Synthetic oil in Ranchers?

[joebiker]

Here's a question..I have always run synthetic oils in all my motorcycles from Honda Goldwings with crankcase wet clutches to Harleys with isolated primarys and wet clutches...I haven't seen anything that says yes or no about synthetic oils in the 350 Rancher..Good idea? bad idea?
Just asking..since I am a fan of synthetics.

[reconranger]

I ran Maxima Extra, API SG/JASO MA ester based synthetic, in everything for many many years. Maxima has a monster additive package! My Rancher 350 is going on 10 years old, and it is as solid as the day it was new!!! http://www.maximausa.com/products/4s...synthextra.asp

I am however now running Redline, which is also ester API SG, but JASO MB. (It is a long story, but even though it is MB it is still safe for wet clutches!!!) I am subjectively (haven't confirmed on dyno) seeing a slight horsepower increase with this oil, and the engine revs up faster! http://www.redlineoil.com/products_m...?categoryID=11

Both these oils are however rather expensive, and more than most folks are willing to pay!

[reconranger]

Some good oil reads for those who may be interested:

http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0308_oil/index.html

http://www.maximausa.com/technical/l...beNews2002.pdf

http://www.p1-performance.com/pdf/oildoc.pdf

(Just for the record, Rotella is an example of a Group III synthetic; Mobil 1 and Amsoil are examples of Group IV PAO's; and Maxima Extra and Redline are examples of Group V esters.)