The Original Synthetic Motor Oil

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AMSOIL 10W-40 (MCF)	AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV)
Valvoline ML 10W-40	Valvoline ML 20W-50
Golden Spectro 10W-40	Golden Spectro 20W-50
Castrol GPS 10W-40	Castrol GPS 20W-50
Pennzoil 10W-40	Castrol V-Twin 20W-50

New AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils Provide
Superior Transmission and Rust Protection

Motorcycle engines are more susceptible to corrosion and rust than automobiles. Often stored and unused for extended periods of time, motorcycle engines are commonly exposed to humidity and damp environments that promote rust. In addition, the combustion process and short trip driving create condensation and acids that further promote corrosion and rust.

Because it is as abrasive as dirt, rust causes a myriad of problems, including scratching and pitting on cylinders, pistons and bearing surfaces, leading to blow-by, lower compression and reduced power and performance. When rust forms on Harley-Davidson needle bearings, bearing failure results. Rust also cause excessive wear on bearings, camshafts, lifters and gear surfaces.

Motor oil cannot provide rust protection on its own. It must be formulated with special rust inhibitors. However, because rust inhibitors typically sacrifice wear protection by competing with antiwear additives for the metal surface, most motorcycle oils are formulated without rust inhibitors. New AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated with break-through technology not previously available, providing outstanding protection against rust without sacrificing wear protection.

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 evidenced in the photos, the reference coupons treated with AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils showed no signs of rust and corrosion, while the competitors failed the test.

Also see:
Motorcycle Oil Engine Wear Protection and Gear Wear ProtectionTest results!

A Look Inside the AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Study:

Rust Protection

By comparing the test results of 26 different motorcycle oils in the most critical areas of motorcycle oil performance, the AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Study (PDF - opens in a new window) clarifies the differences between AMSOIL and the competition. The following information deals with rust protection.

Results, Rust Protection, SAE 40 GROUP Click on picture for larger image

Results, Rust Protection, SAE 50 GROUP Click on picture for larger image

Rust protection is particularly important in motorcycle applications. Often used seasonally, then stored and unused during the offseason, condensation and moisture within the engine promote rust formation. In addition, the combustion process and short trip driving create condensation and acids that further promote corrosion and rust.

Rust is as abrasive as dirt, causing problems such as scratching and pitting on cylinders, pistons and bearing surfaces, leading to blow-by, lower compression and reduced power and performance. When rust forms on needle bearings, bearing failure results. Rust also causes excessive wear on bearings, camshafts, lifters and gear surfaces.

Motor oil has little or no natural ability to prevent rust. It must be formulated with special rust inhibitors. However, because rust inhibitors typically sacrifice wear protection by competing with antiwear additives for the metal surface, many motorcycle oils are formulated without rust inhibitors. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated with breakthrough technology that provides outstanding protection against rust without sacrificing wear protection (see Motorcycle Whitepaper (PDF - Opens in a new window)

The ASTM D-1748 humidity cabinet 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. Following the test period, the coupons are removed and inspected for rust. In order to pass the test, an oil may allow no more than three rust spots less than or equal to 1 mm in diameter. Oils allowing more than three rust spots, or one rust spot larger than 1 mm in diameter, fail the test.

Two separate tests were performed for SAE 40 and SAE 50 oils. As seen in the graphs, failing oils were divided into three categories: oils showing 1-10 spots, oils showing 11-20 spots and oils showing over 20 spots.

As seen in the photos and graphs, both AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCF) and 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) showed no rust spots, placing them at the top of their respective test groups. Many competing motorcycle oils failed the test. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils provide unsurpassed rust protection, allowing motorcycles to perform better, last longer and require less maintenance. See the Motorcycle White Pager (PDF - opens in a new window) to see the results.

Wear Protection
Motorcycle Oils must prevent wear in engines and transmissions as well as be compatible for use with wet clutches and brakes. For more information on Wear Tests done on the different brands of Motorcycle Oils follow this link:
Motorcycle Oil Four-Ball Wear Test Comparison

Gear Wear Protection
How well do the major brands of Motorcycle Oil protect transmission gears? In many motorcycles the same lubricant lubricates transmission gears as well as the internal engine components. Many brands that faired well in the 4 Ball Wear Test did not perform well in the Gear Wear Test!

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, 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