Oil Analysis on a 2015 KTM 450 XC-F

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Rider Eh!
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Oil Analysis on a 2015 KTM 450 XC-F

Post by Rider Eh! »

Thought some people may be interested to see these. I decided to do a couple oil analysis as I was curious to see how long I could really push the oil. One thing I learned, is that with our on the throttle/off the throttle type riding, we don't heat the oil up for a long enough period to actually burn off the fuel vapor within the oil, which is one cause for viscosity dropping. For these reasons long distances say if you were dual sporting, would allow you to push the oil further as you would keep the engine hot enough to release the vapor. As far as the lubrication additives, I still have plenty on both samples. I was never able to identify the extra magnesium and sodium on the original 10W40 sample, may have been from boiling over and coolant slipping into the oil?
101250 02_B_VA2624_Ahrens_Andreas_KTM450XCF.pdf
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101250 02_B_VK6150_Ahrens_Andreas_KTM450XCF.pdf
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'18 300 XC
'02 XR650R

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Spinalguy
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Re: Oil Analysis on a 2015 KTM 450 XC-F

Post by Spinalguy »

So in summary...
how many hours can one safely go between oil changes AND can that be longer if using Rotella? :lol:
You hurt? You just want to optimize your performance? Step inside...http://spinalguy.com

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Re: Oil Analysis on a 2015 KTM 450 XC-F

Post by Dobi »

that is an interesting analysis. :thumbsup:

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Rider Eh!
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Re: Oil Analysis on a 2015 KTM 450 XC-F

Post by Rider Eh! »

My suggestion is to follow the owner's manual and I can not be held responsible from your own learnings you take away lol.

My personal opinion, the KTM suggests a 10W50, the 20W50 will definitely extend the duration a bit. The oil I used was a 50/50 Maxima Synblend. However what I've taken away for myself, is full Syn is useless as the oil will just be diluted by the gas vapours anyways. So don't waste your money there. I have switched to Rotella T6 0w40 full Syn for the winter (thanks dirtboy for the tip), and I may do one further analysis on this change to see what the oil contains for lubrication additives in comparison to the Maxima. I may switch to Rotella full time once out of the Maxima, but I found the price to be comparable if you can get a deal on the Maxima (I paid approx. $10/L) so it may not be worthwhile other than availability at Crappy Tire. I should note the first 10W40 saw several boil overs and I don't think I had a fan yet on the bike. The second analysis with the 20W50, I did have a fan.
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Re: Oil Analysis on a 2015 KTM 450 XC-F

Post by axel99 »

I found Glover International has the best price in town on Rotella T 15-40w in 20l pails. I buy oil and filters for my 7,3l Diesel there. I do run Rotella T6 in all my vehicles and bikes for the winter season, easier starting.

Just thought I would mention that in case ya all decide to ditch the expensive synth oils for 3 seasons.
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