I wish to change oil on my 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100. I assume it has a wet clutch and I don't want to make it slip by using the wrong oil. I have a gallon of rotella synthetic T6 5w/40. It says it meets the requirements of JASO-MA and is not energy conserving. It also states that it meets API service CJ-4, CL-4 Plus, CL-4, CG-4/SM. Is this good stuff to use??

BE CAREFUL WITH THE OIL CHOICE. SOME HAVE ADDITIVES THAT CAUSE THE CLUTCH TO SLIP, SPECIALLY WITH HIGH POWER ENGINES.

For illustration purposes, go here:

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/2008-yamaha-v-star-classic-1100-black-metallic-x-xvs11awxb-crankcase-cover-1/o/m144812sch541552

This is the LEFT side cover.
Item #8 is an oil level sight glass, to check the oil level.
Item #9 is where oil is added.
Item #4 is where you drain the oil.

Check oil level when oil is warm, after shutting off motor.
Check with bike upright, not on kickstand.
The sight glass is supposed to have a maximum and minimum level indicator marks.
Oil level should be in between the two marks.
The he engine takes about 3.3 quarts.

Use the Yamaha Multi purpose oil when you change your oil. If you live in a hot climate, use 20w50, if you live in a cooler climate, use 10w40. Hot would be anything that gets above 80 degrees or so.
Are you aware of the fact that to change your oil, you have to remove the front header pipe to get to the oil filter?
Do not use any oil that says anything like "Energy Conserving II" or higher. Bikes use a wet clutch and those automotive oils have friction modifiers that will make your clutch slip. Stick to the Yamalube, good oil at a fair price that is worry free.

Yamaha Special tools.... most Yamaha dealers will sell you one...they assume you are going to screw up something only they can fix... and they are usually RIGHT!!

You can use many brands of oil : Honda oil, Yamalube, Suzuki oil, Kawasaki oil, Rotella T non synthetic oil ($12 a gallon), Mobil 1 motorcycle, Kendall, Castrol, Amsoil, Maxima, Bel-Ray, Motul, Pennzoil motorcycle, Royal Purple,Specro,Torco, Valvoline motorcycle, etc. Most oil brands sell a motorcycle oil, it just is not common to find it at many auto stores. Just make sure the oil you pick has the JASO MA Rating for Japanese motorcycle engines and is not an energy conserving car oil. The only reason Shell Rotella is mentioned (synthetic and regular) is because it is less expensive than all the other choices.

10w-50 in warmer conditions,10w-40 in cooler conditions. I like the full synthetics, but stay away from "energy conserving" oils. They contain additives that the clutch won't tolerate. API ratings of SL/CF,SJ,SG are safe. Good luck!

Very likely clutch plates I'm afraid.

Caution here: What oil are you using? If you have used standard Auto oil in the engine, it will have contaminated the plates and this is why they will be slipping. Bike engine oil is a different formulation because the clutch is submerged in oil. What you are describing is a classic result of topping your bike up with standard car engine oil.

If this is the case, you will certainly need to replace the clutch plates.

Any oil with a JASO MA motorcycle rating. 10w-40 for colder climate or 20w-50 hot climate. Never use any oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the label it will shorten the life of your wet clutch and transmission gears. Synthetic oil will run cooler and shift easier when hot.

Yes, Yamaha makes regular,semi-,and full synthetic oil for there motorcycles. Make sure the oil you use is JASO MA certified for motorcycle use. Do not use any oil that says energy conserving, it will shorten the life of your clutch and drive gears. Amzoil and Mobile 1 both make good motorcycle oil (full synthetic). Full synthetic is often the same price as semi-synthetic.

You can adjust it by slackening the cable...unless it has hydraulic operation....Otherwise get it replaced before you do more damage..ie clutch dust and debris in the oil, so dont forget the oil and filter change too.