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WHY
HARLEY
OWNERS
CHOOSE
AMSOIL
Wear Test Comparison - AMSOIL vs. Harley Screamin' Eagle
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 is
suddenly marketing one.
For
the past 20 years, Harley-Davidson® has claimed its petroleum-based
Genuine H-D Oil is best for the "unique requirements of Harley-Davidson®
air-cooled V-twin engines." However, laboratory testing has consistently
revealed that 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 nearly
80 percent larger than that left by AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle
Oil.
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Four-Ball Wear Test (ASTM D4172), 40kg pressure @ 150 degrees C,
1800 rpm for 1 hour duration
April 2003 test results |
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The Four-Ball Wear Test is the industry's standard test method
for measuring the wear preventive 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. 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.
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One of
the major benefits of running a synthetic motorcycle oil is its
resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, which inhibit the
formation of sludge and deposits that contribute to increased 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 Harleys.
The
fact is, engine oil in Harley-Davidson® motorcycles 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 lubricating qualities of the oil and
increasing 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 contaminants,
allowing motorcyclists to safely extend drain intervals.
In
support of their about-face and the introduction of a synthetic oil,
Harley maintains that "the Motor Company has never supported the use of
synthetic products in our vehicles because there has never been any test
validations completed on the numerous formulations 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 HD/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
formulations, except that Harley-Davidson® is marketing it and directly
profiting 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 chaincases and transmissions 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-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may also be used in the engines,
primary chaincases and transmissions of these applications, providing
superior lubricating 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 than AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic
Motorcycle Oil.
Not
only does AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil offer greater wear protection
than Screamin' Eagle® Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, it also delivers 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 of up to twice
the manufacturer's suggested interval, 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 30 years of experience providing superior
lubricating 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 Motorcycle Oils.
Formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic base stocks and
high-temperature deposit 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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Provide 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'
recommendations.
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