...on my way into work this morning, just finished my new chain/sprocket install, rebled my clutch (a lot better), changeed the oil/filter and changed over to Shell Rotella Synthetic 5W40 from the Mobil 1 I have deemed crap, and cleaned and detailed the bike, and I'm thinking the bike is all serviced up so it's gonna be a great ride in. Right away I notice a ticking coming from the front of the engine. Also on decel in first gear there's a lot of popping which my bike never did before. So now I'm depressed and pissed thinking I f'ed something up. I was worried about the oil level or getting water in my PCV. It was like I suddenly lost my tune. Or...
When I get to work I check the headers and sure enough, No.1 cylinder header clamp has lost it's nuts and slid down the header. A harmless problem. Worst part is I gotta source a couple 8MM nuts - prolly some serrated flanged nuts at Fastenal. But why is it I can't catch a damn break with things lately? Damn it! lol

that stinks and a bad way to start your day

SO, you lost your nuts and your sleeve slid down....how embarrassing!

Mad

I lost my nuts in a bet with my wife years ago

right lol

Which oil did you say you changed over to?

Edge I forget what exhaust do you have?

Don't laugh at his oil choice. Last year in my big motor i ran rotella-t. Yep, TRUCK OIL!

Which oil did you say you changed over to?

either he is laughing at the Rotella or he's being fececious because of my prominence in oil threads and status as Amsoil basher.

I did the Rotella once last season for a long distance trip and I'm gonna give it one more shot before I go looking again.

Edge I forget what exhaust do you have?

I haven't taken the plunge yet and the stock system is working fine for me.

Someone made a comment in another thread recently about how much the stock system eliminates any backfiring noise and I heard that to be true this morning.
It was so bad I figured the FI was off, granted having the pipe loose and leaky is gonna lean things out a bit but it was popping like crazy. Kinda making me think my engine isn't running as smooth as I think with those big cans covering up all the evidence!

I'm one of the few...that actually LIKED the "no-noise" stock pipes.Only changed because of the weight.Wish my now pipes were as mellow sounding as those anchors.

Hey Edge....why not go with Motul 7100 10/40 full syn?Ever tried it?I've yet to figure out....what exactly are the positive "qualities" that cause guys to use these other oils.IDK.I can say though,I've used Motul 90% of my oil changes in 4 years.That's a bunch.My motor runs excellent and burns no oil.My trans shifts better and better as time goes by.Got 45,000 miles.I could easily say....my oil changes have always been premature...except for one.I "accidently" went over 5,000 once.When I drained it...it looked used,yes,but smelled like oil should smell...not burnt or anything...and it appeared to have plenty more miles in it.

Motul.That's what I use.This last change...around 3,000 miles.It was still RED colored.And looked almost brand new.It just "seems" to work really well.

That's Rotella Blue jug you're runnin Edge? I recently switched over to the Rotella white jug I'n my 14 and VTX on recommendation from 1bad. Still running the blue jug in the CBR and Zx6r.

I can't remember exactly but yes it seemed like it might have been blue. Either way it was their 5W40 Full Synthetic. What is the difference with the white?

trying to tie myself down to taking the plastics off and torquing down the rest of the header nutz but I haven't had a chance to yet. Maybe tonight?

Blue jug is the full synthetic 5W40 Rotella whilst white jug is the 15W40 product, both carry the JASO MA rating for motorcycles. $21 vs $13 a gallon at Wally World so take your pick. To be honest, I prefer to run the 5W40 in my 14 but the stuff is so thin at room temp that it drains out of the cam chain tensioner if you let it sit for a week and you get the dreaded cam chain rattle on first startup. Ask Steven about it...

But why is it I can't catch a damn break with things lately?

Edge it's all a matter of perspective, I'd gladly trade your missing header nut problem for my recent loss of an almost new ZX-10R, stuff happens and the nut issue is a very minor annoyance in the grander scheme of things.

very true, Kruz.

To be honest, I prefer to run the 5W40 in my 14 but the stuff is so thin at room temp that it drains out of the cam chain tensioner if you let it sit for a week and you get the dreaded cam chain rattle on first startup. Ask Steven about it...

BTW, the Merc had 200K on when I sold it last December, that is 65K after the Rotella ordeal. Yes John, the 5W40 is definitely better