Wear Test Comparison
- AMSOIL vs. Harley Davidson Screamin' Eagle Syn3 Synthetic
Motorcycle Oil
The recent introduction of Screamin'
Eagle® Synthetic Lubricant by Harley-Davidson® indicates
the Motor Company has finally recognized the benefits of running
synthetic motorcycle oil in their air-cooled engines. After
years of advising dealers and customers to avoid using synthetic
oils in their bikes, it's natural to wonder why the company
is suddenly marketing one.
For the past 20 years, Harley-Davidson®
has claimed its petroleum-based Genuine H-D Oil is best for
the "unique requirements of Harley-Davidson® air-cooled
V-twin engines." However, laboratory testing has consistently
revealed that Genuine H-D Oil does not provide the best protection
possible for Harley-Davidson® engines. In fact, Four-Ball
Wear Tests show Harley- Davidson® 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil
leaves a wear scar nearly 80 percent larger than that left
by AMSOIL
Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil.
The
Four-Ball Wear Test is the industry's standard test method
for measuring the wear preventive characteristics of a
lubricant. Placed in a bath of the test lubricant, three
fixed steel balls are put into contact with a fourth ball
in rotating contact at preset test conditions. Lubricant
wear protection properties are measured by comparing the
average wear scars on the three fixed balls. The smaller
the average wear scar, the better the protection.
Four-Ball Wear Test
(ASTM D4172), 40kg pressure @ 150 degrees C, 1800 rpm
for 1 hour duration April 2003 test results
One of the major benefits of
running a synthetic motorcycle oil is its resistance to oxidation
and thermal degradation, which inhibit the formation of sludge
and deposits that contribute to increased wear. In the past,
Harley-Davidson® has defended use of its Genuine H-D Oil
by arguing that oil breakdown in extreme heat is a non-issue
because extreme heat conditions are not normally faced by
motorcycle engines, while the superior cold-temperature benefits
of synthetics also don't apply to Harleys.
The fact is, engine oil in Harley-Davidson®
motorcycles is subject to very high temperatures. Being air-cooled,
Harley-Davidson® engines get especially hot while idling
in traffic, commonly reaching temperatures up to 240 degrees
Fahrenheit. As heat and oxidation increase, so does viscosity,
adversely affecting the lubricating qualities of the oil and
increasing wear.
The water, soot and acid byproducts
of combustion also contribute to deposit formation. Harley-Davidson®
has stressed the importance of regular oil changes in order
to remove these contaminants. Of course, promoting regular
oil changes is also a good way to promote using petroleum-based
Genuine H-D Oil. High-quality synthetic oils formulated with
high-performance additives effectively withstand such contaminants,
allowing motorcyclists to safely extend drain intervals.
In support of their about-face
and the introduction of a synthetic oil, Harley maintains
that "the Motor Company has never supported the use of
synthetic products in our vehicles because there has never
been any test validations completed on the numerous formulations
in HD/Buell motorcycles. This product has been exclusively
designed for Harley-Davidson® and is the only synthetic
product TESTED and CERTIFIED by Harley-Davidson® engineering
for use in HD/Buell motorcycles."
Although this is necessary marketing
hype, Harley-Davidson® V-twin air-cooled engines
are not unique in their lubrication requirements and do not
require a special Harley-only fluid (see
letter from Harley-Davidson). There is nothing
about Screamin' Eagle® Synthetic Motorcycle Oil that sets
it apart from, or makes it better than, many other synthetic
motorcycle oil formulations, except that Harley-Davidson®
is marketing it and directly profiting from the sales.
According to Harley-Davidson®,
one of the unique benefits offered by Screamin' Eagle®
Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is its versatility. For the first
time the company is recommending an oil that can be used in
the engines, primary chaincases and transmissions of most
Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, including Evolution XL,
Evolution 1340, Twin Cam 88 and 88B, Revolution and Buell
models. This feature, however, is not unique. AMSOIL
20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may also be used in the
engines, primary chaincases and transmissions of these applications,
providing superior lubricating protection in each component.
How does Screamin' Eagle®
Synthetic Motorcycle Oil measure up to AMSOIL in wear protection?
Four-Ball Wear Test results indicate that AMSOIL
Synthetic Motorcycle Oil still provides the best protection
possible for motorcycles. In fact, Screamin' Eagle® Synthetic
Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar nearly 80 percent larger
than AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil.
Not only does AMSOIL
Synthetic Motorcycle Oil offer greater wear protection
than Screamin' Eagle® Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, it also
delivers greater value. Suggested retail price of Screamin'
Eagle® is similar to AMSOIL
20W-50 Motorcycle Oil. But, because AMSOIL
Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may be used for extended drain
intervals of up to twice the manufacturer's suggested interval,
while Screamin' Eagle® is recommended for standard drain
intervals, AMSOIL
customers realize additional savings.
Harley-Davidson® claims
Screamin' Eagle® Synthetic Motorcycle Oil has been "exclusively
designed" for use in their motorcycles, pointing to extensive
bench testing and over 230,000 miles of durability testing
to back it up. AMSOIL INC. has 30 years of experience providing
superior lubricating protection for all brands of motorcycles,
and AMSOIL
Synthetic Motorcycle Oils have been tested in millions
of over-the-road miles. Testimonials from countless motorcyclists
further demonstrate the superiority of AMSOIL
Synthetic Motorcycle Oils.
Formulated with top-of-the-line
synthetic base stocks and high-temperature deposit control
additives, AMSOIL
Synthetic Motorcycle Oils provide superior protection
and performance for motorcycles in all operating conditions.
AMSOIL
Motorcycle Oils effectively withstand oxidation and thermal
degradation, keep wear to an absolute minimum, hold contaminants
in suspension and keep engines running cool and clean.
AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle
Oils
Reduce operating temperatures
Keep engines clean and deposit-free
Provide maximum protection
against wear
Formulated without friction
modifiers for smooth performance
Saves money with extended
drain intervals of up to two times the manufacturers' recommendations
Why is AMSOIL Synthetic Oil
Better?
Watch this Informative
Video
AMSOIL V-Twin Motorcycle
Oil Torture Test
What You Need To Know
About Motorcycle Oils
Overview
As with any vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine,
proper lubrication is essential to insure performance and
longevity. It is important to point out that not all internal
combustion engines are similarly designed or exposed to the
same types of operation. These variations in design and operation
place different demands on engine oils. Specifically, the
demands placed on motorcycle engine oils are more severe than
those placed on automotive engine oils. Therefore, the performance
requirements of motorcycle oils are more demanding as well.
Though the degree may be debatable,
few will disagree that a difference exists between automotive
and motorcycle applications. In which area these differences
are and to what degree they alter lubrication requirements
are not clear to most motorcycle operators. By comparing some
basic equipment information, one can better understand the
differences that exist.
There are six primary differences
between motorcycle and automotive engine applications:
Operational Speed -
Motorcycles tend to operate at engine speeds significantly
higher than automobiles. This places additional stress on
engine components, increasing the need for wear protection.
It also subjects lubricating oils to higher loading and shear
forces. Elevated operating RPMs also promote foaming, which
can reduce an oil's load-carrying ability and accelerated
oxidation.
Compression Ratio -
Motorcycles tend to operate with higher engine compression
ratios than automobiles. Higher compression ratios place additional
stress on engine components and increase engine operating
temperatures. Higher demands are placed on the oil to reduce
wear. Elevated operating temperatures also promote thermal
degradation of the oil, reducing its life expectancy and increasing
the formation of internal engine deposits.
Horsepower/Displacement
Density - Motorcycle engines produce nearly twice
the horsepower per cubic inch of displacement of automobile
engines. This exposes the lubricating oil to higher temperatures
and stress.
Variable Engine Cooling
- In general, automotive applications usa a sophisticated
water-cooling system to control engine operating temperatures.
Similar systems can be found in motorcycle applications, but
other designs also exist. Many motorcycles are air-cooled
or use a combination air/oil design. Though effective, they
result in greater fluctuations in operating temperatures,
particularly when motorcycle are operated in stop-and-go traffic.
Elevated operating temperature promotes oxidation and causes
oils to thin, reducing their load carrying ability.
Multiple Lubrication
Functionality - In automotive applications, engine
oils are required to lubricate only the engine. Other automotive
assemblies, such as transmissions, have seperate fluid reservoirs
that contain a lubricant designed specifically for that component.
The requirements of that fluid differ significantly from those
of automotive engine oil. 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 transmission gears. Many motorcycles also incorporate
a frictional clutch within the transmission that uses the
same oil.
Inactivity -
Motorcycles are typically used less frequently than automobiles.
Whereas automobiles are used on a daily basis, 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.
It is apparent that motorcycle
applications place a different set of requirements on lubricating
oils. Motorcycle oils, therefore, must be formulated to address
this unique set of high stress conditions.
Erik Buell Partners With
AMSOIL
AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle
Oil is the Factory Fill Oil for EBR Buell Motorcycles
Consistent Clutch Feel
- Clutch slippage or inconsistent clutch feel can
prevent dirt bike riders from riding as fast or effectively
as they like. To keep the engine within the power band, riders
often modulate the clutch, increasing the opportunity for
clutch slippage if low-quality lubricants are used.
AMSOIL
Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil's superior friction-durability
properties help minimize clutch slippage, fade and chatter,
giving riders consistent clutch feel during takeoffs or when
maneuvering around obstacles on the trail. In an extreme simulated-start
test, AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil continued to deliver
consistent clutch feel following 32 simulated race starts,
while a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-branded
oil demonstrated inconsistent clutch-lever action and poor
clutch feel after 16 starts. The clutch plates lubricated
with AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil remained clean and in
good overall condition, while the plates using the OEM oil
revealed discoloration and wear. AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike
Oil's superior performance helps instill in riders the confidence
that their bikes will perform consistently in all types of
riding conditions.
Racing is Research -
AMSOIL corporately sponsored supercross and motocross racers
identified consistent clutch feel as a key performance attribute.
At the time, there was no dirt-bike-specific oil on the market
that provided the level of clutch consistency professional
and amateur riders demand. Consistent clutch feel is critical
to motocross riders during starts to keep the bike from lurching
forward prior to the gate dropping. Trail riders, meanwhile,
need consistent clutch feel to confidently navigate obstacles
without having to shift gears and lose momentum.
In-Depth Product Development
- The process to develop Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil
relied on a combination of lab and track testing. Clutch feel
is inherently subjective, which creates challenges in designing
a lubricant that delivers consistent clutch feel. To overcome
that challenge, AMSOIL designed The Extreme Simulated-Start
Test on Dirt Bikes. The test allows AMSOIL engineers to apply
accelerated stress to a dirt bike's clutch in order to monitor
clutch feel produced by a candidate lubricant.
The test uses a 2014 Honda CRF450R
attached to a dyno. While in second gear, the test administrator
holds the clutch at the point just prior to engagement, similar
to the way a rider would hold the bike in the gates during
a race start. The clutch is then released and the bike is
run to fourth gear, simulating the time from the drop of the
gate to the first corner in a race. The rear wheel is not
allowed to slip during the test, placing additional stress
on the clutch. Test administrators look for consistent lever
action and feel as they wait to let out the clutch and as
they shift the bike through the gears.
AMSOIL
Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil was also subjected to extensive
on-track testing in the bikes of GEICO/AMSOIL/Honda Factory
Connection and other professional riders. A combination of
rider feedback and lab testing resulted in the final formulation
of Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil. Its performance in lab and track
testing dispels the myth that synthetics are "too slippery"
and make clutches slip. Results also demonstrate that AMSOIL
Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil delivers consistent clutch performance
while helping extend clutch life. (Buy
Online)
NOACK Volatility Test
is a Critical Measurement of Motor Oil Quality
AMSOIL was
the first motor oil company in North America to use
the NOACK volatility test to measure motor oil quality
and performance. Although competing motor oil companies
initially paid no attention to NOACK results, the test
has since become a critical measurement tool throughout
the industry.
Modern engine
designs generate more heat than ever, accentuating the
importance of the NOACK volatility test for determining
an oil's ability to provide an adequate level of protection
and performance. More horsepower, turbo chargers and
aerodynamic styling have created extremely hot environments
that receive less cooling from outside air, and high
heat leads to oil oxidation, deposits and thickening
in conventional oils.
Top quality
for the current API SM motor oils specification, gasoline
motor oils cannot experience a weight loss of more than
15 percent in the NOACK test. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor
Oils were exceeding modern requirements over 20 years
ago, while many current motor oils still have a hard
time meeting this minimal requirement, increasing wear,
fuel consumption and emissions.
As seen in
the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil easily passes
the NOACK Test and falls well below the the maximum
15 percent volatilization (burn off) rate dictated by
the API SM motor oil specification, while the Royal
Purple volatilization (burn off) rate is over 11 percent
and the Lucas Oil FAILS the
test with a volatilization (burn off) rate of over 40
percent. (read
more)
AMSOIL Dealer Michael Mathe's
2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200L with over 50,000 AMSOIL
miles!
Why Motor Oil Deteriorates
It is common knowledge
that, at some point, engine oil must be changed. It's something
that is preached relentlessly to vehicle owners by vehicle
manufacturers, quick lubes and oil companies. But consumers
are widely unaware of what exactly makes oil changes necessary.
Many factors contribute
to a motor oil's demise, but it is essentially the accumulation
of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes in the oil
itself that make a motor unfit for further service. With time,
it is inevitable that the oil will be contaminated by dirt
or sludge, or succumb to the extreme pressures or temperatures
found inside an engine. AMSOIL Motor Oils are formulated with
the industry's most advanced synthetic base stocks and additive
packages to combat the forces that deteriorate conventional
oils. (read
more)
What is the NOACK Volatility
Test?
Volatization is a term used to describe
what happens to a fluid as it is heated to the point it begins
to "boil off." Upon reaching a certain temperature,
oil will begin to lose some of its lighter weight molecules
as they "boil off" and leave heavier weight molecules
behind. Not only does this cause higher oil consumption, this
process can also cause increased viscosity making the oil
more difficult to circulate through the lubrication system.
(read
more)
Quality Takes Priority at AMSOIL
The AMSOIL chemical
laboratory plays an important role in the daily operations
at AMSOIL headquarters. The lab fulfills tech service requests,
performs competitor testing and comparisons, and works on
the research and development of products at AMSOIL. One of
the most important jobs at the lab is quality control. AMSOIL
is known for formulating high-quality products and the AMSOIL
chemists ensure that everything coming in and going out meets
AMSOIL standards. How do they do it? (read
more)
Premium AMSOIL
Synthetic Motor Oils offer the longest drain intervals
on the market, unsurpassed protection and performance that
effectively extends equipment life and improved fuel economy,
saving customers money at the pump and reducing the nation's
dependence on foreign oil.
"AMSOIL
INC. warrants that the use of its lubricants will not cause
mechanical damage to any mechanically sound equipment when
AMSOIL INC. products are used in full compliance with the
company's recommendations and instructions."
AMSOIL
synthetic motor oils are formulated to surpass engine test
specifications, offering protection far greater than competing
motor oils for extended drain intervals. Most synthetic oil
manufacturers make no claim to extended drain intervals, deferring
to the maintenance schedule provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
With its unparalleled oil and warranty program, AMSOIL offers
consumers unprecedented protection and economics.
Another
AMSOIL First
More than 20 years
ago, AMSOIL began using the NOACK volatility test as a comparison
tool and measurement of quality. Back then, nearly every oil
tested side-by-side with AMSOIL synthetic motor oils failed,
and those that passed barely squeaked by. Other oil companies
paid no attention to NOACK results until Ford Motor Company
made it a requirement for service fill oils, validating what
AMSOIL had said all along.
THE
NOACK Volatility Test
The NOACK
Volatility Test determines the evaporation loss
of lubricants in high temperature service. The more
motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they become,
contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy
and increased oil consumption, wear and emissions. AMSOIL
Synthetic Motor Oil resists high temperature volatization
better than other motor oils. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor
Oil maintains peak fuel efficiency and reduces oil consumption
and emissions.
AMSOIL Now An ISO Certified
Manufacturer
AMSOIL recently
received ISO 9001:2000 certification of our Quality Management
System (QMS). NSF International Strategic Registrations is
the registrar that has verified our QMS meets the requirements
of the ISO 9001:2000 standard, the most widely utilized quality
standard throughout the world for quality management systems.
ISO standards are used by over 300,000 companies worldwide
setting rigorous standards for businesses, government and
industry.
ISO 9001:2000
is applicable to any manufacturing and service organization
providing a framework for system development that focuses
on the customer, quality system performance and ongoing improvement.
AMSOIL received ISO 9001:2000 registration under the scope:
synthetic lubricants blending, packaging, and other fulfillment
directly associated with lubricant product.
The ISO
certification puts AMSOIL in line with some of the most efficient
companies in the world. It is further assurance that the products
and services AMSOIL provides will continue to maintain the
high level of quality the company always demanded.
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