New Motorcycle Oil Reformulated for Even Better Performance & Protection
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 hotrunning
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.
Improved Transmission Protection
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 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.
Excellent Wet Clutch Performance
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.
Excellent Corrosion Protection
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.
Outstanding Heat Resistance
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.
Foam Control
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.
Robust Additive Levels
Recent automotive motor oil regulations have limited certain additive levels, including
the anti-wear additive known as ZDDP. ZDDP is an extremely effective antiwear, 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 overtreated 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.
Cost Effective
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.
AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils
- 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