Is the Yamalube or other factory oil worth the price?

[30-30man]

It's time to change the oil in my Bruin.  I think I put in the factory oil but I wanted everyone's input.  Is the factory stuff just overpriced motor oil.  I know that some regular motor oils are bad for the clutches but then I hear about people who have run it for a long time.  I was just wondering what you guys put in your quads.

[SURVEYOR]

Well! I thought the same thing once. But after doing some reading it seems some oils can be too slick thus making the clutch slip. I know! It puzzles me too! So ATV oils it is!

http://www.arcticchat.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37674&hl=lube

[old geezer]

As long as the can does not say "energy conserving", regular oil works just fine.  I've never used atv brand oil, and have never had any problems.

Strictly my opinion.

[JD11]

Is the factory stuff just overpriced motor oil.

Not in my opinion.   For reasons I can't understand, everyone worries about the higher price of the mfgrs' oil.   My Polaris calls for 1000 mile or 100 hour oil change entervals.   Considering how long it takes to put 1000 miles on an ATV, the additional $2+/- per oil change isn't even worth considering.   More importantly, Polaris oil has the older S rating (or spec).   This additive gave the oil a much higher shear strength which is important regarding motorcycle and ATV engines.   The problem is, that particular additive caused premature failure of catalytic converters so it has been deleted in most all the modern high quality engine oils.   The point being, sometimes the mgfrs actually do know what's best and there are sometimes valid reasons for their recommendations.

[markc]

I tend to agree with JD11. 

[jgalar]

I have had motorcycles for over 30 years and have never put "motorcycle oil" in any of them. I have not had one clutch problem except for in an old used clapped out dirt bike.  Its funny that the motorcycle dealers will tell you that automotive oils are too slippery for a cycle's clutch, but in the next breath will recommend synthetic oil over dino because its slipperier.
As posted above don't use oils marked "energy conserving" and you will be fine.

[raktrakr]

I've seen where a lot of motorcycle owners use Shell Rotella T. Its a non energy conserving truck oil and its cheap

[Ramrod]

Is the factory stuff just overpriced motor oil.

I have over 30 years experience with motorcycles, and the short answer to your question is a resounding Yes. Manufacuror's brand oil is overpriced outsourced stuff from the lowest bidder. As to what oil is "best" to use, this one of the biggest argument starters on any atv or motorcycle forum. Any oil that does not contain "friction modifiers" will be OK for a clutch. I use whatever is on hand, or on sale in my Bruin, and change it once a year. Always did the same with my dirt bikes. If you want to use a good synthetic, Mobil 1 is hard to beat. I use it in my Harley.

[Golsovia]

I'll add another vote toward ordinary oil, not energy conserving. I reckon we must put around 10,000 miles on our poor rigs each year, try to change oil once a month and they do just fine. I  have no idea how many miles the old '98 TRX 300 has but it must be a pile. Engine's never been opened either and it runs real well. Excessive worry about oil and not enough and/or improper driving is way harder on the engine than any buying a certain label. Keep the engine speed up enough to provide adequate centrifugal power for good clutch engagements and they'll last a long, long time.