Are Motorcycle oils safe for use in cars?

[Dr. T]

Seeing as some motorcycle oils are supposedly the best motor oils out there, what makes them different than standard auto oils? Are they safe for cars as diesel oils are supposedly safe for gas engines? Any advantages?

 

[sprintman]

Mobil said I could use MX4T in car engine.

 

[dragboat]

I believe the primary difference is the SL designation and what it entails around the phosphourous cap of 1k ppm which would also lower the Zinc content. Also the higher end M/C oils use a more expensive VII's when needed that are less prone to shear,not much different than some of the HD oils these days.
Some think the SG designation is inferior as in the base oil. I have here new 10/30 HD oil from Conoco thats SG but it has a mix of group III-Group II base oils.

Do you have a certain brand and series you are thinking of trying out?

[ January 13, 2003, 05:03 AM: Message edited by: dragboat ]

 

[Dr. T]

Not really, I was just wondering if they were safe as some bikes specifically recommend a "motorcycle oil" be used so I was wondering if the reverse were true.