Why Harley Owners Choose AMSOIL
The recent introduction of Screamin’ Eagle Synthetic Lubricant by Harley-Davidson shows H-D 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 Oil is best for the “unique requirements of Harley-Davidson air-cooled V-twin engines.” However, laboratory testing has consistently revealed that 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 nearly 80 percent larger than that left by AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil.
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 heat 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 Harleys.
The fact is, engine oil in Harley-Davidson motorcycles 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 lubricating qualities of the oil and increasing wear.
The Four-Ball Wear Test is the industry’s standard test method for measuring the wear preventive 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. 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.
The water, soot and acid byproducts of combustion also contribute to deposit formation. H-D 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 contaminants, allowing motorcyclists to safely extend drain intervals.
According to H-D, one of the unique benefits offered by Screamin’ Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is its versatility. For the first time the company is recommending an oil that can be used in the engines, primary chaincases and transmissions of most H-D motorcycles, including Evolution XL, Evolution 1340, Twin Cam 88 and 88B, Revolution and Buell models. This feature, however, is not unique. AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may also be used in the engines, primary chaincases and transmissions of these applications, providing superior lubricating 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 than AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil.
Not only does AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil offer greater wear protection than Screamin’ Eagle, 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 of up to twice the manufacturer’s suggested interval, while Screamin’ Eagle is recommended for standard drain intervals, AMSOIL customers realize additional savings.
H-D 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 lubricating 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 Motorcycle Oils.
