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In Industry Standard Four-Ball Wear Testing, Harley-Davidson's Own Genuine Motor Oil Produces a High Wear Scar vs. Twelve Other Leading Motorcycle Oil's.

(complete test data is at the bottom of this page)

Harley-Davidson Maintains That You Use Their "Genuine" Motor Oil, yet Harley-Davidson Doesn't Make Their Own Motor Oil.

Learn The Facts About Harley-Davidson Oil in this Eye-Opening Article written by A.J. Amatuzio, President and CEO of AMSOIL INC.

"A situation my daughter, Lyn, told me about recently got me to thinking about how good it is to be able to blend our own oils and have complete control over our own product quality.

Lyn loves to ride motorcycles. She recently purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle and took it to the local Harley shop to have our AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil installed. The mechanic took issue with her not using the oil Harley-Davidson sells, saying, "I'll use AMSOIL motor oil when AMSOIL starts making motorcycles!"

How would you answer a challenge like that? I was pleased to hear Lyn's response. She said, " I'll start using Harley Davidson motor oil when Harley starts making oil!"

Perfect! The fact is that Harley-Davidson, like so many other "brands" of oil, contract with one or more oil companies to make their lubricants. Often, the decision as to who actually makes a private labeled product is based on low bid, and like almost everything manufactured by a low bidder, short cuts are taken in order to meet the low price.

I understand that Harley Davidson has contracted with one company for a number of years to make their oil. That's good, but it still doesn't change the fact that they make motorcycles, not oil. Now consider all the private label oils out there. Every manufacturer that makes equipment with an engine has it's own name on an oil bottle. That includes all the major auto manufacturers, the makers of motorcycles, ATV's, snowmobiles, farm equipment, you name it, they all have oils. But none of these equipment manufacturers actually make an oil. They sell oil to make more money, and then they often price these oils well above the going rate for competitive lubricants because, like Harley-Davidson, they can specify or create the impression that only their oil be used in their equipment.

Now there's nothing wrong in having a goal to make money, but let's get real here. Why would anyone want to use a product manufactured down to a price rather than up to high quality standards? We have tested a number of these private label motor oils and two-cycle oils and we found that many are mediocre quality products. None of them even comes close to performing as well as AMSOIL lubricants, and that's a fact!

I'm not taking shots at Harley-Davidson. They make good motorcycles. And I understand their concern that normal automotive oils not meeting API C specs shouldn't be used in their bikes. But when they imply that AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil is not as good as their brand or I hear that one of their dealers recommended not using AMSOIL, I get a little hostile. Those kinds of statements are the very reason we introduced our motorcycle oils in the first place. And when we say use our 20W-50 motorcycle oil in V-Twin motorcycle engines, that definitely includes any Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Our Motorcycle Products Brochure, G-391, includes wear comparisons of AMSOIL Motorcycle Oils vs. other oils, including H-D "Genuine". Both our oils demonstrate superior wear protection over all other tested brands.

Interestingly enough, the highest wear scar in this test turned out to be Harley-Davidson's own "Genuine" oil!

There is a good reason why AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil protects so well against wear. They are formulated with significantly higher levels of zinc and phosphorus, which when included in proper formulation with other high quality additives, provide superior wear protection at the high operating temperatures typical of motorcycles. In addition, synthetic oils inherently reduce sump temperatures so the engines actually run cooler.

The fact is, Harley Davidson would do well to have AMSOIL make their oils for them. Then they could be assured that their oil was indeed a superior product. As it is, there may be absolutely nothing wrong with their oil for use in average service, but I guarantee you as the oil temperature gets hotter, like it does when sitting in traffic on asphalt on a hot summer day, the Harley-Davidson with AMSOIL in the crankcase is going to be far better protected and run far cooler than the bike with H-D "Genuine" oil in it. There's just no two ways about it!

So, my daughter Lyn will be going back to this mechanic armed with the facts about AMSOIL Motorcycle Oils and a few facts about H-D oil. Nobody's going to tell her that her dad's oils are not the very best. She knows better, and she's on a mission to prove her point. Who knows? Knowing Lyn, she might sign up another AMSOIL Dealer in the process."

AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 and 20W-50 motorcycle oils give motorcyclists what they need: Superior wear protection for high- stress motorcycle engines and transmissions that stay clean and deposit-free.

We now have the latest test results comparing the new H-D Synthetic Screamin' Eagle Syn3 to AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil. The most notable differences between the two products are in the 4-ball wear test.

In the 4-Ball Parameter 1 test the H-D Screamin' Eagle Syn3 leaves a wear scar of 0.40 mm and the AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar of 0.35 mm.

In the more severe 4-Ball Parameter 3 test the H-D Screamin Eagle Syn3 leaves a wear scar of 0.70 mm and the AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar of 0.39 mm. This data indicates that the H-D Synthetic oil leaves a wear scar 79% higher than the AMSOIL motorcycle oil.

The suggested retail price for the H-D Syn3 synthetic is $8.25 while the suggested retail price for the AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil is $8.35 and the AMSOIL change intervals specification is two times that of the H-D Syn3 synthetic. (note that we also have a Preferred Customer Wholesale Pricing option in order to save you even more money).

Also, note that Merch Performance , who is world renowned for their award-winning V-twin engine development, recommends AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil. Merch engines start out at the 100 c.i. Stage I "Fatso" that offers 90 Hp/98 ft-lbs torque at the rear wheel up to the enormous 131 c.i. Stage III that pumps out 140 Hp and 150 ft-lbs torque at the rear wheel.

Why Harley Owners Choose AMSOIL

Wear Test Comparison AMSOIL vs. Harley Screamin’ Eagle Syn3:

Therecent 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 Oils is best for the “unique requirements of Harley-Davidson air-cooled V-twin engines.” However, laboratory testing has consistently revealed the 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 over 50 percent larger than that left by AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle oil.

The Harley Davidson Screamin' Eagle 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar of 0.70 mm while the AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar of 0.39 mm. The Four-Ball Wear Test is the industry's standard test method for measuring the wear preventative 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 of 40 kg pressure @150 deg. C., 1800 RPM for 1 hour duration. 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.

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 hear 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 Harley’s.

The fact is, engine oil in Harley-Davidson motorcycle 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 lubrication qualities of the oil and increase 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 contaminates allowing motorcyclist to safely extend drain intervals.

In support of their about-face and the introduction of synthetic oil, Harley maintains, “the Motor Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles because there has never been any test validation completed on the numerous formulation 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 H/D 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. There is nothing about Screamin’ Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil that sets it apart form, or makes it better than, many other synthetic motorcycle oil formulation. 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 and oil that can be used in the engines, primary chain cases and transmission 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-50W Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may also be used in the engines. Primary chaincases and transmission of these applications, providing superior lubrication 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 that AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic motorcycle Oil.

Not only does AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil offers greater wear protection than Screamin’ Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, it also delivers greater value Suggested retail price of Screamin’ Eagle is nearly $2 a quart higher than AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil. And because AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may be used for extended drain intervals, 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 lubrication 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 Motorcycles Oils.

Formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic base stocks and high-temperature deposits 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
Provides maximum protection against wear
Formulated without friction modifiers for smooth performance
Saves money with extended drain intervals of up to two times the manufacturers’ recommendation

Please note: Prior to H-D releasing a synthetic we have found that many Harley-Davidson technicians were telling customers that synthetic motor oil is "too slippery" and can cause flat spots on roller bearings because the bearings won't turn. Now that H-D has their own synthetic they don't mention that to much any more. It is both scientifically and chemically untrue. The person telling you that is not a tribologist (lubrication engineer) and knows absolutely nothing about the science of lubrication, because if they did they wouldn't be mentioning this.

Synthetic motor oils are no more "slippery" than petroleum motor oils. The tractive coefficient, which is the measure of the case with which a lubricant facilitates sliding, is essentially the same for both petroleum oils and synthetics. Synthetic motor oils are also used in many production and racing cars that have sophisticated roller follower technology and they have absolutely no problems whatsoever with roller bearings not turning. We have an article on this which we will include in your package, that explains this in more detail.

One of the most common questions we are asked is what is the recommended transmission lube for Harley Davidson motorcycles, both Big Twins and Sportsters?

The answer is for 883cc and 1200cc Sportster motorcycles, the AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil is recommended for both the engine and transmission.

On 1340cc and 1450cc models, the 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil is recommended for the engine crankcase, Severe Gear 75W-90 Gear Lube for the transmission and the 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil for the chaincase.

Please note that you certainly can use the AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (MCV) in the transmission and the primary chaincase. This is an excellent choice. There is no right or wrong choice, it is simply a matter of personal preference. If you have specific questions regarding these choices please email or call us.

The AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle oil does provide superior gear protection, meeting API GL-1 gear lube viscosity requirements for those people that choose to use it in their transmission. The AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W-90 Gear Lube meets API GL-5 gear lube viscosity requirements and is an extreme severe duty rated transmission lubricant.

If you would like a FREE comprehensive packet of technical, information, catalogs, specifications, retail and wholesale prices, dealer application and other crucial information regarding AMSOIL Ultra Premium Synthetic Motor Oils and Filtration Products plus much, much more please e-mail us at RonC@RCSynthetics.com with your mailing address and your packet will be shipped promptly via Priority Mail. Your name and address will be held strictly confidential. Please make sure to let us know your vehicle interests ( motorcycle, diesel, racing, etc..) so that we will be sure to include the proper materials.

White Paper: "A Study of Motorcycle Oils" - 1MB PDF

SAE 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV)
AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils have been reformulated 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 hot-running American and foreign motorcycle engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. Performance specifications include: API SG/CF, JASO MA

See Pricing Information or Place an Order

For Preferred Customer and Dealer wholesale pricing please RonC@RCSynthetics.com

Package sizes include:

1-Quart Bottle
1-Quart Bottles (case of 12)
30-Gallon Drum
55-Gallon Drum

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (MCV) is a premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for their motorcycles. AMSOIL MCV is the result of extensive research, and it is specially formulated to excel in all areas unique to motorcycles, including high temperatures of air-cooled engines such as Harley Davidson® V-Twin, wet clutch lubrication, extreme pressure regions of gears and chains and rust common to short trips and storage.

AMSOIL MCV is multi-functional and fulfills the requirements of both domestic and foreign motorcycles. It outperforms other conventional and synthetic motorcycle oils.

AMSOIL, the leader in synthetic lubrication, produced the world’s first API qualified synthetic motor oil in 1972. Trust the extensive experience of AMSOIL The First in Synthetics® to do the best job protecting your motorcycle.

Reduces Friction, Heat and Wear
In high heat conditions, engine protection is not sacrificed with AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil. It has the best high temperature film strength (see High Temperature
Viscosity Protection graph below) of all oils tested and contains a heavy treatment of anti-wear additives to reduce wear regardless of the operating conditions (see Wear Comparison graph on reverse). AMSOIL MCV is thermally (heat) stable and contains maximum levels of oxidation inhibitor additives. It is extremely resistant to breakdown and engineered to prevent damaging sludge and carbon deposits for superior engine cleanliness.

20W-50 Motorcycle Oil High Temperature Viscosity Protection Higher values reflect better film strength ASTM Test Method D-4683 March 16, 2005	20W-50 Motorcycle Oil Wear Comparison ASTM Test Method D-4683 March 16, 2005

Click on the above graphs to make larger

Provides Extreme Pressure Quality Protection for Gears
With AMSOIL MCV, there is no need for separate transmission or primary chaincase lubricants. It is absolutely shear stable and will not thin out from mechanical activity. AMSOIL MCV performs like a gear lube without the negative effects of extreme pressure additives. In the FZG gear test, AMSOIL MCV achieved a perfect score with a “zero” wear rating (see photos below).

FZG Gear Test (ASTM D-5182) AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV)	FZG Gear Test (ASTM D-5182) Motul 300V 15W-50

Delivers Superior Rust Protection
Motorcycles are prone to rust from storage, humidity and short drives. Rust can cause major damage such as roller bearing failure, uncontrolled wear, compression loss and blow-by. Good rust protection, however, comes by design and is not natural to engine oils. Unlike many motorcycle oils, AMSOIL MCV contains special anti-rust agents. It passes the ASTM D-1748 humidity cabinet rust test and clearly demonstrates superior rust protection (see photos below).

Rust Test ASTM D-1748 AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV)	Rust Test ASTM D-1748 Castrol GPS 20W-50

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. AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV) contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement. AMSOIL MCV controls heat and prevents slippage and glazing, and its high TBN resists acids that can degrade clutch material, helping improve clutch life

Excellent Corrosion Protection

Most motorcycles spend the majority of their lives either 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 break-down 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 anti-wear, 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.

Q&A On The New AMSOIL Motorcycle Oils

TYPICAL TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
SAE 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV)
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)	20.1
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)	151.98
Viscosity Index (ASTM D-2270)	153
CCS Viscosity (ASTM D2602)