Superior Lubrication For Motorcycles

A Look Inside the AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Study: 

Four Ball Wear Test

Larger View

  For the Four-Ball Wear Test portion of the AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Study, the loads, speeds and temperatures were maintained at 40 kg, 1800 RPM and 150 degrees C respectively for each oil tested. Two separate tests were performed for SAE 40 and SAE 50 oils. 
  As seen in the graphs, both AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCF) and 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) exhibited minimal wear scars of 0.40 mm, placing them at the top of their respective test groups. Competing motorcycle oils showed wear scars up to twice as large. The wear protection provided by AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils is second-to-none, allowing motorcycles to perform better, last longer and require less maintenance. 

 Although zinc has long been considered an excellent anti-wear additive, it is interesting to note that the oils with the highest levels of zinc, Maxima Maxum 4 in the SAE 40 group and Golden Spectro 4 in the SAE 50 group, did not test in the top of their groups. These results indicate that simply formulating an oil with a high zinc level is not sufficient in minimizing wear. 
  A coupon offer for one free Motorcycle Oil Study is included in each case of AMSOIL 10W-40 (MCF) and 20W-50 (MCV) Motorcycle Oil. It is also available for purchase.

G2156 - Motorcycle Oils White Paper PDF This is a Must Read Item

Motorcycle Products PDF 

AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 and 20W-50 motorcycle oils give motorcyclists what they need: superior wear protection for high-stress motorcycle engines and transmissions and clutches that stay clean and deposit-free.

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils. Today’s high-stress, high-revving, two-cycle motorcycle engines demand superior lubrication for optimal performance. Two-cycle engines in motorcycles are frequently pushed to severe operating conditions and abuse which results in high engine temperatures and dirty operating conditions.

Do you Ride a Harley Davidson find out Important Information that will save you Money:
Why Harley Owners Choose AMSOIL: Wear Test Comparison - AMSOIL vs. Harley Screamin' Eagle. Good News for Harley Owners

THE AMSOIL ADVANTAGE

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils have been re-formulated with new high performance additive technology that provides even greater multi-functional benefits for the special requirements of motorcycle applications. These independent and exclusive new AMSOIL formulations provide second-to-none viscosity protection for hot running American and foreign motorcycle engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) is recommended for Harley-Davidson, Buell, Victory, Ducati, BMW, Aprilla and Triumph motorcycles calling for a 15W-50 or 20W-50 viscosity, providing superior protection in engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCF) is recommended for Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, BMW, Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles calling for a 10W-40 or 20W-40 viscosity, providing superior protection in engines and transmissions.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils not only provide superior protection for motorcycle engines, they also provide superior gear protection, meeting API GL-1 gear lube viscosity requirements. AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil (MCF) meets SAE 80W-90 gear lube requirements, while AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (MCV) meets SAE 90 gear lube viscosity requirements. Viscosity is the most important characteristic of a lubricant. Motorcycle gears create a shearing effect that causes permanent oil viscosity loss. This thinning effect reduces the oil’s ability to prevent metal-to-metal contact and wear. The stability and natural operating temperature ranges of the premium synthetic base stocks used to formulate AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils eliminate

AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil viscosity remained stable
 throughout the duration of the test, while the competitors’ oils 
showed quick and dramatic viscosity breakdown.

shear and reduce wear. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils exhibit absolute shear stability as measured by the Kurt Orbon shear stability test. The high temperatures and tight tolerances common to motorcycle applications also affect viscosity. The High Temperature/High Shear (HTHS) Test (ASTM D-4683) measures a lubricant’s viscosity under severe high temperature and shear conditions. The more resistant an oil is to high temperature viscosity loss, the better it protects, and even a HTHS difference of 0.1 cP makes a significant difference. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils exhibit higher HTHS viscosities than competing conventional and synthetic motorcycle oils. As seen in the graphs, AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 and 10W-40 Motorcycle Oils displayed the highest High Temperature/High Shear viscosities in their respective test groups, providing motorcycle engines and transmissions operating in the harshest conditions with superior protection against wear and viscosity loss and eliminating the need for separate gear case oils as recommended by some competitors. Synthetic 10W-40 may also be used in two-cycle transmissions.

Rust Test ASTM D-1748 AMSOIL 10W-40 (MCF)	Rust Test ASTM D-1748 Castrol GPS 10W-40
Rust Test ASTM D-1748 AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV)	Rust Test ASTM D-1748 Castrol GPS 20W-50

Many motorcycles utilize a clutch that is immersed in the motor oil. The friction modifiers present in many automotive motor oils and the extreme pressure additives present in EP gear lubricants produce a low coefficient of friction between the clutch discs and plates, resulting in clutch slippage and glazing. Slippage leads to increased operating temperatures and reduced clutch life. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated without friction modifiers, providing positive clutch engagement, longer equipment life and reduced temperatures. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils meet the clutch compatibility requirements mandated by JASO MA.

Most motorcycles spend the majority of their lives either parked or in storage, but most motorcycle oils fail to address corrosion problems. Corrosion protection during storage and in humid conditions is essential to extending equipment life. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated with specialized additive technology that not only protect against corrosion and acids during operation, but also provide exceptional protection during storage. The ASTM D-1748 Rust Test measures a lubricant’s ability to protect against rust and corrosion. A standard metal reference coupon is immersed in the test oil before being placed in a humidity cabinet for 24 hours at 120 degrees F. As seen in the photos, the reference coupon treated with AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil showed no signs of rust and corrosion, while the competitor failed the test.

Motorcycles operate in demanding, high heat conditions that require robust high temperature deposit control additives. While many conventional oils break down and oxidize when faced with high temperatures, causing formation of carbon and sludge deposits, AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils effectively withstand oil breakdown and oxidation, keeping equipment running cooler and minimizing oil consumption, thickening and emissions. Air-cooled engines get especially hot while idling in traffic, commonly reaching temperatures up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. The extra margin of protection provided by AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils is especially important for hot running air cooled motorcycle engines.

High engine speeds and transmission gears in motorcycles churn the oil, suspending air and causing foam. When this oil and air mixture is drawn into a loaded area, the air compresses and decreases the thickness of the oil film, compromising wear protection. In addition, suspended air promotes oil oxidation, reducing its service life. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils greatly reduce foaming to provide long term lubricating protection in high speed, high RPM conditions.

Recent automotive motor oil regulations have limited certain additive levels, including the anti-wear additive known as ZDDP. ZDDP is an extremely effective anti-wear, anti-oxidant additive, and reducing its level results in compromised wear control and shortened service life. Because motorcycle applications require robust additive systems to control wear and oxidation, use of an automotive motor oil or an automotive motor oil re-labeled as a motorcycle oil compromises protection and performance. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are over-treated with robust additive packages, including high levels of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and additional oxidation inhibitors, to extend oil life expectancy, provide unmatched engine cleanliness and greatly reduce wear. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are recommended for twice the manufacturer’s recommended drain interval for on-road motorcycles. The Four Ball Wear Test (ASTM D-4172) determines the wear protection properties of a lubricant. The smaller the average wear scar, the better the wear protection provided by the lubricant. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils produce significantly smaller wear scars than competing motorcycle oils, providing unsurpassed protection against engine wear, reducing maintenance costs and extending equipment life.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils provide excellent cost effectiveness and are cost competitive with competing high end motorcycle oils. The unmatched protection and performance provided by AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils is excellent insurance for today’s expensive motorcycles and custom bikes.

• Excellent for roller bearings and does not cause “skate” or “float” in V-Twin Engines.
• Prevents foaming in high-RPM engines 
• Eliminates the need for multiple lubricants 
• Absolute shear stability maintains protective viscosity in high heat, high shear conditions 
• Better performance and price than competitive motorcycle oils 
• Recommended for twice the manufacturer’s recommended drain interval for on-road motorcycles 
• Provide exceptional protection against rust and corrosion during storage 
• Robust anti-wear additive packages provide superior wear protection and longer equipment life

AMSOIL 2-Cycle Oils

Today’s high-stress, high-revving, two-cycle motorcycle engines demand superior lubrication for optimal performance. Two-cycle engines in motorcycles are frequently pushed to severe operating conditions and abuse which results in high engine temperatures and dirty operating conditions. AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils provide maximum protection and performance in two-cycle gasoline engines. AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils reduce engine operating temperatures, increase power output and keep engines cleaner than petroleum oils. AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils also provide maximum oxidation protection, anticorrosive characteristics and improved operation in low temperatures.

AMSOIL 2-Cycle Oils RESIST THERMAL BREAKDOWN FROM HEAT

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils resist oil breakdown caused by heat to prevent the formation of varnish and carbon deposits. AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils also lower engine temperatures to inhibit power-robbing thermal expansion in hard-driven engines. This protection reduces maintenance costs and helps engines last longer.

RESIST HIGH-TEMPERATURE DEPOSITS

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils promote clean burning. They eliminate the formation of gum, varnish, sludge, carbon or ash residues. Deposits previously formed from conventional oils are often dissolved. Spark plug fouling and excessive carbon buildup on piston domes, exhaust ports and valving are virtually eliminated. Rings remain free for excellent compression and combustion and exhaust emissions are greatly reduced.

REDUCE WEAR THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils protect pistons and rings from wear caused by metal-to-metal contact under the hottest loaded conditions. The lubricity properties in AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils provide a durable film that protects moving parts against wear. Also, AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils reduce friction to lower engine operating temperatures.

OUTSTANDING LOW-TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils mix readily with fuel, even in low temperatures. AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils resist gelling to provide excellent performance and protection in low temperatures.

PREVENTS RUST AND CORROSION

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils contain special rust and corrosion inhibitors which provide two-cycle engines with excellent protection, especially during off season storage.

AMSOIL Series 2000 2-Cycle Racing Oil Reduces Heat, Friction and Wear . . .

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AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 2-Cycle Racing Oil provides the ultimate protection for the hardest working, hottest running two-cycle engines. When two-cycle engines run hot, pistons expand and the piston to cylinder wall clearance is reduced. This increases friction and the likelihood of piston scuffing, reduced power and ultimately engine seizure. AMSOIL Series 2000 2-Cycle Oil reduces friction and prevents thermal runaway. AMSOIL Series 2000 2-Cycle Oil virtually eliminates piston scuffing and ensures peak performance in two-cycle engines.

Because two-cycle motors burn oil, it is important the oil burn clean to prevent carbon buildup. Carbon buildup in the ring areas causes ring sticking, and on the spark plug causes plug fouling. AMSOIL Series 2000 2-Cycle Racing Oil is specially formulated to burn clean, ensuring optimal engine performance. AMSOIL synthetic base oils are combined with specialized detergents to keep two-cycle components clean.

Team Greene Racing N.Y.I.R.P. MOTORCYCLE CLASS

“This will be my third season running AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil in my 1134cc Suzuki Drag bike. After testing AMSOIL 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil at the track, the clutch performed flawlessly. We actually noticed a slight decrease in our 60’ times, and better yet, as the season progressed we saw less clutch plate wear. Prior to switching to AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil, I would change oil in the drag bike every month, but now I have tripled the drain intervals.” – Cory Greene, 2001 N.Y.I.R.P. Motorcycle Class Champion.

Miller Racing GLRRA & AMA/FASTTRAX

“I run a Yamaha R6, which is the dominant bike on my racing circuit. Of all the guys who run these bikes, the only ones that don’t use up any oil are mine and the others who use the AMSOIL products. My engine has run great all season thanks to AMSOIL lubricants.” – Mike Miller

For A Complete List of Motorcycle Products

Motorcycle Accessory Products

P.I. Performance Improver Concentrate (API) AMSOIL PI improved fuel economy by reducing port fuel injector deposits, intake valve deposits and combustion chamber deposits in 100% of the vehicles tested! Untreated Fuel Leads to Poor Engine Performance A vehicle demonstrates its best efficiency and engine performance when it is new. As the engine ages, its performance suffers from gasoline fuel-generated deposits that form on the fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chamber. Additives are required to control deposit formation.

SERIES 2000 OCTANE BOOST Maximizes power, reduces engine knock and improves ignition and engine response. Helps fuel burn cleaner, removes carbon deposits and inhibits corrosion.

SHOCK THERAPY SUSPENSION FLUID Formulated for fade-free dampening and smooth rebounds in racing and recreational applications. Controls friction and heat, reduces wear, scuffing, frictional energy loss and heat buildup and prevents fade more effectively than conventional suspension fluids. Ideal for both front forks and shocks. Available in two viscosity grades.

SYNTHETIC GEAR LUBE Out-performs conventional petroleum gear lubes. Reduces friction for improved fuel efficiency. Gears run cooler and last longer.

SERIES 2000 RACING GREASE Ultimate protection for hard-driven, high performance motorcycles. Dramatically reduces friction and wear for improved performance.