Only non-synthetic for a 2021 DCT?

[johndeckeR]

The Honda dealer insists that only non-synthetic Honda GL oil can be used in a 2021 DCT bike. I've never heard you couldnt at least use a semi-synthetic. Does that sound right to you?

 

[Firehorse]

That sounds a bit off, many riders use semi or full-synthetic oils that meet Honda's specs without issues, as long as it meets the JASO MA/MA2 rating, it should be fine.

 

[comet]

Is the dealer just pushing Honda-branded oil to boost service profits, or do they genuinely think riders can't read an oil spec label and choose something that meets or exceeds requirements?

 

[solitary87]

Honda's own manuals usually say you can use any motorcycle oil that meets JASO MA specs, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional as mentioned above. The key is avoiding "energy conserving" oils since they can mess with wet clutches. If the oil meets the right standards, it should be fine for your DCT!

 

[TheWingedDukes]

The Honda dealer insists that only non-synthetic Honda GL oil can be used in a 2021 DCT bike. I've never heard you couldnt at least use a semi-synthetic. Does that sound right to you?

Interesting one but honestly something I've never heard directly from a dealer! They might just be trying to cover their bases or push their own product, which is common.

I'd check the owner's manual for your specific bike model, it should clarify the oil specs. But @Firehorse and @solitary87 are correct. The key is making sure it's JASO MA or MA2 rated to handle the clutch friction without slippage.

I'd bet plenty of us are running synthetics just fine, but if you're worried about warranty, sticking with a Honda branded oil might be the safest bet until that expires. But to say only non-synthetic is the rule? That sounds like a stretch to me!

 

[johndeckeR]

Is the dealer just pushing Honda-branded oil to boost service profits, or do they genuinely think riders can't read an oil spec label and choose something that meets or exceeds requirements?

Exactly my thoughts. Sounds like obvious upselling.

Honda's own manuals usually say you can use any motorcycle oil that meets JASO MA specs, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional as mentioned above. The key is avoiding "energy conserving" oils since they can mess with wet clutches. If the oil meets the right standards, it should be fine for your DCT!

Got it, that makes sense. Just to make sure, does the JASO MA spec cover both single and dual clutch setups , or should i look for anything additional specifically for the DCT?

 

[CrunchyCaramel]

Very curious about the reason behind the reason for not using semi or fully synthetic oil. It's especially problematic when the dealer says that. There are some engines that need oils rich in zinc or phosphorous, so most fully synthetic oils are off the table. As @solitary87 said, the manual doesn't say that you shouldn't it says what kind to use, so I'm trying to wrap my head around that.

 

[rcannon]

The "synthetic" oil today is not really synthetic. It is petroleum base stock, redefined to purify the oil molecule size for uniformity. It behaves like synthetic. But it doesn't have the higher flash point or film strength of synthetic. So it pours at low temps. I know because I'm retired from Caterpillar and I talked to the oils guy about it. That's why it's not so expensive like it used to be (5x).

 

[rcannon]

To continue, a synthetic oil you wouldn't want to use would be a 5w20 thin stuff. This would be energy conserving. Not good for clutch. 10w40 typical viscosity should be fine.