QuestionI hear a lot about using HONDA oil...not motorcycle oil from, say, Walmart.... but HONDA oil...like that's something special. How can it be special? Is it like catfood, that they add something special so that you can only use their brand and nothing else ever again? Seriously, what's the story?
AnswerThe manufacturers know the best way to lubricate and protect their designs, especially motorcycle engines, which are far more harsh on motor oil blends than automotive applications.
If you have a motorcycle, which uses the oil to lubricate the transmission gears and clutch, then the additives that are used in "motorcycle specific" applications will ensure long life in that application.
As car oils have been re-blended to reduce friction and emissions. I found a few notes on the web, including this one:
"Additive packages balanced differently for motorcycle engine and transmission operation. For passenger vehicles, fuel economy and emission system protection are higher priorities. These require low phosphorus systems and the use of friction modifiers. Motorcycle oils do not require friction modifiers for fuel economy and for better clutch friction less/no friction modifier is optimum. Motorcycle oils allow the use of higher levels of anti-wear additives such as ZDDP (phosphorous)."
The other factor is heat, as motorcycle engines produce more heat due to increased horsepower per cubic inch, as well as a number of applications where the engines are air-cooled, not liquid-cooled. Liquid-cooled auto engines have lesser temperature variations within the engine assembly and are more temperature stabilized overall. This produces less stress and temperature variations than on an air-cooled motorcycle engine.
Historically, the zillions of Harley-Davidsons running around the world suffer from rear cylinder overheating issues, due to lack of air flow across the rear cylinder. These circumstances will cause oil viscosity breakdown and engine component failure, when oil quality is less than optimum.
You don't have to use HONDA oil in your HONDA, but I would advise using an oil that is blended for motorcycle service duty, in most cases. Studies show that the viscosity ratings drop off dramatically in oils after less than 1,000 miles of use, in both cases of auto and motorcycle oil tests. Changing the oil more frequently will reduce the possibility of excessive wear in your engine, if you use non-motorcycle oils. Synthetic blends or pure synthetics will supply the greatest protection for high-revving, high-powered motorcycle engines.
Bill Silver
