Motorcycle Motor Oils: Worth It or a Waste?

Summary

In this video, experts delve into the unique demands of motorcycle oils, emphasizing their crucial role in protecting high-performance engines. Unlike car oils, motorcycle oils must cater to both the engine and clutch, ensuring proper friction and preventing wear. The video explores the testing processes behind motorcycle oil formulations, showcasing how oils are tailored to specific applications like dirt bikes and V-twins. Key topics include viscosity, heat resistance, and friction balance, demonstrating why motorcycle oils cannot be replaced by car oils. The insights provided help riders choose the right oil for maximum engine performance and longevity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Motorcycle oil is more expensive than regular car or diesel oil due to the unique demands of motorcycle engines, especially in terms of friction and heat management.
• 😀 Motorcycle engines often share oil with the clutch, requiring the oil to perform well under both engine and clutch conditions to ensure optimal performance.
• 😀 AMSOIL's testing lab plays a crucial role in developing motorcycle oils that exceed OEM standards by pushing oils to their breaking points in extreme conditions.
• 😀 Unlike passenger car oils, motorcycle oils need to be formulated from the ground up to handle high temperatures, friction, and shear forces specific to motorcycle engines.
• 😀 The frictional characteristics of motorcycle oils are critical, as they must avoid friction modifiers that can interfere with clutch performance, particularly in wet clutch systems.
• 😀 Air-cooled engines, like those in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, face unique challenges due to extreme heat. These engines rely heavily on ambient temperature, which puts additional strain on the oil.
• 😀 Testing is essential to understand where motorcycle oils break down. AMSOIL uses real-world testing scenarios, such as pushing oil past OEM drain intervals to identify reserve protection capabilities.
• 😀 Shear stability is vital for motorcycle oils. Oils that shear down under high load conditions can negatively affect engine performance, especially in high-heat environments.
• 😀 Different motorcycle types, such as dirt bikes and V-twin cruisers, require specific oils tailored to their unique performance needs, from friction levels to viscosity stability.
• 😀 Two-stroke engines are an ideal testing platform for motorcycle oils due to their harsh operating conditions, which challenge the oil's ability to withstand extreme temperatures and wear.
• 😀 The formula for motorcycle oil can apply to other vehicles with similar performance requirements, such as snowmobiles, due to the universal need for application-specific chemistry.

Q & A

Why are motorcycle oils different from regular car or diesel oils?

Motorcycle oils are specifically formulated to meet the unique demands of motorcycle engines. These oils must support both the engine and clutch, while also handling the high heat, extreme RPM, and specific friction requirements of motorcycle engines. Regular car or diesel oils do not address these factors, as they are designed for different types of engines and lubrication needs.

What is the primary role of friction modifiers in oils, and why can they be problematic for motorcycles?

Friction modifiers are added to car oils to reduce friction, aiming for better fuel efficiency. However, they can cause issues in motorcycles with wet clutch systems, as they make the oil too slippery, preventing proper clutch engagement. This leads to slipping and reduced clutch performance in motorcycles.

What is the difference between MA and MA2 oil ratings for motorcycles?

The MA and MA2 oil ratings refer to the level of friction an oil provides for wet clutch systems. MA oils are smoother, designed for applications where the clutch engagement should be gradual, like in dirt bikes. MA2 oils, on the other hand, are more aggressive, providing better clutch grip for applications where higher performance and tighter clutch engagement are necessary, such as in high-performance road bikes.

How does a shared oil system in motorcycles affect oil formulation?

Motorcycles often have shared oil systems, meaning the same oil is used for both the engine and the clutch. This requires the oil to be formulated to handle both the friction and performance needs of the engine while also providing the necessary lubrication and friction control for the clutch. Regular car oils are not suitable for this dual role, as they may lack the required friction control for the clutch.

Why is high heat a concern when designing motorcycle oils?

Motorcycle engines, especially those in high-performance applications, operate at higher temperatures than typical passenger vehicles. The oil needs to withstand this heat without breaking down, which can lead to engine wear, reduced performance, and even failure. Therefore, motorcycle oils are designed with better heat resistance and shear stability compared to car oils.

What kind of testing does Amsoil conduct to ensure the quality of their motorcycle oils?

Amsoil conducts extensive testing in real-world conditions to refine their oil formulations. This includes running oils through prolonged use tests, such as 300-hour dyno tests and real-world simulations in two-stroke and V-twin engines. These tests allow Amsoil to measure oil performance under high-stress conditions, ensuring it meets the demanding needs of motorcycle engines.

How do two-stroke engines differ from four-stroke engines in terms of oil requirements?

Two-stroke engines require oil mixed with the fuel to lubricate the engine, whereas four-stroke engines have separate oil reservoirs. The oil in a two-stroke engine must provide sufficient lubrication while also burning cleanly with the fuel. This creates different requirements in terms of oil formulation, especially regarding combustion and exhaust management.

What are the advantages of using Amsoil oils for dirt bikes?

Amsoil oils for dirt bikes are designed to provide excellent clutch performance, even under extreme conditions such as heavy loads, high RPMs, and rough terrain. These oils are specifically formulated to protect the engine and clutch, ensuring smooth operation and preventing slippage, which is crucial for off-road performance.

How does the 300-hour test cycle work for Amsoil's oil testing?

The 300-hour test cycle involves running oils in a dyno test where the engine operates under various conditions, including idling, mid-range, and wide-open throttle, for extended periods. This process allows Amsoil to gather detailed data on oil performance under long-term stress and heat exposure, helping to refine the oil’s properties and ensuring it maintains effectiveness over time.

How does the application of oil chemistry change based on the specific engine or motorcycle type?

Oil chemistry is always tailored to the specific demands of the engine or motorcycle type. For example, oils for V-twin engines require a different balance of friction modifiers compared to oils for dirt bikes or snowmobiles. The application dictates the oil's formulation—its viscosity, friction control, shear stability, and heat resistance—ensuring that each engine type gets the right kind of protection.