|
Triple 900's comment about the difference between MOBIL1 for cars and MOBIL1 for bikes (see Aaargh, lost rear caliper bolt) has my curiosity piqued once more (especially now that I am using the car stuff, apparently with no ill effects). I looked up Mobil's FAQ on this subject and am pasting it below. What do y'all think? Are they hoodwinking us with an "eminence front"? Are they putting us on?
FAQs for Motorcycle Oil
So how is Mobil 1 for passenger cars different from Mobil 1 for motorcycles?
What are the overall advantages of Mobil 1 motorcycle oils?
Okay. Let's start with Mobil 1 MX4T. What does it offer that Mobil 1 for cars does not?
What about Mobil 1 V-Twin oil? How is that different from Mobil 1 for passenger cars?
The owner's manual says I should change the oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. I change my oil every 2,500 miles or twice a year. So why do I need that kind of protection?
So how is Mobil 1 for passenger cars different from Mobil 1 for motorcycles?
First, let's be clear about Mobil 1's overall benefits compared to those of conventional motor oils, whether for passenger cars or motorcycles:
Superior long-term engine protection.
Superior high-temperature stability.
Excellent low-temperature starting.
Outstanding engine performance.
Low volatility/low oil consumption
It's a little hard to generalize about the difference between Mobil 1 passenger-car motor oils and Mobil 1 motorcycle oils. That's because not all viscosities of Mobil 1 passenger-car oils have the same levels of zinc and phosphorus, and there are even greater differences among the three Mobil 1 motorcycle oils. In general, Mobil 1 motorcycle oils have:
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.
Back to top
What are the overall advantages of Mobil 1 motorcycle oils?
In addition to the overall benefits listed above – specifically, high-temperature stability and low volatility/low oil consumption – Mobil 1 synthetic motorcycle oils also offer superior anti-corrosion performance compared to conventional motor oil, which is important in many parts of the country where bikes may sit in garages for several months of the year.
Compared to conventional oils, Mobil 1 motorcycle oils provide superior wear and high-temperature protection, and promote engine cleanliness and lower oil consumption.
Once you get past these general advantages, you have to deal with each specific motorcycle oil one at a time to understand the benefits.
Back to top
Okay. Let's start with Mobil 1 MX4T. What does it offer that Mobil 1 for cars does not?
Mobil 1 MX4T is designed for sport bikes. Most of these bikes have multi-cylinder/multi-valve engines and use a common sump, which means the engine oil lubricates the engine, transmission and wet clutch. So unlike Mobil 1 for cars, Mobil 1 MX4T has no friction modifiers, which could lead to clutch slippage.
The motorcycle oil also has more phosphorus/zinc for enhanced wear protection at high engine speeds and high loads.
In addition, Mobil 1 MX4T uses different dispersant/detergent technology for better high-temperature performance and engine cleanliness. Mobil 1 MX4T is also offered in a different viscosity grade than Mobil 1 for passenger cars.
Back to top
What about Mobil 1 V-Twin oil? How is that different from Mobil 1 for passenger cars?
Mobil 1 V-Twin oil is designed for air-cooled, large-displacement bikes. Because of their design, these engines can generate very high localized oil temperatures and high overall bulk-oil temperatures.
As you know, a typical air-cooled V-twin's rear cylinder gets a lot hotter than the front cylinder – it's a matter of airflow. When it's hot out and you're stuck in traffic, the oil temperature in your bike climbs rapidly. Above about 250°F, conventional motor oil is going to break down. Mobil 1 V-Twin synthetic oil is good to above 300F.
Like Mobil 1 MX4T, Mobil 1 V-Twin has high levels of phosphorus/zinc and the same high-temperature detergent technology for superior wear protection and engine cleanliness, even at elevated oil temperatures.
With Mobil 1 V-Twin oil, you can go the full length of the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals with ease.
Back to top
The owner's manual says I should change the oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. I change my oil every 2,500 miles or twice a year. So why do I need that kind of protection?
For peace of mind and added protection. You pay a lot for a bike these days, so why risk running your engine in ordinary oil? Just like Mobil 1 synthetic oil for cars, Mobil 1 synthetic motorcycle oil helps keep your engine clean – free from varnish and deposits – and smooth running mile after mile, no matter what conditions you ride in.
Mobil 1 benefits engine life and performance. In fact, the lubrication capability of Mobil 1 motorcycle oil helps maintain peak horsepower and acceleration throughout the life of your engine. And with Mobil 1 you can go the full 5,000 miles between oil changes.
So, if you want to ride your bike long and hard and not be concerned about the oil, choose Mobil 1 motorcycle oil.
Back to top
© Copyright 2005 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ExxonMobil Home | Help | Site Map | Contact Us | Privacy & Legal
|
Linear Mode
