Five reasons to use synthetic motorcycle oil in your bike

Five reasons to use AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil in your bike

by Len Groom |AMSOIL Technical Product Director, Powersports
The results of a study from lubricant additive manufacture Infineum caught my eye recently. A survey of
1,000 bikers revealed that fewer than 60 percent are using a  motorcycle specific oil in their motorcycles.
Interestingly, more than three of respondents think they’re using a motorcycle oil. Clearly there’s confusion in the market that requires clarification.
Let’s start with why you should always use motorcycle oil in a motorcycle engine boiled down to 5 key reasons.
1) Motorcycles run hotter

In general, automotive engines are water-cooled. A typical automotive engine can reach 235°f. (113°c.) during operation, which is plenty hot. Motorcycles, however, run even hotter, particularly big, air-cooled V-twins, like your average Harley-Davidson relly on air moving across the engine for cooling, which is inherently less efficient at dissipating heat in this configuration poses additional challenges in stop and go traffic where this is little air flow particularly on hot summer days. In fact, testing of a 2012 Harley Streetbob in our mechanical lab demonstrated an average cylinder head temp of 383°F (195°C).
Heat that intense causes some oils to thin and lose viscosity, which reduces wear protection. High heat also hastens chemical breakdown of the oil (called oxidation) which requires you to change oil more often. In extreme cases, the bike’s temperature sensors can shut down the engine if it gets too hot.
2) High rpm destroys lesser oils
Motorcycles tend to operate at engine speeds significantly higher than automobiles. Your average metric sport bike easily eclipses 10,000 rpm. Some have even pushed 20,000 rpm. Your car or truck’s redline doesn’t even come close.
High rpm places additional stress on engine components, increasing the need for wear protection. It subjects oils to higher loading and shear forces, which can rupture the lubricant film and reduce viscosity, both of which increase wear. High rpm also increases the likelihood of foaming, which can reduce an oil’s load-carrying ability, further inviting wear.
3) Increased power density = increased stress
Motorcycle engines produce more horsepower per cubic inch than automobiles. They also tend to operate with higher compression ratios. Increased power density and compression lead to higher engine temperatures and increased stress. This places greater demand on motorcycle oil to figh wear, deposits and chemical breakdown.

4) Must also protect transmission
Many motorcycles have a common sump supplying oil to both the engine and transmission. In such cases, the oil is required to meet the needs of both the engine and the transmission gears. Transmission gears can shear the oil as it’s squeezed between gear teeth repeatedly at elevated rpm, causing some oils to lose viscosity. Many motorcycles also incorporate a wet clutch within the transmission that uses the same oil. Motorcycle wet clutches require a properly formulated lubricant that meets JASO MA or MA2 frictional requirements.
5) Storage invites corrosion
Whereas automobiles are used almost every day, motorcycle use is usually periodic and, in many cases, seasonal. These extended periods of inactivity place additional stress on motorcycle oils. In these circumstances, rust and acid corrosion protection are of critical concern.
While a good passenger-car motor oil (PMCO) hits many of these performance areas, it doesn’t get them all. PMCOs usually contain friction modifiers to help boost fuel economy. Furthermore, PCMO’s don’t meet JASO MA or MA2 requirements. If used in a motorcycle, they can interfere with clutch operation and cause slippage. And no rider wants to deal with a slipping clutch. Likewise, PCMOs have no natural rust or corrosion resistance. Instead, corrosion inhibitors must be added to the formulation, and typical motor oils don’t contain them.
AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is designed for the unique demands of motorcycles. It’s formulated without friction modifiers for precise smooth shifts. It also contains a heavy dose of corrosion inhibitors to protect your engine against rust during storage. And it’s designed to resist viscosity loss due to shear despite intense heat and the mechanical action of gears and chains.
Ensure you are using AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil in your bike for the best protection this riding season as well as off season storage.

Check out the AMSOIL Synthetic vs Conventional page to learn why AMSOIL synthetic lubricants provide the highest performance and protection.
AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil FAQ’s help you understand why these products are the choice for motorcycle riders who value performance and protection for their bikes.
Learn:

• Can I use AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil without voiding my motorcycle’s warranty?
• What AMSOIL motor oils are recommended for Harley-Davidson motorcycles?
• Are AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oils wet-clutch compatible?
• How can AMSOIL recommend 20W- 50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil for use in the primary chaincases and transmissions of certain motorcycles?
• Are AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oils different from AMSOIL synthetic automotive oils?
• and more…