Why Do Motorcycles Need Dedicated Additive Chemistry?

Motorcycles are quite unique by itself. It has the engine, transmission and the clutch all working together and lubricated by the same oil—though the needs of each of them could be different and often competing. In this video, we examine in more detail.

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Video Transcript

A motorcycle engine is quite unique by itself. It has the engine, transmission and the clutch all working together and lubricated by the same oil. Though the needs of each of them could be different and often competing.

Let's look at the engine compared to a passenger car which uses a coolant to cool the engine and has a larger oil sump, motorcycle engines are typically air cooled and have smaller oil sumps. When combined with the high-power density that result in a much more severe operating condition. Here the oil needs to withstand oxidative degradation as a result of higher operating temperatures and protect the engine from the formation of high temperature deposits.

In the transmission area the gears are subjected to immense pressure, considering the higher operating speeds and if not protected adequately, can result in wear and pitting, here the oil needs to be equipped with special extreme pressure components.

The wet clutch is a vital part of the engine, as it is required to transfer power smoothly and efficiently from the engine to the wheels.  As it becomes engaged, the power gets transferred through friction between the clutch plates. Here the oil needs to assist this friction and hence the correct additive chemistry is critical to maintain the clutch friction durability.

It is therefore important that the motorcycle oils you formulate consist of the right additive chemistry which provides enhanced high temperature deposit control, protects gears from pitting wear and delivers the right clutch friction. This is only possible if the additive chemistry is formulated keeping motorcycle applications in mind. In short, a dedicated motorcycle additive.