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What Are The Benefits of Using Synthetic Motorcycle Oil?
Motorcycle engines and automotive engines function differently, and the lubricants that service them have different requirements. Six crucial differences between motorcycle and automotive engines are outlined below to illustrate why oil engineered for motorcycles is the best choice for your bike.
Operational Speed
Motorcycles tend to operate at engine speeds significantly higher than automobiles. This places additional stress on engine components, increasing the need for wear protection, and subjects lubricating oils to higher loading and shear forces. Elevated operating rpm also promote foaming, which can reduce an oil’s load-carrying ability.
Compression Ratios
Motorcycles tend to operate with higher engine compression ratios than automobiles, which places additional stress on engine components and increases engine operating temperatures, placing greater demands on motorcycle oil to reduce wear. Higher operating temperatures also promote thermal degradation of the oil, reducing its life expectancy and accelerating the formation of engine deposits.
Horsepower/Displacement Density
Motorcycle engines typically produce more horsepower per cubic inch than automobile engines, which exposes the oil to higher temperatures and stress.
Variable Engine Cooling
In general, automotive applications use a sophisticated water-cooling system to control engine operating temperature. Similar systems can be found in motorcycle applications, but most are air-cooled or use a combination air/oil design. Operating temperatures in air-cooled bikes can skyrocket in stop-and-go traffic, promoting oxidation and causing oil to thin, reducing their load-carrying ability.
Multiple Lubrication Functionality
Many motorcycles have a common sump supplying oil to both the engine and transmission. In such cases, the oil is required to meet the needs of both the engine and the transmission gears. Many motorcycles also incorporate a wet clutch within the transmission that uses the same oil.
Inactivity
Whereas automobiles are used on a daily basis, motorcycle use is usually periodic and, in many cases, seasonal. These extended periods of inactivity place additional stress on motorcycle oils. In these circumstances, rust and acid corrosion protection are of critical concern.
AMSOIL offers something for every type of biker, from motocross racers and off-road riders to V-Twin and metric enthusiasts. AMSOIL motorcycle products deliver the power, performance and protection that every biker wants, no matter the motivation for getting on the bike.
They are designed to control oxidation and maintain viscosity at higher temperatures, promote consistent clutch feel and lengthen clutch life, reduce engine stress and control wear and deposits in high-compression, high-temperatures motorcycle applications.
AMSOIL Motorcycle Products: Something for Everyone
Dirt Bike, V-Twin and Metric Oils fill out the AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil line.
Seasonal Motorcycle Care Tips
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Pick the Right Storage LocationIdeally, your motorcycle should be stored in an indoor location that will stay dry and that won't leave your motorcycle exposed to direct sunlight. If your motorcycle is stored by a window, the sun's rays can cause paint to fade and metal parts to become damaged. The daily rise and drop in temperatures due to the sun can also increase the amount of condensation and moisture your motorcycle is exposed to. Even if your motorcycle is away from all windows, it will still need to be covered with a proper motorcycle cover. A proper cover should fit your bike well and be made of a breathable material that won't trap moisture in. If you don't have an indoor space to store your motorcycle in, check with your dealership. Some dealers have storage programs that will take care of your ride all winter long and have it ready to go in the spring.Remove the BatteryAs you prepare to store your motorcycle, it's crucial that you remove it's battery. Forgetting to remove the battery while your motorcycle is in storage can cause it to be completely drained once spring arrives. Not only will your battery not be ready to go, it may be damaged from losing all of its charge. Batteries that are left in for a full winter may be damaged to the point where they are no longer able to hold a charge. To prevent this, remove the battery and charge it every couple of weeks in order to ensure it doesn't get drained.Get a Synthetic Oil ChangeOil is an essential fluid that takes care of your engine even when it's not in use. Before storing your motorcycle this winter, give it a synthetic oil change in order to ensure it's well protected even while it's idle. Providing your motorcycle with fresh oil will help reduce internal corrosion caused by the acids that likely developed in your old oil. If you're changing your oil at home, be sure you know how to properly dispose of it. You shouldn't just toss it in the garbage, but rather look for an oil recycling program that will take care of your old oil for you. Ensure that your motorcycle is properly protected by giving it a full synthetic oil change in Ypsilanti. AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith can help you find the perfect synthetic oil for all of your engines. Give them a call at (702) 561-3706 or stop by the online shop to place your order today!Protect Your TiresIt may sound silly to worry about your motorcycle's tires when they won't even see the road this season. However, maintaining your tires in good shape during the winter can help them be ready to go in the spring. While your motorcycle is in storage, check the tires' air pressure every so often. Cold temperatures can cause tires to lose pressure and be more susceptible to issues. Be prepared with a pump and ensure that your tires stay at the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Ideally, your motorcycle should be stored on a stand that will keep its tires off the ground since having your tires rest on the floor all season can cause flat spots. If this isn't possible, rotate your tires every so often in order to ensure that your motorcycle isn't resting on the same spot on your tires all season.Wash Your MotorcycleMost motorcycle riders are proud of their bike and do their best to keep it clean and shiny. Even though no one will see it while it's under a cover all winter long, a thorough wash and wax will still be necessary. Washing and drying your motorcycle will help remove built on debris and other corrosive substances on the surface. Waxing your motorcycle will add a barrier between the metal parts and moisture, which can cause rust to become an issue. Don't forget to lubricate the moving parts before finally putting the cover on your motorcycle. Check out these additional winter storage tips!
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Read Your Owner's ManualOne of the best ways to start preparing for spring maintenance is by reading your owner's manual. You don't have to read the manual cover to cover, but it does help to get a refresher before getting to work on your motorcycle. Some of the most important information that is specific to your motorcycle can be found in your manual. Get to know what kind of oil and fuel are recommended, as well as recommended tire pressure and chain tension. Once you're caught up on your reading, you'll be ready to go.Replace the FuelOne of the most important tasks that needs to be taken care of before your bike can conquer the road is replacing old fuel. If you winterized your motorcycle properly, you most likely filled up the gas tank and added in a fuel stabilizer. If this is the case, the fuel in your motorcycle should be ready for the road, but it doesn't hurt to double check. If you didn't use a fuel stabilizer during the winter, you will need to drain and replace the fuel in your tank. Old fuel can deteriorate over the winter and leave you with many problems if you use it, including clogs in the jets and fuel injectors.Get a Synthetic Oil ChangeIf you didn't change your oil before storing your motorcycle over the winter months, it is a must do now. Keep in mind that a synthetic oil change will keep your engine better protected in the hot weather and can even keep your engine cleaner, causing it to strain less. As you change the oil, don't forget to also replace the oil filter. If you did change your oil before storing your motorcycle, it's still a good idea to check on it. Look at the level of oil in your motorcycle and decide if it needs to be topped off. Another thing to look out for is whether moisture got into your oil. If this did happen, you may need to change the oil anyway. To find the best synthetic oil for your car, contact local AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706. Find our full range of AMSOIL Oil products and oil filters by visiting our online shop at any time!Inspect Your TiresAfter a season in storage you may think your tires are good to go since they weren't in use. However, they will need some maintenance before your first spring ride. Cold winter temperatures cause tires to lose some of their pressure, so start by inflating your tires to their recommended pressure. Once they're inflated properly, you will be better able to check on their condition. Look out for cracks on the sidewalls or overly worn tread. These are indicators that it's time to get your tires replaced. Don't forget to check on the spokes and tighten any that are coming loose.Clean Your MotorcycleIt may seem like an unimportant and purely aesthetic task, but washing your motorcycle can reveal other issues. Gently scrub the grime and moisture that may have built up on your motorcycle's body over the winter. Avoid getting water into parts where it shouldn't be. Once it's clean, dry it before it has a chance to develop water spots. Finish it off by giving it a layer of wax. The wax won't just make your motorcycle sparkle in the sunlight, it will also protect it from dirt, rocks, UV rays, and other road elements. Once everything is clean, you will be able to give it a better full body inspection. Tighten loose parts, replace burnt out bulbs, and ensure everything is in working order.
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Ride or Store?Autumn is cooler than summer but not quite as cold as winter. Depending on outdoor conditions, you have the option of riding your motorcycle through the season or storing it until the spring. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you take care of the proper maintenance in order to ensure your motorcycle has a longer life.Keep Your Battery ChargedColder temperatures can cause added strain on your battery, so be sure it's properly charged and taken care of. Clean the area around your battery and ensure that its connections are clean and free of rust and other buildup. Because temperatures are getting cooler, you may use your motorcycle less often. Keep in mind that a battery that is left idle for a couple weeks will most likely need to be charged before its next use. Don't head out for a ride unless you're certain your battery is prepared for it. If your motorcycle is standing idle for weeks at a time, it's best to connect it to a charger with a tender.Check on Your TiresCooler temperatures can cause your tires to lose air pressure and become under inflated. If your tires are under inflated, you may have issues with maneuverability and and traction while riding around. To prevent this from affecting your safety, check on your tire pressure regularly and take the proper measures to ensure your tires are at the right level. Lastly, check on your tire tread and replace tires with less than 2 mm of tread depth.Maintain Your ChainChanging outdoor conditions mean that if your motorcycle operates using a chain, it will need extra care and attention. Be sure it's properly lubricated before every ride and working properly. For the best results, lubricate your chain while it is still warm as this will help with absorption.Get an Oil ChangeTo ensure your engine is properly protected and not being worn down by old oil, give your motorcycle a synthetic oil change this fall. No matter what outdoor conditions are like, a synthetic oil will help keep your engine clean and better protected. Find the best synthetic oil for your motorcycle and enjoy the results. Don't forget to also change your oil filter for even more engine protection. Don't wait until your motorcycle's oil is beyond filthy to replace it! Start autumn off on the right foot by giving your motorcycle a full synthetic oil change in Washtenaw County. To find the best synthetic oil for your motorcycle, contact AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706. For a full range on AMSOIL Oil products, stop by their online shop!Autumn Road SafetyA change in the seasons also comes with changes on the road. Stay safe on autumn roads with these motorcycle riding tips.Watch Out for Heavy TrafficAutumn marks the beginning of the holiday season, which also means heavier traffic on the road. Heavy traffic and stressed out drivers can add up to dangerous conditions for motorcycle riders. Practice defensive driving and stay alert at all times. Since a lot of drivers may be distracted and stressed, it's best to stay out of vehicle's blind spots and make yourself as visible as possible.Dress Properly for the SeasonThis in-between season generally sees cold temperatures in the morning and warm temperatures in the afternoon, making dressing for the road a bit complicated. As always, wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, long sleeves, and long pants, but make changes where necessary. Your best bet is to dress in light layers that will keep you warm when temperatures drop but that are easy to shed once things heat up.Prepare for Shorter DaysAnother autumn characteristic that can make riding your motorcycle more dangerous is the arrival of shorter days. Daylight hours will be reduced, meaning you may be left riding your motorcycle in the dark more often. Be sure your lights are working and that you wear reflective clothing if this is the case. You want to be sure you can see the road clearly and that other drivers can also see you.
Dirt Bike
To satisfy the demand for dirt-bike-specific oil, AMSOIL developed Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil in three viscosities, including 10W-40 (DB40), 10W-50 (DB50) and 10W-60 (DB60).
AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil is designed to deliver consistent clutch feel and improve the performance of both bike and rider. Superior clutch consistency lets off-road (trail) riders expertly navigate trail obstacles without sacrificing momentum, helping them stay at the front of the pack. It also allows motocross racers the control needed to accurately time the gate drop to grab the holeshot.
V-Twin
AMSOIL expanded its line of V-Twin lubricants in March to include new AMSOIL 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil (MVI), AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid (MVT) and AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid (MVP). AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) and AMSOIL SAE 60 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCS) also fall into the V-Twin Family.
20W-40
Touring Bikes
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Victory and 2013 and newer Indian motorcycles
SAE 60
Touring Bikes
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Harley-Davidson and big-bore engines and transmissions
Transmission Fluid
V-Twin
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Protects against gear and bearing wear. Delivers smooth shifts. Helps eliminate loud thunks and gear noise
Metric
To round out the entire motorcycle oil line, AMSOIL 10W-30 (MCT) and 10W-40 Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil (MCF) were repackaged and reintroduced with a more specific focus on metric motorcycle applications. AMSOIL Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil is formulated to provide smooth shifts, excellent wear protection, extreme heat resistance and trouble-free operation in metric cruisers, sport bikes and touring bikes, including Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda.
10W-30
Metric Sport Bikes
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki engines and transmissions
10W-40
Metric Sport Bikes
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Victory and BMW engines and transmissions
Shock Therapy
Lightweight #5
RECOMMENDED FOR:
For quick rebounds under extreme temperatures. Maximum stability and performance. Reduces wear and scuffing
6 Tips to a Perfectly Maintained Motorcycle
If you have a motorcycle, it's highly probable that you love it, cherish it, and enjoy the times you spend riding it. However, if you want to keep your motorcycle by your side and in mint condition for longer, as well as ride it safely and joyfully, there are a few routine maintenance jobs that you should perform every so often. For a better idea on what these are, follow the tips below on how to maintain your motorcycle as best as possible.
How to Maintain Your Motorcycle
- For starters, make sure that you're using the right products on your motorcycle. For instance, employing AMSOIL's high-quality synthetic oil can help you be certain that your motorcycle and its engine are protected and functioning properly.
- Next up, you should take care of your motorcycle's chain. After all, it is a crucial component that allows your motorcycle to keep running as expected, so check that it's in top shape, and in the right spot (since it may become loose from time to time).
- If you want to be safe and have joyful rides on your motorcycle, remember to inspect its tires frequently: make sure that they're not worn down, deflated, or damaged. Doing so can decrease the tire-related mishaps that can happen on the road.
- Another key component that you should keep in mind is your motorcycle's spark plug. It's what helps your vehicle start running, so try to learn more about it, treat it the right way, and replace it when necessary.
- Having a shiny, clean motorcycle isn't just about the looks. On the contrary, preventing dust and filth buildup in your motorcycle can help you maintain it in perfect condition for longer, since its components won't be affected by them.
- This final tip is pretty obvious, but it should be mentioned nonetheless: to have a well-maintained motorcycle, you should visit a reliable mechanic often that can fine-tune it and keep it good as new.
For the Best Synthetic Oil use AMSOIL
AMSOIL's top-of-the-line products can improve your vehicle's performance, ensure that they're properly maintained, and may even help extend its lifespan. Call (702) 561-3706 to contact Dwight Smith in Washtenaw County, MI to learn more about AMSOIL products and how they can be key players in reducing your vehicle's maintenance costs.
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