Infineum, a global chemical company, recently found that fewer than 60 percent of U.S. bikers use a motorcycle-specific oil in their bikes. However, more than three-quarters of survey respondents think they are using motorcycle oil. Clearly there’s confusion in the market.
To cut through the confusion and recommend the right products, it helps to understand how motorcycle applications differ from autos and how it affects motor oil. Here are five reasons bikers should use a motorcycle-specific oil.
1) Motorcycles run hotter In general, automotive engines are watercooled. While some bikes are also watercooled, many – including Harley-Davidson* V-twins – rely on air flowing across the engine for cooling. This configuration poses a problem in stop-and-go traffic when there’s little airflow, particularly on hot summer days. Intense heat causes some oils to thin, which reduces wear protection. In extreme cases, the bike can shut down if the engine temperature gets too hot.
2) High rpm destroys lesser oils Motorcycles tend to operate at engine speeds significantly higher than automobiles. This places additional stress on engine components, increasing the need for wear protection, and subjects lubricating oils to higher loading and shear forces. Elevated rpm also promotes foaming, which can reduce an oil’s load-carrying ability.
3) Increased power density = increased stress Motorcycle engines typically produce more horsepower per cubic inch than automobiles. What’s more, they tend to operate with higher compression ratios. Increased power density and compression increase temperatures and stress. This places greater demands on motorcycle oil to fight 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. Many motorcycles also incorporate a wet clutch within the transmission that uses the same oil.
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. AMSOIL has you covered Automotive motor oils aren’t formulated for the unique demands of motorcycles. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, on the other hand, is formulated to resist the extreme heat and high rpm common to motorcycles. It helps cool hot-running, powerful V-twins while delivering excellent wear protection during aggressive riding. It is wet-clutch compatible to protect transmission gears and ensure smooth, confident shifts. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil contains corrosion inhibitors to protect engines from rust during storage. It’s the perfect choice to ensure you take care of your motorcycle customers.
VTWIN-MOTORCYCLE DELIVERS excellent protection against extreme heat so you have peace of mind your bike is protected.
The AMSOIL V-Twin Oil Change Kit combines everything needed to perform an AMSOIL oil change on most 1999-2016 Harley-Davidson* motorcycles in one convenient package.
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