Tag: MCV

AMSOIL Motorcycle FAQ

For those thinking about taking the plunge and trying AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil for the first time, you may have questions. You may even have reservations about trying a synthetic oil in your bike. We have put together a collection of commonly asked questions about motorcycle oil.

Some of the questions include:

  • What are the benefits of synthetic motorcycle oil?
  • Are there any downsides to using synthetics in your bike?
  • Is synthetic oil wet-clutch compatible?
  • Do I need to use an AMSOIL Oil Filter with your oil?

    • Read on to see the Frequently Asked Questions about AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils.
    Continue reading AMSOIL Motorcycle FAQ

Harley-Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob MCV 20W-50 Torture Test

To demonstrate its extreme-heat protection qualities, AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) was subjected to a dynamometer test designed to simulate conditions even more extreme than the demanding stop-and-go driving conditions of a motorcycle rally or parade route.

A 2012 Harley-Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob motorcycle equipped with AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil was operated for 68.5 minutes at low speeds, with significant idle time broken by engine revving and little to no air moving across the cylinders. Like most Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the Dyna Street Bob features an air-cooled V-twin engine, which relies on cooling fins arrayed along the cylinder walls to conduct heat away. Continue reading Harley-Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob MCV 20W-50 Torture Test

Fall Maintenance

The leaves turning, nights getting cooler and mornings crisper is a signal that the seasons are changing. It’s time to start thinking about putting away summer equipment while looking over any winter gear that may need some work before the snow flies. Don’t forget to maintain those daily drivers to help them make it through another winter.

The fall is the perfect time to change the oil on your daily driver if you’re on an extended 6-month/15,000-km schedule using either the Signature Series or the XL Series from the 3 tiers of AMSOIL engine oils. Our 2005 Vibe was changed last weekend and is now good until May of 2013 or 20,000-kms.

I think it’s too soon to put the bikes away but those early morning starts without synthetics in the crank case may become a bit more harsh. Try one of the AMSOIL motorcycle oils to help with extream temperatures like cold starts and hot idling in the heat of the summer. In my opinon fresh oil is the best way to store any piece of equipment/vehicle. AMSOIL motorcycle oils have excellent anti-corrosion additives that lesser oils may be lacking.

How do you remember what needs to be done? Especally if you’re maintaining the equipment for an entire house, family or small fleet?
Continue reading Fall Maintenance

Motorcycle vs Automotive Oils

What’s the difference between motorcycle and automotive motor oils?

Every once in a while someone wants to know why regular motor oil can’t be used in motorcycles. The short answer is that oils are formulated for specific applications. Motorcycle engines and automotive engines function differently, and the lubricants that service them have different requirements.

  1. Motorcycles operate at significantly higher operational speeds than automobiles, placing additional stress on engine components and increasing wear protection requirements
  2. Motorcycles operate with higher engine compression ratios than automobiles, placing additional stress on engine components and increasing operating temperatures
  3. Motorcycle engines produce nearly twice the horsepower per cubic inch of displacement as automobile engines
  4. Many motorcycles are air-cooled or use a combination air/oil design. Though effective, they result in greater operating temperature fluctuations, particularly in stop-and-go traffic
  5. Because the engine and transmission share a common sump, many motorcycles need a multi-functional fluid. Many motorcycles also incorporate a frictional [wet] clutch within the transmission that uses the same oil
  6. Motorcycles are typically used less frequently than automobiles. These extended periods of inactivity place additional stress on motorcycle oils. Rust and acid corrosion protection are critical

Continue reading Motorcycle vs Automotive Oils

Spring Has Sprung

I’m not a meteorologist but all of a sudden we seemed to skip spring as temperatures soared over 25°C last week. My poor winter tires must have been sweating with the summer like temperatures on Thursday – I swapped them out this morning.

When the weather starts to warm up people start getting out their equipment. Boats are being uncovered as fishermen tighten their lines on some catfish in Dunville and rainbows in Grimsby. Everything seems to be early this year with our lack of snow and ice in Southern Ontario the water surface temperatures are already at spring levels.

I’ve had lots of calls about Motorcycle oil last week.
20W-50 MCV and 10W-40 MCF are in stock and ready to be picked up in Mississauga so you can install it in your bike this weekend. Don’t forget a bottle of Quickshot to stabilize and clean your fuel system. EA Motorcycle filters are available but I don’t stock them and will pick up filters Thursdays on my weekly trip to the warehouse.

If you need some AMSOIL products to get your equipment ready this spring give me a call – I’d be happy to give product recommendations for your specific equipment.