of these India built bikes.

Rob - I agree that the 300V is more for the track, I used to run it for the track but did more frequent oil changes. The Vitpilen is mainly for commuting around the city.
 
In the 401 I used 300v 15w50 and it worked well with the rekluse clutch I had.

Previously I used Motorex in my previous Bike and it didnt blew up the motor or clutch.
 
I bought the Motorex oil for top offs.

I'm not planning to do my own oil changes, letting the dealer do it.

I don't ride all that much and live in a mild climate.
 
2021 Vitpilen 401 here, I bought since Jan 2022 and done 20500 now km in 2 years, mostly in Bangkok (340 km longest one day trip with passenger). I use motorex Top Speed 15w50 all along. From my experience, when oil is new it seem very smooth but after 1000 -1500 km from every service I feel shift up or down feel clunky and slip out to neutral while accelerated. And after the third service (about 14000km) with new oil my bike feel good but not enoght for my need, After did my reserch I decided to add Militec-1 60ml to the engine. First ride after Militec-1 added it feel smoother since first gear and when RPM is right range its feel soooo so smooth some time feel like just clicking a PC mouse, I asked my girl at back seat about did her feel the shift and she said she feel nothing. Transmission never slip to neutral at any gear or any speed after that day. I plan about my next service, I interested about Motul 7100 which much cheaper than my oil and still mix with my love Militec-1 again and I may try to mix oil to find my sweet spot (Forget to mentioned about engine run cooler after Militec-1)
 
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I use the stipulated oil while under warranty then will move to Shell Rotella Synthetic like all my other bikes.
 
Don't pay silly prices for these so called "supa dupa" oils......buy i GOOD quality fully synthetic oil 15w/50(or about that weight)....buy again when it's on special for further services. Fully synthetic last about 8 years in storage, once opened. The others about 5 yrs and fully don't require as often service intervals as part synthetic or mineral oils but it's peace of mind to change them regularly anyway...it gives u a good idea on the state of the engine.
Keep a log book detailing oil changes.....oil is blood.
 

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