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Harley
Davidson’s Screamin Eagle Synthetic inferior to AMSOIL 20W-50
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
has done a complete about face and is suddenly marketing one.
For the past 20 years, Harley-Davidson has claimed its petroleum-based
Genuine H-D Oils is best for the “unique requirements of Harley-Davidson
air-cooled V-twin engines.” However, laboratory testing has
consistently revealed the 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 over
50 percent larger
than that left by AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle oil!.
The Harley Davidson Screamin' Eagle 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
leaves a wear scar of 0.70 mm while the AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic
Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar of 0.39 mm. The Four-Ball Wear Test
is the industry's standard test method for measuring the wear
preventative characteristics of a lubricant. Placed in a bath of the
test lubricant, three fixed steel balls are put into contact with a
fourth ball in rotating contact at preset test conditions of 40 kg
pressure @150 deg. C., 1800 RPM for 1 hour duration. Lubricant wear
protection properties are measured by comparing the average wear scars
on the three fixed balls. The smaller the average wear scar, the better
the protection.
One of the major benefits of using a synthetic motorcycle oil is its
resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, which inhibit the
formation of sludge and deposits that contribute to increased engine
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 Harley Davidson’s.
The fact is, engine oil in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle 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 lubrication qualities of the oil and
increasing engine 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 contaminates
allowing motorcyclists to safely extend drain intervals.
In support of their about-face and the introduction of synthetic oil,
Harley maintains, “the Motor Company has never supported the use of
synthetic products in our vehicles because there has never been any test
validation completed on the numerous formulation 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 H/D 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 formulation.
Except that Harley-Davidson is marketing it and directly profits 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 chain cases and transmission 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-50W Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may also be used in the engines,
Primary chaincases and transmission of these applications, providing
superior lubrication 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 that AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic
motorcycle Oil.
Not only does AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil offers greater wear
protection than Screamin’ Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, it is also a
far 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, 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 33 years of experience providing superior
lubrication 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 Motorcycles Oils.
Formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic base stocks and
high-temperature deposits 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
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Reduce operating temperatures
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Keep engines clean and deposit-free
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Provides maximum protection against wear
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Formulated without friction modifiers for smooth performance
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Saves money with extended drain intervals of up to two times the
manufacturers’ recommendation
NOTE:
Prior to H-D releasing a synthetic oil, I have found that many
Harley-Davidson technicians were telling customers that synthetic motor
oil is "too slippery" and can cause flat spots on roller bearings
because the bearings won't turn. Now that H-D sells their own synthetic
oil (Screamin Eagle Syn3) they don't mention that too much any more. It
is both scientifically and chemically untrue. The person telling you
that is not a lubrication engineer and knows nothing about the science
of lubrication, because if they did they wouldn't be mentioning
this. Synthetic motor oils are no more "slippery" than petroleum motor
oils. |
