Yes I believe that different blends will have different effect on shifting because it be a different thickness or viscosity. However personally I would stick with what the manual says to use because unlike a car where you have different oils to run the trans, engine and rear end, the oil in bike does it all. Personally I think a lot of research and testing went into determining what oil to use in these bike. If you do decide to try a different oil just make sure there is no molybdenum in it as it will make the clutch slip.

 

I've always used K&N Oil Filters. Read an article a while back about their ability to capture deposits and what not so I was sold ever since. I might be getting taken to the cleaners with them, it could all be in my head... but I've used them for 10 years now and have been very pleased.