BaseStocks - Car Vs Motorcyle

[UNC171]

Hey Guys.. I did a search and was not able to find any similar threads for my question so here it goes.

Is their any differences between the base-stocks that are used for Motorcycle specific oils vs Automotive oils (of the same oil weight)??, or are the differences only in the additive package used for the two types??..

I have seen many threads about using automotive oils for motorcycles as long as they are not the energy rated oils due to possible wet clutch issues.. And with the premium on Motorcycle grade oil, if I am going to get hosed on the price, I would at least know why..

Thanks alot guys!

 

[TallPaul]

I don't know, but I would think a fleet oil (dual rated for gasoline/diesel like SJ/CF4) would work fine (Shell Rotella, Chevron Delo, etc.). Hey, so long as you are paying premium price, why not run Redline? Especially if you have an air cooled engine? Can be had for $7 a quart and shipping at myoilshop.com. Should be able to extend the OCI too.

 

[bruce381]

depends some re brands are cheap some are great I'd say only dif is add Pak with the good oils going to a multi use gas/diesel pakage to get more TBN and dispersants for the hotter running bike.
In other words use a Rotella/ Delo type oil.
bruce

 

[bob_ninja]

I cannot answer your question, but I never found anyone on- and off-line explaining exactly what/if MC oil has a different base oil. I've heard that synthetic might have more stable viscosity and won't break down as fast as dino.

 

[buster]

The Mobil 1 MC line of oils contains significantly more esters in the base stock blend. It is evident by the high temp/high shear number along with very high flash points.

 

[ebaker]

Mobil 1 motorcycle oils have ~1800 ppm Zn and 250 ppm Boron. Their flash point is very high - 518°F for the V-twin, and the pour point is -60°F. The base oils must be different (lots of POE?). They probably don't have any VII's either.

 

[mechtech]

M1 V twin oil is very good, and is indeed different, somehow. Those big air cooled motors with roller bearing cranks need a very good oil.
Most of the other specific motorcycle oils are high priced , and don't seem that great.
I've heard good things about Klotz, if you get the right formulation for your scooter.

 

[TooSlick]

MC oils like Amsoil and Mobil 1 are achieving their VI"s from their basestock blend, without the use of polymeric thickeners. This makes them less prone to shearing in the transmission and reduces high temp varnish deposits. The additive package is also optimized to minimize high temp deposits.

Low temp properties aren't that critical for an MC oil, so the formulations are biased towards achieving the best high temp stability instead.

I should add, the other MC oil I like is the Motul 300V. I think these three are worth the premium price, but I'm not sure about the rest of the stuff out there.

TS