Motorcycle Oil Study
Gear Wear Test

For more information on the AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Study (PDF - opens in a new window) compares the test results of 28 different motorcycle oils in the most critical areas of motorcycle oil performance. Here we are examining gear wear testing.

Click on graph for larger view (Opens New Window) Results, Gear Wear Test, SAE 40 Group Click Here for larger graph Pass Example: AMSOIL MCF Passed Stage 13, Total Wear 0 mm Failure Example: Castrol GPS Passed Stage 12, Failed Stage 13, Total Wear in Stage 13, 300 mm Results, Gear Wear Test, SAE 50 Group Click Here for larger graph Pass Example: AMSOIL MCV Passed Stage 13, Total Wear 0 mm Failure Example: Motul 300 Comp, Passed Stage 12, Failed Stage 13, Total Wear in Stage 13, 320 mm

Many motorcycle engines share a common lubricant sump with the transmission, requiring the same oil to lubricate both assemblies. Because engines and transmissions place different demands on lubricants, an oil that provides good engine protection may fail to provide adequate transmission protection. High sliding pressures, shock loading and shearing forces applied by motorcycle transmission gears place a great deal of stress on a lubricant, and it is up to the oil's viscosity and chemical additives to protect the gears against wear.

The ASTM D-5182 FZG Gear Wear Test is used to determine a lubricant's gear oil performance. Two hardened steel spur gears are partially immersed in the test lubricant, while temperature is maintained at a constant 194 degrees F and a predetermined load is placed on the pinion gear. The gears are rotated at 1,450 RPM for 21,700 revolutions before being inspected for scuffing. If the total width of wear on the pinion gear teeth exceeds 20 mm, the test is terminated. If the total width of wear is below 20 mm, additional load is placed on the pinion gear and the test continues for another 21,700 revolutions. Each time an oil passes, it advances to a higher test stage. The highest stage is 13, and results are reported as the highest stage passed by the oil. Wear is indicated for the stage at which the oil failed.

Two separate tests were performed for SAE 40 and SAE 50 oils, and results indicate that 58.3 percent of the SAE 40 oils and 75 percent of the SAE 50 oils passed stage 13. Although Mobil 1 MX4T, Motul 300V Sport and Torco T-4SR tested among the top SAE 40 oils in the Four BAll Wear Test, they tested among the lowest in the FZG Gear Wear Test. In addition, Motul 300V Competition and Torco T-4SR tested among the top SAE 50 oils in the Four Ball Wear Test, but also tested among the lowest in the FZG Gear Wear Test.

As seen in the photos and graphs, both AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCF) and 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) placed at the top of their respective test groups in the FZG Gear Wear Test. Only AMSOIL MCF AND MCV placed at the top of their respective test groups in both the Four Ball Wear Test and the FZG Gear Wear Test. Indicating that AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are the best choice for superior protection of motorcycle engines and transmissions.

Read the Motorcycle Oil Study (PDF - Opens in new window) for more information.

4 Ball Wear Test
See how different brands of Motorcycle Oil performed in the Four Ball Wear Test!

Rust Protection
Motorcycle Oils must combat the harmful effects caused by condensation in engines and transmissions. For information on how the different brands of Motorcycle Oils performed in the Rust Test follow this link:
Rust Protection - Expected or neglected?

Benefits of the two new AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle oils include:

· Improved Transmission Protection
· Excellent Wet Clutch Performance
· Excellent Corrosion Protection
· Outstanding Heat Resistance
· Robust Additive Levels
· Excellent Value for Cost Effective Performance

The new 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.

The new 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.

Available in quarts, cases, gallons, 30 gallon and 55 gallon drums. For more detailed information on these new oils, visit:
AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil and AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil