Motul 3000 Plus 4T 15w50 Mineral Engine Oil Review Indian Motorcycle Garage Technical Discussions >
Founding Member 7,820 posts V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
Engine oil can be a controversial topic as some people might be a fan of a particular brand. I have no allegiance to one specific brand. I would try any oil that is suitable for my Indian if it was recommended to me by the reputable workshop.

Please note that this review is purely my observations. There will be no science lab tests nor photos of engines being torn apart after 1,000,000kms. 😆 Instead, if you want to try an engine oil that you (rider) can feel the difference, please read on.

Motul-3000-Plus-4T-15w50.jpg      


Back Story

A couple of years ago, someone mentioned that the engine oil sold under the Indian Motorcycle brand was rubbish. I don’t know if it is or not, but I started investigating other brands.

I've switched to the semi-synthetic Penrite engine oil nearly 2 years ago, and I have been happy with them. I felt the gears changed smoother with Penrite than with Indian oil. Other members reported an improvement in top-end engine noise, but I have not noticed that.

At the following oil change, I’ve tried the full-synthetic Penrite, but the difference was negligible - maybe there was a small improvement, maybe there wasn’t.  Considering the price difference, I went back to running the Penrite Semi.


Now on Motul

In early July 2018, recommended by my workshop, I've tried Motul 3000 Plus 4T 15w50 Mineral Engine Oil. Since that 32,000kms service, I have ridden from Melbourne to Gold Coast and back. I have also ridden around town for several thousand kilometres. The improvement from Penrite is noticeable. I felt the gears changed smoother (more so than on Penrite) on a cold engine (assuming the clutch cable was adjusted properly).

I have done about 7,000kms on this oil, and it still surprises me some mornings. I start the bike, warm it up for 30 seconds and then take off, and the gears shift smoothly (as if the engine has reached the normal operating temperature). That smoothness is noticeable to me on my bike.  It is not smooth on every gear shift, but the cause might be the Indian gearbox/clutch.  Now that I have ridden dozens of Indians, I can say that not all gearboxes behave in the same way.  Some gearboxes are more predictable, while other boxes are little more clunky, and some exhibit both characters (depending on the time of the day and the planetary alignment!) 😟

The improvement between the Indian branded engine oil to the Penrite oil was a BIG step-up. The improvement from the Penrite oil to the Motul 3000 is a small step-up. I recommend this oil to anyone riding the Thunder Stroke engine (I don’t own a Scout so I cannot comment).

If you have tried Motul 3000 Plus 4T on your Indian, please share your experiences with us.
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 3 0
stevenlb21 Senior Member 928 posts
stevenlb21
Thanks V for your slippery topic.

It's one subject that I'm taking special interest in, I'm a huge fan of Penrite Oil, every lubricant  in my Patrol is Penrite and also my other vehicle's.

So for me to part company with Penrite this oil must have something special about it, any extra information you can provide would most helpful.

Wasn't Motul Oil developed in conjunction  with Yamaha.
Cheers......Steve
Penrith, NSW

2015 Indian Chieftain (Indian Motorcycle Red)
"TECUMSEH"
IMRG Membership No.  AU101486

Meanwhile back at the Ranch, Tonto disguised as a door gets his knob shot off !!!.
Quote 0 0
V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
stevenlb21 wrote:
So for me to part company with Penrite this oil must have something special about it, any extra information you can provide would most helpful.
Unfortunately, I’m unable to offer any more info on it.  I am pretty sure most people trying it, especially coming from an Indian oil, will be able to feel the difference in smoother gear shifts.
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 0 0
V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
Update: 15 November 2018

My bike is due for service at 40,500kms.  Motul 3000 still gives me smoother shifting (gears) than every other oil I have tried on my Indian.  It is funny to say this but, from a rider’s perspective, “Motul 3000 feels very slippery and it maintains that characteristic throughout the 8,000kms between service.”  If anyone else have tried it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.  It really makes Indian oil ‘feel’ like water.  I highly recommend Motul 3000 Plus T4 15w50 Semi-Synthetic engine oil.
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 1 0
Dr.Shifty Senior Member 1,623 posts
Dr.Shifty
stevenlb21 wrote:
Thanks V for your slippery topic.

It's one subject that I'm taking special interest in, I'm a huge fan of Penrite Oil, every lubricant  in my Patrol is Penrite and also my other vehicle's.

So for me to part company with Penrite this oil must have something special about it, any extra information you can provide would most helpful.

Wasn't Motul Oil developed in conjunction  with Yamaha.


From here:
https://www.mxstore.com.au/brand/motul/#/filter:brand_category:Motul$253EMotul$25204$2520Stroke$2520Oil$253EMotul$252015w50$25204$2520Stroke$2520Oil

Founded in New York in 1853 by the Swan & Finch company. Motul initially started it’s activity in the sector of high quality automotive lubricants. From 1920 the company expanded into international markets eventually being distributed to over 80 countries including Europe, India, The Asia Pacific and South America. 1971 was the year of innovation and the production of Motul 300V, the first 100% synthetic car oil on the market.

Further developments and innovations lead to Motul being considered one of the best oil companies in the motorcycle industry. As their range evolved the brand matured and Motul 2 Stroke Oil particularly Motul 800 is now the number 1 oil for riders of 2 stroke machines in Australia.

Motul have always favoured innovation, research and development which set the foundation for many close relationships with manufacturers in the high performance/ racing industry. Companies such as Nissan, Yamaha, Subaru, Toyota, Honda and Suzuki have all formed strategic alliances with Motul which has been the go to company for their performance lubrication needs. The Motul brand is now a household name in the Australian motorcycle industry dominating the market as the number 1 choice of lubricant for riders, retailers and workshops around the country.
Cheers, Kim.

From Woodrising (no, nobody else has heard of it either)
Rides a Springfield Dark Horse
Quote 0 0
CHF10 Senior Member 2,396 posts
CHF10
This is awesome! Thanks V. I'll certainly be trying it next time round. 😃
Live free or die!
Quote 1 0
V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
CHF10 wrote:
This is awesome! Thanks V. I'll certainly be trying it next time round. 😃
Let us know what you think.  The collective opinions are always more valuable to other members.
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 1 0
CHF10 Senior Member 2,396 posts
CHF10
I'm not up for another service for about 6,000km but will do!
Live free or die!
Quote 1 0
Doely Full Member 222 posts
Doely
I’d rather listen to riders how the found the oils work for them then go into all that logistical crap . . Have used the 4t on my other ride for yrs now and I’m very happy with it . .Being new to Indians and lovin it I’ll be kept busy reading all the experience here . Thanks all . 😀
Cheers Ray
Gympie QLD😎
Ride Free Ride Safe
Quote 1 0
srd0060 Full Member 89 posts
srd0060
That’s a great read, thanks for the info i will be giving Motul a good go.
2018 Scout, Thunder black, Beach bars, DART screen.
Quote 1 0
Lout Junior Member 25 posts
Lout
Went down to my local Motul dealer (they sell Triumphs).
For my Indian 111 he recommended 4T 3100 Gold 15w50 (TECHNOSYNTHESE) Semi-Synthetic.
He informed me that 3000 Plus 4T 15w50 is Premium Mineral (coz it's written on the bottle).
Nothin' wrong with it - just might need a change of title ?
Either way I'll be givin' Motul a crack when my Warranty runs out - haven't heard a bad report yet.
Quote 0 0
V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
Lout wrote:
Nothin' wrong with it - just might need a change of title ?
Thank you!  Title updated. 
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 0 0
Kappy Full Member 362 posts
Kappy
V-Twin wrote:
mment).

If you have tried Motul 3000 Plus 4T on your Indian, please share your experiences with us.


Just did  my 16000 service on my own, as out of warranty and capable of doing my self.

With you comments and other research I chose Motul 3000 Plus, haven't ridden yet as Willow is in shed getting other stuff done getting her ready to load to take off. Was gonna go down Penrite as have used the brand in many other applications
As a side note used a K&N oil filter, like the nut on the end and physically looks bigger that stock.

I refilled with recommended  quantity and rechecking(hot ) noticed dipstick level still seemed low.

My research revealed that 15W50 may be more suitable for summer/warmer running so will see.

Next step is adjustment and realignment of belt and decatting.
Kappy

Growing Older is inevitable, Growing up is Optional.

BK AUS 1 68223
IMRG AU 101125

Current ride/s
2017 Indian Roadmaster-Willow Green/Ivory--Wicked Willow
Stage 3 BB 116
Freedom Racing slip on and Indian Fishtails.
Lots of Leather.
2000 ST1100 - AnaSTasia
Past rides irrelevant. except Suzuki RG500
Quote 0 0
Kappy Full Member 362 posts
Kappy
I have only done about 300k on the the Motul oil, believe it or not I'm instantly impressed, gear changes are smoother through the range up and down and I swear the engine even sounds quieter.
Kappy

Growing Older is inevitable, Growing up is Optional.

BK AUS 1 68223
IMRG AU 101125

Current ride/s
2017 Indian Roadmaster-Willow Green/Ivory--Wicked Willow
Stage 3 BB 116
Freedom Racing slip on and Indian Fishtails.
Lots of Leather.
2000 ST1100 - AnaSTasia
Past rides irrelevant. except Suzuki RG500
Quote 0 0
V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
Kappy wrote:
My research revealed that 15W50 may be more suitable for summer/warmer running so will see.
Didn't see your previous post until now... being an air-cooled engine, Thunder Stroke do get pretty hot.  So maybe 15W50 might still be suitable.

Kappy wrote:
I have only done about 300k on the the Motul oil, believe it or not I'm instantly impressed, gear changes are smoother through the range up and down and I swear the engine even sounds quieter.
Hey Kappy, glad to hear that you are happy with Motul.  I know I will never be able to use Indian factory oil again.  Like you said, the difference was immediately noticeable to me too.
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 0 0
Kappy Full Member 362 posts
Kappy
V-Twin wrote:
Didn't see your previous post until now... being an air-cooled engine, Thunder Stroke do get pretty hot.  So maybe 15W50 might still be suitable.


As I understand the 15 will be better for cold starts. lubricate quicker and the 50 will be better for hotter running Australian summer and aircooled.

I will stand corrected. But feel the Motul 15w50 will be suited better than 20W40. MHO
Kappy

Growing Older is inevitable, Growing up is Optional.

BK AUS 1 68223
IMRG AU 101125

Current ride/s
2017 Indian Roadmaster-Willow Green/Ivory--Wicked Willow
Stage 3 BB 116
Freedom Racing slip on and Indian Fishtails.
Lots of Leather.
2000 ST1100 - AnaSTasia
Past rides irrelevant. except Suzuki RG500
Quote 0 0
V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
Kappy wrote:
But feel the Motul 15w50 will be suited better than 20W40. MHO
I have only used 15W50.
Melbourne, Victoria
Quote 1 0