Article Sphere Logo

The True Difference between Motorcycle Oil and Automotive Oil

By Expert Author: Chris T. Nicholas | Article Abstract
Word Count: 427 words | Views: 313 view(s)
To some people, changing the oil in your car is just like changing the oil in your motorcycle. Just drain out the old oil, install a new oil filter, and pour in the desired amount of new oil and your done. So when it comes time to change your motorcycle oil, why can't you use the same oil that you use in your car? Motorcycle oil and automotive oil look and feel the same so how could there be a difference between the two?

Automotive oil looks pretty enticing at $3 a quart but any experienced motorcycle rider knows that using automotive oil in motorcycles causes serious damage. In automotive vehicles, the engine is always separate from the clutch and transmission so they have separate oils for each. In automotive engine oil, there is more of what is called "friction modifiers" to help lessen the amount of friction on engine components and improve fuel economy. Of course, improving fuel economy has always been the main goal of the automotive industry making friction modifiers a necessity for all automotive oils.

These friction modifiers that are added to automotive oils are what cause serious damages when used in motorcycles. The friction modifiers clog the clutch plates in a motorcycle's transmission causing serious clutch slippage and disabling the motorcycle. You see, for motorcycles to be as compact as they are, they have to combine their engine and transmission into one casing. This means that everything is lubricated by only one type of oil including the valves, piston, transmission, and clutch.

Motorcycles require very little and/or no friction modifiers to help improve clutch friction and to prevent clutch slippage. But to make up for this lack of friction modifiers, motorcycle oils use higher levels of anti-wear additives such as ZDDP, also known as phosphorous, to limit engine friction and wear. Since motorcycle oil has extra anti-wear additives and is lubricating so much more than automotive oil, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9 to $15 a quart.

To some people, both oils look and feel the same but now you know the facts of each. So the next time that you decide to change your motorcycle oil, go straight to your local motorcycle dealer and buy only high quality motorcycle oil designed specifically for the type of motorcycle you own. Make sure that you change your oil periodically to keep it fresh and clean to ensure a long life for your engine, transmission, and clutch.
Chris T. Nicholas

About the Author/Author Bio

Chris Nicholas is a big motorcycle enthusiast with almost 20 years of trail riding experience and Owner of HusqvarnaOutlet.com - Supplier of New, Used, and Vintage Husqvarna Motorcycles and Husqvarna Parts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/The-True-Difference-between-Motorcycle-Oil-and-Automotive-Oil/133324

Article Submitted: 2008-04-10 | This Article has been viewed 313 times.

Rate Article

Related Videos

How to Change a Harley Davidson's Oil
What Oil Additives to Use on Your Harley Davison
How to understand the Different Oil Pumps for Harley Davison's
How To Change Your Motor Oil
How to Change your Oil
 

More "Motorcycles Bikes Scooters" Related Articles

 
 

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Motorcycles Bikes Scooters" article category.

People interested in the above article "The True Difference between Motorcycle Oil and Automotive Oil" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 
For ordinary and the none-rider person, they might think that riders are trying to portrait that they are somebody and looks cool. And some ordinary people might not understand why they need to use motorcycle helmets, leather vests and saddlebags. For safety and convenience, all riders are using the appropriate motorcycle helmet and accessories like vests and saddlebags. It is not only use to look cool but mainly for protection against crash, bugs and dust. For all riders it is very important the safety while enjoying the ride, to look cool is only a plus for being a raider.
Many of the riders involved in accidents were not driving appropriately for the conditions, especially with regard to speed (in 1 in 4 of the accidents excess speed was a contributory factor). Drivers of vehicles are often unaware of a motorcyclists presence. It is necessary for motorcyclists to become 'defensive' drivers in order to avoid becoming casualties.
Often experienced motorcycle riders who trade in an old bike for a brand new set of wheels find that they fall prey to an unfortunate set of statistics that occur along with new machines--more motorcycle accidents happen on new equipment than on old faithful rides. Don't assume that 100,000 miles on your old bike means equally capable handling of your new set of wheels. Instead, take the time to learn some facts about your new motorcycle.
Economic woes and rising gas prices have led to a significant increase in the number of motorcycle sales. Between 1997 and 2006, yearly motorcycle sales jumped from about 356,000 to almost 1.1 million bikes. Not surprisingly, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released their motor vehicle fatality report in 2007 the number of motorcycle deaths increased by almost 7 per cent.
Used Motorcycles for sale are one of the most dynamic and dazzling vehicles of this time for the youth. They are available in different types and styles by various companies and all these types and categories are available on automobilesupersite.com with huge verities and styles. These are the best product to buy if you are fond of speed and adventure!! Have the best buying and make the most spontaneous dealing!!
TVS, the company that has to its credit one of the most successful mini scooters in India, Scooty Pep and it has recently launched Scooty Streak, another promising bike for youngsters. The TVS Scooty Streak is designed to capture the 100 cc plus four stroke scooter market.
The Honda CBF Stunner gets a very appropriate name due to its cool looks, great performance and excellent quality. It is a sporty looking bike with eye-catching design and a wonderful on road performance. The bike has been designed keeping in mind the comfort for the rider. It features a split seat for added comfort which at the same time makes the bike look very sporty.
 
Article Directory Home All Categories Automotives Motorcycles Bikes Scooters
 

Can't find what you're looking for? Try Google Search!
 
Copyright © 2005 - by Larry Lim, Singapore - Article Search Engine Directory at ArticleSphere.com™
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. All Trademarks and Servicemarks are the property of the respective owners.

Afrikaans Albanian Arabic Belarusian Bulgarian Catalan Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Croatian Czech Danish German English Estonian Filipino Finnish French Galician Greek Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Icelandic Indonesian Irish Italiano Japanese Korean Latvian Lithuanian Macedonian Malay Maltese Dutch Norwegian Persian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Serbian Slovak Slovenian Spanish Swahili Swedish Thai Turkish Ukrainian Vietnamese Welsh Yiddish