AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 and 10W-40 Oils

Superior Wear Protection for Motorcycles

AMSOIL HIGH PERFORMANCE OILS

What's a motorcyclist to believe? On one hand, cyclists are told by equipment manufacturers that automotive motor oils are not capable of protecting their bikes. On the other, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils have offered unparalleled protection and performance to motorcycles for 25 years.

AMSOIL synthetic 10W-40 and 20W-S0 motor oils have always given motorcyclists what they need: superior wear protection for high-stress motorcycle engines and transmissions and clutches that stay clean and deposit-free. Now AMSOIL is giving motorcyclists what they want: AMSOIL High Performance Oils, new high-stress 10W-40 and 20W-50 formulations. AMSOIL High Performance Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil and AMSOIL High Performance Synthetic 20W-50 Motor Oil have beefier anti-wear and detergent/dispersant packages than ever, and no friction modifiers.

WHY THE DEMAND FOR MOTORCYCLE OILS?

Motorcycle manufacturer rhetoric against the use of automotive oils in motorcycles has become very strong. "Harley recently issued a statement indicating [API] SJ-rated oil should not be used in their bikes. How come?" asks Cruising Rider (July/August 1998).

"The reason is," continues Cruising Rider, "up until recently, refineries used zinc and phosphorus additives to help reduce wear, especially under high-pressure conditions, such that exist on cam lobes. These additives are more important to most cycle engines, which typically have steep cam slopes, creating high pressure between the parts. The additives were greatly reduced in the SJ formulation because they degrade catalytic converters and oxygen sensors over time."

Harley-Davidson Service Bulletin M-1065 states that API SJ oils are formulated for water-cooled engines typically operating with oil temperatures lower than 200°F (93°C). Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines, on the other hand, are air-cooled and typically operate with engine temperatures greater than 200°F. It also states that the additive package in genuine Harley-Davidson Motor Oil was not formulated to meet API SJ requirements and "will continue to be formulated with the additive package that has protected Harley-Davidson AIR-COOLED [emphasis theirs] engines during rigorous testing by Harley-Davidson and years of operation by H-D owners."

Finally, motorcycle manufacturers claim friction modified oils cause engine start failures, rough running feel, increased fuel consumption due to higher engine stall speeds and other problems.

FLAWED ARGUMENTS

Cruising Rider missed some important points. First, phosphorus limits do not apply to l0W-40 and 20W-50 oils, the viscosity grades most often recommended for motorcycles. Second, all motor oils of all viscosity grades contain zinc and phosphorus for their anti-wear value, and some contain as much now as they did before phosphorus limits went into effect.

Harley-Davidson failed to point out that its 20W-50 grade does not have to meet the phosphorus limit applied to AP1 SJ oils. API SJ phosphorus limits do not apply to 20W-50 grade oils.

How do other motorcycle oils compare to AMSOIL High Performance motor oils in wear protection?

WEAR PROTECTION

AMSOIL submitted four popular motorcycle oils to spectrographic analysis and Four-Ball Wear (ASTM D 4172) testing and compared the results to those of AMSOIL High Performance Synthetic 20W-50 Motor Oil and AMSOIL High Performance Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil.

None of the popular motorcycle oils, including Harley-Davidson 20W-50, compared favorably to the AMSOIL products in wear additive content or wear protection (see Spectrographic Analysis chart and Wear Protection graph).

 

ANTI-WEAR CHEMISTRY

SPECTROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS: ZINC AND PHOSPHORUS

    Zinc   Phosphorus
   

ppm

 

ppm

AMSOIL Synthetic High Performance 20W-50 Motor Oil   1270   1150
AMSOIL Synthetic High Performance 10W-40 Motor Oil   1270   1150
         
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil 20W-50   829   616
RevTech Motorcycle Oil 20W-50   761   544
Motul 300V 100% Synthetic Motorcycle Oil 15W-50   1045   857
Spectro Full Synthetic SPL Racing Oil 5W-40   885   656

Zinc and phosphorus are essential to wear protection. AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motor Oil and AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil contain more zinc and phosphorus than popular motorcycle oils do.

For example, Harley-Davidson 20W-50 oil contained 829 parts per million (ppm) zinc and 616 ppm phosphorus to AMSOIL 20W-50's and AMSOIL 10W-40's 1270 ppm zinc and 1150 ppm phosphorus. In the Four-Ball Wear Test, Harley-Davidson 20W-50's average wear scar was 0.60 mm--35 percent larger than the AMSOIL 20W-50 scar (0.39). AMSOIL 10W-40 produced a 0.40 mm wear scar--33 percent smaller than that left by Harley-Davidson's 20W-50.

What about oil temperature and wear? AMSOIL conducted the Four-Ball Wear Test at 302°F/150°C, a significantly higher temperature than the 200°F/97°C Harley claims as typical motorcycle oil operating temperature. AMSOIL products protect better in higher temperatures than any of the tested motorcycle oils do.

Some motorcycle transmissions and engines share a common oil sump, so the engine oil must also provide wear protection to the transmission gears, which, according to Motorcycle Consumer News (Aug. 1998) are subject to high gear surface pressures and gear rotation speeds. The superior performance of the AMSOIL products in the Four-Ball Wear Test applies here, too.

Motorcyclists and other high performance engine users will find no better oils than AMSOIL High Performance Oils.


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, anti-corrosive characteristics and improved operation in low temperatures.

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Cycle Injector Oil is formulated for use in all injector-type two-cycle gasoline engines. It may also be used as a premix at the manufacturer's recommended mix ratio.

AMSOIL Synthetic 100:1 2-Cycle Oil is formulated for premixing with gasoline at a fuel/oil mix ratio of 100:1.

AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 2-Cycle Racing Oil is formulated for the most demanding injector and racing premix applications.


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 build-up 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 200 2-Cycle Racing Oil

Reduces Heat, Friction and Wear . . .

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.

Burns Clean . . .   Because two-cycle motors burn oil, it is important the oil burn clean to prevent carbon build-up. Carbon build-up 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's synthetic base oils are combined with specialized detergents to keep two-cycle components clean.

Motorcycle Accessory Products

P.I. PERFORMANCE IMPROVER

Dissolves and removes fuel system depostis and other contaminants for improved power and overall performance in gasoline engines. Reduces exhaust emissions. Improves engine idle, response and starting. Ideal for both fuel injected and carbureted systems. One ounce treats 10 gallons.

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.

SYNTHETIC GEAR LUBE

Outperforms conventional petroleum gear lubes. Reduces friction for improved fuel efficiency. Gears run cooler and last longer.

GASOLINE STABILIZER

Keeps fuel from deteriorating during storage. Reduces the oxidation process and prevents varnish and gum build-up.

MIRACLE WASH WATERLESS WASH AND POLISH

A unique dry car wash and polish delivers outstanding performance with quick, easy and economical applications. No water required. Incredibly easy to use: simply apply, use a clean terry cloth towel to spread Miracle Wash and wipe clean with a second terry cloth towel. No scratching, no scraping. It's a miracle.

SERIES 2000 RACING GREASE

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

POWER FOAM

Improves starting and performance. Cleans dirty intake systems and spark plugs, frees sticky valves. Also removes gum, varnish and carbon deposits from engine exterior surfaces.

MP METAL PROTECTOR

Disperses water and protects metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. Penetrates existing rust buildup and dries wet electrical systems.


J.R. Schnabel, a flat track dirt racer from Alabama rides a Harley Davidson XR-750.

"We turn these engines hard at 9500 rpm," said Schnabel. "Usually after three races we have to rebuild. After running AMSOIL 20W-50, the engine showed no signs of scuffing or wear. This stuff is amazing . . . the engine sounds happy."

Team Powell also runs AMSOIL Synthetic ATF in the bike's transmission and primary.

"Since we switched to AMSOIL ATF I've noticed smoother shifts," said Schnabel. "It's also proving cost effective by reducing wear on the gears and bearings. Every AMSOIL product we've used has surpassed out expectations . . . we're all very impressed with the products."

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