Interesting Article on Motorcycle Oils - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Oaksong · 08-26-2008, 09:02 PM

Motorcycle Oils vs. Automotive Oils

Seems pretty damning. Doesn't surprise me in the least though.

**Clint** · 08-26-2008, 10:24 PM

Yup. That's one of the articles I base my opinions on. It's rather old, but oil hasn't changed that much, really. I only wish Mobil 1 was still $3.48!

Quote:

The viscosities of petroleum-based oils, whether designed for auto or motorcycle application, drop at approximately the same rate when used in a motorcycle.
There is no evidence that motorcycle-specific oils out-perform their automotive counterparts in viscosity retention when used in a motorcycle.

Also note the chart at the very bottom.

Thundurburd · 08-26-2008, 11:13 PM

Looks like a good article. I just skimmed it so far but have made a PDF for my files. Thanks.

womper · 08-27-2008, 12:24 AM

i'll put any oil in the MC as long as it doesn't have 'friction modifiers'
i heard that's bad with a wet clutch.

right now i have a mix of castrol 4 stroke MC oil and some ATV oil..
haven't had any problems...

jjzeal · 08-27-2008, 01:56 AM

seems to jibe with a great study i saw online last month as suggested to me by a friend. check out amsoil and read their independent study and look at how a bunch of brands stand up. it was very eye opening for me. can't remember how i found it except by going to the amsoil site. i know it could sound a little biased but it was simply paid for by amsoil. i really liked that it showed clearly how virtually all of the motorcycle oils we know measured up in quite a few tests. and the fact that it was based on true oil testing standards which are based on physics more than theory.

womper · 08-27-2008, 07:35 AM

i read on another forum and people like it too (amsoil)

meh. i'll stick with bottom o the barrel stuff...

BlueMax · 08-27-2008, 03:46 PM

I have been using Motul 3000, but I will be trying Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec, both of which I have used in my cars without any problems. Good post Oaksong.

pinky44 · 08-27-2008, 05:38 PM

Gives you something to think about.

Oaksong · 08-27-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinky44

Gives you something to think about.

My bet is that a lot of the "special" stuff of whatever kind is just repacked BS to make more money.

frostbitevinnie · 08-27-2008, 06:47 PM

I'll stick with my RotellaT synthetic. Price is right, bike runs great, is available in every WallWorld in the country, and I really like the color of the jug!!!!

geoffsimpson · 08-27-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostbitevinnie

I'll stick with my RotellaT synthetic. Price is right, bike runs great, is available in every WallWorld in the country, and I really like the color of the jug!!!!

It is a darn fine lookin jug Vinnie.

for the RRRRRotella

frostbitevinnie · 08-28-2008, 07:47 AM

Purdy, ain't it???

1badbaker · 08-28-2008, 01:02 PM

Intriguing article...I'll stick with what I've been using.

And yes...that shell bottle is quite purdy...

hammersfan · 08-29-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjzeal

seems to jibe with a great study i saw online last month as suggested to me by a friend. check out amsoil and read their independent study and look at how a bunch of brands stand up. it was very eye opening for me. can't remember how i found it except by going to the amsoil site. i know it could sound a little biased but it was simply paid for by amsoil. i really liked that it showed clearly how virtually all of the motorcycle oils we know measured up in quite a few tests. and the fact that it was based on true oil testing standards which are based on physics more than theory.

I like many other C90 owners experienced severe knocking at start up while using Amsoil. Like many other C90 owners I switched to shell Rotella T Synthetic and the noise went away
http://forums.delphiforums.com/RLCMC...es?msg=44480.1

http://forums.delphiforums.com/RLCMC...es?msg=46203.1

**Clint** · 08-29-2008, 11:29 PM

I tried Amsoil before I went to Mobil 1. The engine buzzed like crazy. At first I thought it was just due to hot weather, but it didn't go away until I put Mobil 1 in. Couldn't be happier with smoothness and shifting now.

otdriver · 08-31-2008, 12:25 PM

I use Mobil 1. It's rated at the top in most oil articles that I've read, plus the fact that I get it at cost.

rathr-b-cruisin · 08-31-2008, 05:14 PM

I tried the rotella 5w40 but wasnt too impressed with it. I just put in mobil 1 15w50 and already notice a big difference.

Oaksong · 09-01-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rathr-b-cruisin

I tried the rotella 5w40 but wasnt too impressed with it. I just put in mobil 1 15w50 and already notice a big difference.

I bought a gallon of rotella. It was 20 for a gallon or like 13 for the 2 quarts I would need... Not a problem to have a bit extra.

If I don't like it I will move to mobil 1. The honda HP4 stuff makes shifting not as sure...

08-26-2008, 09:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Oaksong Clunked into first gear Joined: Jul 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 231	Interesting Article on Motorcycle Oils Motorcycle Oils vs. Automotive Oils Seems pretty damning. Doesn't surprise me in the least though. __________________ 1998 Suzuki Marauder 800

08-26-2008, 11:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Thundurburd U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 2007 Black S50 Location: Waukesha WI Posts: 1,064	Looks like a good article. I just skimmed it so far but have made a PDF for my files. Thanks. __________________ The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant; it's the population that is growing.

08-27-2008, 03:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
BlueMax Found second gear by accident Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: Northeast Houston Posts: 316	I have been using Motul 3000, but I will be trying Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec, both of which I have used in my cars without any problems. Good post Oaksong. __________________ Good luck and safe riding, BlueMax

08-27-2008, 05:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
pinky44 Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Feb 2007 Bike: 1983 GS 550m kat / 1991 GSX 600f Location: Nottingham,England Posts: 701	Gives you something to think about. __________________ Whatever you ride ride safe and keep the rubber on the ground and the shiny side up.

08-27-2008, 06:47 PM	#10 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie In The Zone Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,727	I'll stick with my RotellaT synthetic. Price is right, bike runs great, is available in every WallWorld in the country, and I really like the color of the jug!!!! __________________ I set up a by knot of soups that valid terrific, and can be made in big batches and frozen. Is there any interest? Karri Tamsin

08-27-2008, 01:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
jjzeal Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: '07 ninja 650r Location: clinton, louisiana. (near baton rouge) Posts: 40	seems to jibe with a great study i saw online last month as suggested to me by a friend. check out amsoil and read their independent study and look at how a bunch of brands stand up. it was very eye opening for me. can't remember how i found it except by going to the amsoil site. i know it could sound a little biased but it was simply paid for by amsoil. i really liked that it showed clearly how virtually all of the motorcycle oils we know measured up in quite a few tests. and the fact that it was based on true oil testing standards which are based on physics more than theory.

08-28-2008, 07:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie In The Zone Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,727	Purdy, ain't it??? __________________ I set up a by knot of soups that valid terrific, and can be made in big batches and frozen. Is there any interest? Karri Tamsin

08-28-2008, 01:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
1badbaker U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 05 Black M50 Location: Milledgeville, GA Posts: 1,260	Intriguing article...I'll stick with what I've been using. And yes...that shell bottle is quite purdy... __________________ 2005 M50 Black: "Black Betty" John's Kit Forward Controls/Saddlemen Explorer/Kury Iso-Grips/Stiletto End Caps/Kury Throttle Boss/De-Paired/De-Badged/De-Baffled/De-Mickeyed/pac50t Naked Jug Kit/PCIII USB/Cobra Streetrod Slashdowns/Saddlemen Bags/Cobra Sissybar/Metz ME880's/Slipstreamer Windscreen/C50 mirrors Blacked Out: Headlight Bucket, Mirrors, Front Signals, Radiator Cover, Neck Covers, Speedo Cover, Tank Cowl, Fender Rails, Sissybar, Saddlebag Supports

08-31-2008, 12:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
otdriver In Training Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: C50 (Blue Beast) Location: Maryland Posts: 124	I use Mobil 1. It's rated at the top in most oil articles that I've read, plus the fact that I get it at cost. Last edited by otdriver; 09-02-2008 at 08:01 PM.

08-31-2008, 05:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
rathr-b-cruisin Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Location: Michigan Posts: 330	I tried the rotella 5w40 but wasnt too impressed with it. I just put in mobil 1 15w50 and already notice a big difference. __________________ Ride Hard, Pray Harder.

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