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[CVOStreetglide]

I was asked this question and didn't have a answer. 

Does anybody know what the difference is in automobile and  V-Twin Synthetic oil? 

Since there are several very knowledgable members on this site, I  thought I would post it here.

As we all know, automobile oil is less expensive than motorcycle oil. So it begs the question why can't automobile synthetic oil be used in motorcycles?

NO GUESSES JUST FACTS PLEASE.

[Boatman]

V Twin oil has more zinc and phosphorous than their automotive counterparts.
They help prevent wear.  I know our bikes now have cats from HD but zinc and phosphorous don't do well with cats in the automotive world.  I don't know why the additional amounts don't do in the cats in our bikes even though most of us have removed them.

GRC Jerry will tell us exactly.

[kojak]

Not a whole lot of difference besides the price and the "manufacturer's warranty requirements". Few years ago, there used to be a difference in regards to wear agents like zinc but now the epa has strict requirements for all due to damage to catalytic converters. The main reason that motorcycle oil manufacturers push is that there is less viscosity breakdown in motorcycle synthetics. However, not shown to be true in independent testing. Some professor at Caltech tested 2 automotive and 2 motorcycle synthetics in a bike over a 1000 miles and found there was no difference.

[GregKhougaz]

From Motorcycle Consumer News:   Motorcycle Oils vs. Automotive Oils

Bottom Line

It could appear from this data, then, that there is no validity to the constantly-used argument that motorcycle-specific oils provide superior lubrication to automotive oils when used in a motorcycle. If the viscosity drop is the only criterion, then there is certainly no reason to spend the extra money on oil specifically designed for motorcycles. There does, however, appear to be a legitimate argument for using synthetic and synthetic-blend oils over the petroleum based products.

[deldago]

From Motorcycle Consumer News:   Motorcycle Oils vs. Automotive Oils

Bottom Line

It could appear from this data, then, that there is no validity to the constantly-used argument that motorcycle-specific oils provide superior lubrication to automotive oils when used in a motorcycle. If the viscosity drop is the only criterion, then there is certainly no reason to spend the extra money on oil specifically designed for motorcycles. There does, however, appear to be a legitimate argument for using synthetic and synthetic-blend oils over the petroleum based products.

Good read!

[dartman]

Been using this in all my bikes since 1976 Many thousands of miles never an oil related problem

[porthole]

From Motorcycle Consumer News:   Motorcycle Oils vs. Automotive Oils

Bottom Line

It could appear from this data, then, that there is no validity to the constantly-used argument that motorcycle-specific oils provide superior lubrication to automotive oils when used in a motorcycle. If the viscosity drop is the only criterion, then there is certainly no reason to spend the extra money on oil specifically designed for motorcycles. There does, however, appear to be a legitimate argument for using synthetic and synthetic-blend oils over the petroleum based products.

Hard to tell when that study was done, but reading between the lines it appears to be from the 90's. Sure would be nice to see a modern test, and not using one bike with subsequent testing procedures.

What Mobil says

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/AskMobil/Differences_Between_Car_and_Motorcycle_Oil.aspx

[moscooter]

 
Lots of Redline users and Mobil 1 users are making the switch to this stuff mostly due to costs.  Big jug can be purchased on Amazon for less than $50.  Also available at NAPA stores.  Big thread on Harley Tech Talk tells all about it.

[Cat Eye]

Lots of Redline users and Mobil 1 users are making the switch to this stuff mostly due to costs.  Big jug can be purchased on Amazon for less than $50.  Also available at NAPA stores.  Big thread on Harley Tech Talk tells all about it.

Here is a link to the thread....interesting read

http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index.php/topic,75005.0/all.html

[RAINEY]

Hello All

This is my 1st post on this forum.  I just order a 2015 CVO Limited.

The main difference between motorcycle specific oil and the oils blended for the automotive and fleet market are additives.  Not just the Zinc as mentioned.  If you have a dry clutch you can actually use automotive non-mc specific motor oil.  If your motorcycle has a wet clutch you should use mc specific oil because of the friction modifiers added to provide optimum performance.

Jason

[2 ROSE]

Hey Jason,
Welcome to the site. Is thet the PA flag your flying? If so what parts of PA are you from?

[mark]

Hello All

This is my 1st post on this forum.  I just order a 2015 CVO Limited.

The main difference between motorcycle specific oil and the oils blended for the automotive and fleet market are additives.  Not just the Zinc as mentioned.  If you have a dry clutch you can actually use automotive non-mc specific motor oil.  If your motorcycle has a wet clutch you should use mc specific oil because of the friction modifiers added to provide optimum performance.

Jason

But that would have no bearing on the crankcase, right?

[grc]

The answer from Mobil that porthole linked to was along a similar line.  Most "other brands" use a common oil supply for the engine, clutch, and gearbox, so you do indeed need the motorcycle specific formulations for those kinds of bikes.  The same would be true if you intend to use one fluid for all three holes on a Harley.  However, for those of us who prefer to use application specific lubes in each hole, an automotive 20w50 will work fine in the engine.  Long before Mobil even thought about a V-Twin specific oil I was running regular Mobil-1 15w50 in my Dyna and then my SEEG.  No oil related issues whatsoever.

Jerry

[greglyon]

I use Mobil One because it is easy to purchase while on the road.  If you are married to HD, you probably would have to travel with a quart in the saddlebag. 

[Boatman]

Redline sadly raised their automotive MTL (primary oil), Shockproof, and Automotive 20W50 to match the higher prices of their motorcycle labeled oils a couple years ago.