AMSOIL DIRECT JOBBER
May 23, 2003
WHY HARLEY
OWNERS CHOOSE AMSOIL The
recent 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 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. Four-Ball Wear Test (ASTM D4172),
40kg pressure @ 150 degrees C, 1800 rpm for 1 hour duration 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 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 contaminants, allowing motorcyclists to safely extend
drain intervals. In support of their about-face and the
introduction of a synthetic oil, Harley maintains that "the Motor
Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles
because there has never been any test validations completed on the
numerous formulations 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 HD/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 from,
or makes it better than, many other synthetic motorcycle oil
formulations, 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
an oil that can be used in the engines, primary chaincases and transmissions
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-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® 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 of up to twice the manufacturer's
suggested interval, 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 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. Formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic
base stocks and high-temperature deposit 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 | ||||||||||
