Breaking in

[hammersfan]

I have just passed the 6000 Km mark on my C90 and I'm finding that it is running better now than a week or so ago. The engine has loosened up and has better acceleration now plus the exhaust note seems a bit louder to. Someone actually turned their head to look as I rode by the other day !

[KROW]

I've got about 5000 km on mine and have noted the same thing - exhaust note seems deeper. I've been keeping track of my mileage since I got the bike and have seen a gradual but steady improvement. Right now, I'm getting 57 to 59 mpg (that's imp gals!) on a normal run, less of course (52-53) when just kicking around town.

Dealer did the first check and used reg oil. Plan on switching to synthetic at the 6000 km check. From what I read here, that should quiet down the "clunk" in the transmission when shifting.

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by KROW

I've got about 5000 km on mine and have noted the same thing - exhaust note seems deeper. I've been keeping track of my mileage since I got the bike and have seen a gradual but steady improvement. Right now, I'm getting 57 to 59 mpg (that's imp gals!) on a normal run, less of course (52-53) when just kicking around town.

Dealer did the first check and used reg oil. Plan on switching to synthetic at the 6000 km check. From what I read here, that should quiet down the "clunk" in the transmission when shifting.

I used Amsoil at the 6000KM oil change, can't really say if it has affected the shifting noise or not, too busy enjoying the improved engine and exhaust note to notice (maybe )! I think the noisy shuifting maybe a characteristic of cruisers in general but possibly a little worse in the C90. I have heard that Rotella synthetic diesel oil quitens it quite a bit but I'm not sure I want to go that road while it is under warranty.

[KROW]

Originally Posted by hammersfan

I used Amsoil at the 6000KM oil change, can't really say if it has affected the shifting noise or not, too busy enjoying the improved engine and exhaust note to notice (maybe )! I think the noisy shuifting maybe a characteristic of cruisers in general but possibly a little worse in the C90. I have heard that Rotella synthetic diesel oil quitens it quite a bit but I'm not sure I want to go that road while it is under warranty.

Why, would using the Rotella oil void the warranty? Why that and not the Amsoil?

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by hammersfan

I think the noisy shifting maybe a characteristic of cruisers in general but possibly a little worse in the C90.

I was talking to one of my coworkers the other day who is a seasoned rider currently riding an 1100 Shadow, he gives an example: Look at Gold Wings, they have very smooth and quite shifting and look at shadows, they are loud. He thinks that many cruisers including the shadow family of Hondas emulate H-Ds in shifting among other things.

Another coworker (upgraded from 750 Shadow to 1300 ST Honda) believes that Suzukis generally have clunky shifting and trannies are not as smooth and that was one of the reasons he chose the Shadow in the first place.

I test rode a brand new C90 and was not too impressed with clutch. But the bike was so powerful, in my half-hour or so test ride, didn't care about the clutch and the tranny. Gotta test ride other makes, curious about Kawis.

My mechanic also said we could switch to Semi-Synthetic in the third service, will see if it improves the shifting.

Agreed with you guys, after about 4000 kms, the bike felt more powerful, climbing highways at 80+ kph is so easy.

[KROW]

Wife and I went for a run on Sunday. Almost all on secondary roadways probably averaging 80 km/h (~50 MPH). Filled the tank when we started out and again when we got back. We did 237.5 km (~147.5 mi) - two bars left on my fuel gauge when I refilled. Took 10.673 litres (2.819 US gal; 2.347 Imp Gal).

This works out to over 62 MPG (Imp)/ 52 MPG (US)! This is the best mileage I've gotten from her so far. Amazing, especially for 2-up riding! Don't know if the improved mileage is due to the bike breaking in or to my riding style changing as I become more comfortable with it. I can't see my style of riding changing that drastically over the past few months.

Yes, the C90 has a small tank. But my friends riding big Yamahas and Kawasakis are not getting near the mileage I am. One guy with a 2007 Yammy Silverado was complaining he's only getting a little over 40 MPG (and that's OUR gals; much less on the smaller US gal). Sure his engine (1670 cc) is a bit larger than mine but otherwise the bikes are comparably equipped. Maybe it's the bike or maybe it's my style of riding compared to their's, I don't know. I certainly don't ride the bike hard, especially when my favourite lady is on with me.

What sort of gas mileage are other C90 owners getting?

I have over 5000 kms on the bike now. Will change to syn oil at the 6000 change. I'm wondering if that will give me even better fuel economy.

[frostbitevinnie]

I use Rotella T synt. and I believe that it does quiet shifting down a bit, especially when cold. I don't get quite the mileage you guys do but I tend to have a heavy right hand. Too many mods to keep the mpg up but I have tons more power now. Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeya!!

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by hammersfan

I used Amsoil at the 6000KM oil change, can't really say if it has affected the shifting noise or not, too busy enjoying the improved engine and exhaust note to notice (maybe )! I think the noisy shuifting maybe a characteristic of cruisers in general but possibly a little worse in the C90. I have heard that Rotella synthetic diesel oil quitens it quite a bit but I'm not sure I want to go that road while it is under warranty.

Rotella is 5-W40 our manual calls for 10W40 0r 20W50 in hot climates. I am not saying that the Rotella is not suitable , just that it may give Suzuki an out when it comes to warranty work, plus it is diesel oil and our bikes are not deisel ! maybe I am paranoid!

[frostbitevinnie]

Yes, it is specifically designed for diesel motors but also works very well in our bikes. As far as the dealer having an out I suppose that is possible but I was in our local stealership last Monday and the manager there uses Rotella T in his bike as well. Here is a good link and write up on oil and some on Rotell T. I am sure that there will be some disagreement with this oil but in the Intruder/C90 world it is one of the more popular oils to use.

I have been running this oil for almost a year, I bought the bike 7/22/07 and have had no problems, issues, etc. The bike runs cool in every situation so far and my mileage has not suffered. The one thing I really like about Rotell T synt. is that it is sold in every WalMart across the country. So if you are running Amsoil or Suzuki oil and need to add a bit on a Sunday while on the road you will be out of luck, unless you brought a quart with you or decide to use a different brand of similar oil. For me I can be in BFE, go to the local Walmart and get me a quart, top off and be on my way.

[hammersfan]

I'll most likely try it when my warranty is up, because i have heard many of our fellow C90 riders really like the stuff. BTW. Thanks for excellent lead.

[hammersfan]

Well I developed an engine knock at start up and on advise I got from several members on the C90/Intruder owners forum I switched to Shell Rotella T Synthetic in the blue jug and after about 400-500 KM the knocking went away so consider me a Rotella convert. I was using Amsoil 10W40 .

http://www.shell.com/home/PlainPageS...xpert_faq.html

[Grizz1]

Rotella T syn is what I use also. Just curious what oil filter were/are you using?

[frostbitevinnie]

Originally Posted by hammersfan

Well I developed an engine knock at start up and on advise I got from several members on the C90/Intruder owners forum I switched to Shell Rotella T Synthetic in the blue jug and after about 400-500 KM the knocking went away so consider me a Rotella convert. I was using Amsoil 10W40 .

- Frequently Asked Questions

That knock seems to be commone on the 90 when using Amsoil. Odd, I wonder why.