quote:
Originally posted by Lorenzo:
...Is there something about this type of oil that makes it beneficial to a motorcycle engine?...
Yes, Rotella is more beneficial to motorcycles when compared to various PCMO's (Passenger Car Motor Oils) because it shares some of the common strengths found in motorcycle specific oils, such as being able to typically handle higher temperatures, higher shear, higher loads, heavier duty detergent / dispersant package, etc.
PCMO's today have limitations on their additive packages where as HDEO's (Heavy Duty Engine Oils) like Rotella are not as limited, especially when it comes to additives such as zinc and phosphorous. PCMO's are more commonly friction modified to reduce friction where as HDEO's currently have higher static, dynamic & time indexed friction properties that more closely match motorcycle specific oils, which is needed for compatibility with wet clutches.
Rotella is a decent choice for motorcycles in my opinion, but there are no guarantees that HDEO's will continue to be as good of choice because they do not have to meet the same specs that JASO MA rated motorcycle oils must meet. I personally think that HDEO's will change a great deal within ~1.5 years from now to meet the needs for the new vehicles designed for ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), which will soon be phased in over the coming years. Newer diesel vehicles will likely have catalytic converters, EGR system, etc, and I'm guessing that oil companies will have to reduce their zinc and phosphorous and choose other anti-wear / extreme pressure, etc, additives and chemistries to better suit the needs of the newer diesel vehicles we'll be seeing in the future. When this happens, then oils like Rotella 'might' not be as good of a choice for motorcycles as they are today.
