G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive through February 09, 2009 » Truth about Synthetic Oil?? » Archive through February 06, 2009 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bgreiner
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 07:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I was told by an Amsoil fan that Amsoil and Royal Purple are the only true synthetic oils on the market. He said that an oil only needs to be 51% synthetic in order to be called "fully synthetic" and Mobil 1, which I use, is an example of that. This is news to me, and if it's true it kinda pisses me off. Anyone know if it's true?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jramsey
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 07:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Look up BobIsTheOilGuy hit forums.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ft_bstrd
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

AmSoil reps will also tell you that they supply the only lubricant that will allow monkeys to fly out of your butt giving you and extra 10-15% horsepower.

AmSoil is the Amway of oils.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Actually. There may be credence to this. When I did my first oil change on my XB, I went with M1 20w-50 V Twin Syn. Started the bike up, let it warm up for about a minute (May) and took off. I didn't go 20 miles before the fan kicked in while riding. Never happened in the first 3k I put on the clock. I also noticed that the "metal marbles in the blender" got louder.

I changed my oil the next day, this time using 20W-50 V Twin Ams. Boom. Ran cooler and quieter.

I bought my Vrod with a hair under 1k on the clock. Dealer told me just to be sure they gave it an oil change before I brought it home. Riiiiight. I started it up at home and let it idle. I noticed a little smoke, turned it off and checked the oil...clean as new. I thought I had a valve issue until my buddy at HD, a VR Service Engineer, said..."do an oil change and use Ams".....Boom. Problem solved and I noticed that the oil was running about 15 degrees cooler

Ams is good stuff from my experience with it.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Edgydrifter
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You and I and just about everyone with a bike knows that Mobil-1 is a great quality oil that works really well in motorcycles. Beyond that, does the exact formula really matter? Amsoil, RP, Redline and M1 will all serve you well. Find one that fits your budget and gives you peace of mind and use it.

By the way, Mobil-1 is fully synthetic. At least, as "fully synthetic" as Amsoil or RP. The whole definition of synthetic is the subject of much spirited debate. Not too long ago I read that none of the oils mentioned here are TRUE synthetics because their esther content was low, or of the wrong type, or whatever.

Change your oil frequently and you won't have trouble with any of these. Everything else is just marketing hype and lube fanboy benchracing, IMO.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dfbutler
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've been using Amsoil for several years and am totally happy. Using it in your primary is like getting a new trans. Sign up for their preferred customer plan and save money on oil and filters.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Preybird1
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

HHhhmmm. There website boast's a lot of first, I thought the product chronology was pretty interesting. HHhhmm May have to try this stuff!
http://www.amsoil.com/company.aspx
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fresnobuell
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 11:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

+1 on the Amsoil. its hard to get and expensive, but I am hooked.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Paint_shaker
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 12:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I can get Amsoil locally for right at or a little bit less than H-D Syn3.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ft_bstrd
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 12:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I tried it. It didn't make my bike run any cooler. It didn't make my bike run any quieter. It didn't vaporize less than Syn3. It didn't make my penis larger.

It's just oil guys. It's like the dozen other good brands. I keep it in my bike for 2500 miles and flush it out.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thumper74
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 01:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm a fan of Amsoil AND Royal Purple. You can't really go wrong. I use Amsoil in my Buell. I got it at wholesale prices when I ran an autoparts store. For what it's worth, it seems to run quieter and the fan rarely kicked on.

For my car... I use any synthetic on sale.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Corporatemonkey
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 03:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When Amsoil was first on the market (70's?) it was the shinizit. But since then everyone has caught up (if not surpassed them).

I say run what you like, run what you can get. Me Syn3...

Serves me well, even if I was able to cook it black after one trip
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Aldaytona
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 07:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I found "Bob is the Enzite guy" forum and he said using AMS oil will give you a "sack" full of confidence, and is the natural enhancement for Buell motorcycles.


Bob also mentioned that Enzite and Harley-Davidson were going to become partners in 2010 so that every "BIG" twin would come with a 2 year supply of Enzite (during the warranty period). That way all the tough guy posers could reasonably expect their male "image" to be as big as their ego, and the "Enzite Smile" would replace the fake scowl.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

03worc9r
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 07:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I switched from Mobile 1 to Royal Purple and the bike did feel quieter, smoother.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Barker
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 08:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

IIRC amsoil is only a oil marketing firm. As in it is rebadged oil.

IIRC amsoil is rebaged mobil.

I use syn 3. Of course harley rebadges it too!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Greenlantern
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 08:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Tried Amsoil once out of curiosity, Bike did run a liitle cooler (read less fan cycles) But went back to Syn 3 at next service interval. It's readily available, performs fine and the fan thing never bothered me anyway. It's a Motorcycle not a Lexus.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jaimec
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 08:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Oil is oil is oil. I've used Amsoil, Royal Purple, Mobil 1, HD Syn3, you name it. Whatever the shop uses regularly is just fine with me. Whenever I do my own oil changes, I use Golden Spectro 4, which openly admits it is a petroleum/synthetic blend. Why? Because it works, the price is right, and I see them sponsoring a LOT of local motorcycling events here in the northeast. What more do I need to know?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fast1075
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 09:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I know two prominent crank builders that refer to one of the synthetic oils as purple death.

I use M1 for synthetic apps...I use Castrol for dino oil apps...my dragbikes consistantly showed a near tenth quicker ET on average with M1 as opposed to dino oil (with reduced wear rates on the valvetrain parts)...that may not seem like much to a strictly knee dragger...but it is significant to a drag racer.

A prominent New Jersey dragbike builder/racer claims the oil that produces the biggest dyno numbers in his engines is standard straight weight Quaker State...

The debate continues....
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fresnobuell
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 04:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

http://www.amsoil.com/products/streetbikes/WhitePa per.aspx

Dismiss it as amsoil propaganda, but have any other companies taken the time to do this kind of test?

This is also where I get the notion to buy Mobil 1 V-Twin if I can't get Amsoil or if their corporate office pisses me off enough to stop ordering it (long story)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ferris_von_bueller
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 04:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It didn't make my penis larger.

Are you sure? You have to dip your d*** twice a day, dummy !!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Etennuly
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 07:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

AAAAaaaayyyaaaaaap! aatss why I run "Cheese Whiz". makes that dip stick mmmmmm good!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Aesquire
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 07:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you are going mach3 or 80'000 feet, I'd worry about the specifics of my oil polymers. For most people, the benefits are, cooler running, and less coking up in the heads as they heat soak after a ride. ( Buells can bake any dino oil into sludge real fast ) Primary oil has to be clutch & alternator compatible, so be more picky there.

I run Syn3 in the Primary, any good synthetic in the oil bag.

Amsoil works fine, & once was the only magic synthetic stuff you could get at a good garage. There is a certain hype factor. I loved the little plastic gear box the rep would bring around & let you put your favorite oil in one side & Amsoil in the other... turn crank & hear & feel the difference.

Royal Purple has fans, but I have no opinion.

Syn3 seems fine, Mobil 1, Castrol ( yeah I know, it's not "real" full synthetic, but it has worked very well in cars trucks & bikes for me, 2,3,4,6 or 8 cyl. ) all work very well & leave very little baked residue. I have not run temp tests but they all are cooler than old dino's. Castrol is my favorite dino oil, but I haven't used it this century.

(Message edited by aesquire on February 05, 2009)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bombardier
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Went from Syn3 to a Caltex brand diesel oil as recommended by the Buell Owners Manual if stuck for oil.

Turned the bike into a mobile barbecue and my leg and the engine fan was on the menu.

Synthetic is definately cooler now its just a matter of which of them is the best.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fast1075
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 11:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

At least we have roller lifters, so we don't have to worry about lifter/cam lobe wear....My "other" hobby is Jeepin' and there have been some real nightmare scenarios with cam wear...caused by poor additive packages...it seems that the ZDDP that used to be used as an anti scuff agent causes havoc with catalyctic converters...so I use Delvac diesel oil, which still has good anti wear properties.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

03worc9r
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 11:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

are there any common stores that carry amsoil?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Arcticktm
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 12:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Though I freely admit to using Mobile 1 15W50 currently (mostly due to easy availability, and it meeting the specs of all 3 bikes), I always come back to this:

When is the last time you saw proof of an oil related engine failure?
(not an idiot related failure, like never changing oil, or using the wrong type).
I have worked for both a large diesel engine maker, and a snowmobile/ATV maker, and never saw a verified oil related failure at either place, outside of intentional abuse testing (like letting the oil turn to sludge in a diesel).

I think it is hard to make a poor oil choice with any well known name in the correct oil type.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spatten1
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 01:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When is the last time you saw proof of an oil related engine failure?
(not an idiot related failure, like never changing oil, or using the wrong type).


You just nailed it. All of the name brand oils of the proper spec seem to work just fine. Like you said, where is the evidence of engine failure?

Back in the 80's your could see more sludge build up under the valve cover on engines that ran certain types of name brand oil, but I don't think that's been the case for quite some time.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Strokizator
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 01:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Fast1075,
My engine builder for my FE427 recommends this stuff. Says he's seen a lot of problems with cam wear due to low zinc content.

http://www.roushoil.com/
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bill0351
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"When is the last time you saw proof of an oil related engine failure?"

I agree.

I have used everything from Walmart generic dead dino 10/40 to Amsoil over the years and never noticed much of a difference.

I have been running Amsoil in my Cyclone and Valvoline MC conventional in my GSX-R, usually with factory filters.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ft_bstrd
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 02:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The biggest oil related failure you will see is in not making sure there is sufficient volume in the engine and that it is changed frequently.
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration