The down low on motorcycle oil

Motorcycle owners know there is bad information and untrue myths circulating about motor oils that can be used in your motorcycle. Getting the right information will help you be a better owner and will allow you to keep your motorcycle running longer. Here's what Royal Purple has to say about it.

You can't use oils with Moly
True: Over the years there have been many conflicting and confusing reports about the use of moly in motorcycle oils. One motorcycle manufacturer's manual specifically states not to use oil with moly. That statement is extremely broad, and fails to recognize molybdenum cab be used in various forms, as it is referencing the solid moly additive technology which is not typically used in today's fully-formulated engine oils.

What is found in current motor oils is an oil-soluble version of molybdenum which does not have an adverse affect on wet clutches and agglomeration issues common to solid moly. Oil technology is in constant evolution; now many oils are formulated with performance-enhancing moly without the concerns of older, solid moly technology. Bottom line: When it comes to choosing the right oil for your motorcycle engine, the most important quality to look for is that it is rated for motorcycle engines.

Synthetic motor oils are too slick for wet clutches
False: All motor oils are made up of base oil, plus the additive package. It's the additive package that makes the oil "slick" and not the base oil itself. The base oil only determines if it is a synthetic or mineral oil. Using high quality synthetic motor oil can extend the life of the engine and wet clutch.

V-Twin and 4-Cylinder engines require different oils
False: Engine and/or model-specific lubricants are largely marketing hype. While engine configurations and conditions may change, lubrication regiments and the essential duties of a lubricating fluid do not. Only if a manufacturer is cutting corners (i.e. price point manufacturing) would it be necessary to formulate a specific product for applications which place greater demands on the lubricant. Well-formulated balanced engine oil will provide exceptional performance in any application.


Motorcycle oils are repackaged automotive oils
False: Quality motorcycle specific motor oils contain a unique additive package designed specifically around the requirements of motorcycle engines. One example is Royal Purple's Max-Cycle. Royal Purple's engineers specifically formulated Max-Cycle motorcycle oil to exceed the demands of both motorcycle engines and motorcycle transmissions. Max-Cycle greatly reduces engine wear - including ring, cylinder and bearing wear. It also continuously adheres to metal surfaces, even after shutdown, to provide instant protection at start up until a full fluid film can be established. Max-Cycle exceeds API/JASO new warranty requirements, and is compatible with other mineral and synthetic motor oils. No flushing is necessary prior to use. It is recommended for use in both air-cooled and liquid-cooled 4-cycle engines and is compatible with wet-clutch transmissions.

Synthetic motor oils are not created equally
True: Mineral based motor oil with a very good additive package can easily outperform synthetic motor oil with a mediocre additive package. Although additives are typically only 15 to 25 percent of the makeup of motor oil, they can impact a lubricant's performance much more than the base oil. There is no easy way for a consumer to determine the quality of the motor oil's additive package. Price is often an indicator of quality since the more advance additive technologies cost more to produce. In the long run, performance is the ultimate measure of additive package quality.