Synthetic oil question.

[GallowGlass]

My apologies if this has been answered previously.

I know there is a difference between regular car oil and regular motorcycle oil, but I would like to know if this applies to synthetic oils as well.

Also, If there is, how can I identify synthetic motorcycle oil.

Many thanks.

[robb]

It has Motorcycle Oil on front of the container.

from Motorcycle Consumer News
1. The viscosity of synthetic-based oils generally drops more slowly than that of petroleum-based oils in the same application.

2. Comparing these figures to viscosity retention for the same oils when used in an automobile would indicate that motorcycles are indeed harder on oils than cars.

3. The fastest and most significant drop in the viscosity of petroleum-based oils used in motorcycles occurs during the first 800 miles (or less) of use.
All of these results (1-3) agree with everything the oil companies have been telling us all along. However, the same test data also indicates that:

4. The viscosities of petroleum-based oils, whether designed for auto or motorcycle application, drop at approximately the same rate when used in a motorcycle.

5. There is no evidence that motorcycle-specific oils out-perform their automotive counterparts in viscosity retention when used in a motorcycle.

[NVSB4]

I figure that, like "regular car oil and motorcycle oil", the difference is that the same oil is used for the transmission as well.
I'm sure that there are different additives that make it specific for bikes.
I can't cite specifics as Robb as done, but I've read that it even makes a difference between whether your bike is water cooled (like Wings) or air cooled.

[f1xrupr]

I use royal purple car oil in my wing-works great!
On the back of oil bottles ( dyno and synthetic), there is a round doughnut. If there no writing in the bottom half of the doughnut, it is safe to use in your wing.
10w30 and lighter have writing in the bottom half (friction modifiers not wet clutch compatible). Most, or all, 10w40 and heavier oils, have no writing in the bottom half, and are safe to use.

[f1xrupr]

It has Motorcycle Oil on front of the container.

from Motorcycle Consumer News
1. The viscosity of synthetic-based oils generally drops more slowly than that of petroleum-based oils in the same application.

2. Comparing these figures to viscosity retention for the same oils when used in an automobile would indicate that motorcycles are indeed harder on oils than cars.

3. The fastest and most significant drop in the viscosity of petroleum-based oils used in motorcycles occurs during the first 800 miles (or less) of use.
All of these results (1-3) agree with everything the oil companies have been telling us all along. However, the same test data also indicates that:

4. The viscosities of petroleum-based oils, whether designed for auto or motorcycle application, drop at approximately the same rate when used in a motorcycle.

5. There is no evidence that motorcycle-specific oils out-perform their automotive counterparts in viscosity retention when used in a motorcycle.

Oh....by the way-nice post-good info!

[Viking]

Yes, there is a difference. the JASO MA/MA1 certification says the oil is safe for clutches, as the oil does not contain friction modifiers. If the oil does not have this certification, it is not for motorcycles that use the same oil bath for engine, gearbox and clutch. Most oils formulated for cars do not have this certification and oils for bikes with separate sumps for engine and gearbox/clutch also do not have this certification, although an oil formulated for these bikes may have a JASO MB certification. Read the oil bottle labeling.

[f1xrupr]

Robb, I must say!... I googled the article that you quoted from (motorcycle oil vs automotive oil; motorcycle consumer news), and, I believe criminal charges could be brought against mc oil producers for false advertisement! I've had many types of motorcycles in the past 38 years, and I used mc specific oil 1 time that I can remember, and chanced it after about 20 miles....I didn't like it's performance! I always suspected a "rat" in the oil thing, and, those pros and professors really laid it out in that article! Guess I shouldn't say more!!!!....

[GallowGlass]

Thank you to all for the replies.

However ...

I look at a litre of Castrol Oil and it says - Castrol 20/50 Motor oil.

Next to it is another litre of Castrol Oil that says - Castrol 20/50 Motorcycle oil.

My question therefore is, "Should Synthetic Oil be labelled similarly, or is the same synthetic oil used for both cars and motorcycles?"

I live in a small town where we don't have the same product selection as others, but I haven't seen any synthetic oil with the word 'Motorcycle' on the label.

[f1xrupr]

Yep-synthetic motorcycle oil will be labeled as such, and I'm sure any motorcycle shop will be glad to help you with that. You can also find it on line....cheers.

[GallowGlass]

Thank you to all for the replies.

[Wingrider44]

I use Mobil 1 full synthetic and have for years. It doesn't state that it's motorcycle oil per se. I use 10W/40 and it has no friction modifiers. Change it and filter every 5000 miles. And I've never had an oil related issue. I've been riding Goldwings since 1981. Tried other makes including a Harley but I inevitably returned to the trusted Goldwing. Best motorcycle bar none!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[robb]

I tried not to relay my own preferences since I know too many riders who use whatever oil is on sale when it's time to change. I have used exclusively Amsoil for a long time in all my vehicles with great results. While 10w40 is used in the bike it has been topped off with 15w40 for my diesel and 50w for the race car. Oil has come a long way since the dino days our bikes were built. Page 79 of owners manual list Engine Oil. Use only high detergent, quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed requirements for Service SE, SF and SG. You got to look hard to find an oil that does not exceed those requirements.

[wingman12]

I have always use Mobil 1 full synthetic oil, (does not say for motorcycles) I am about to turn 148,000 on my 1999 1500 SE and have had no oil related issues nor have I ever had any issues with the clutch slipping. I refuse to purchase oil from the Honda shop just because the oil says Honda motorcycle oil. In todays world the synthetic oils are good for car or scoot.

[tktrnr]

I always use Mobil1 Racing 4T 10W40 full synthetic motorcycle oil and it's available at Autozone. No friction modifiers, no problems. Done.

[Hoosier Jack]