Mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oil?

**vifferman** · 30th July 2009, 12:31

Originally Posted by p.dath

Is there much difference between car and motorcycle engine oil?

Basically, no. But there are differences in the additive packs, since cars don't have wet clutches like most bikes, and some of the additive packs added to car oil contain things that could cause wet clutches to slip. Also, your average bike engine revs higher than a car, and may have less oil in the sump (although mine doesn't) so allowances are made for that.

Many bike riders swear by decent diesel oils, as they're generally cheaper and made to some quite exacting standards.

I've tried all sorts of oils, and the only thing I've noticed is that some oils make the gear changes a little notchier. Mobil 1 (or 4T, or whatever it's called) is one of those. I've used it only once, and that was when it was on sale at AMPS for not much more than Motul 5100.

**Vgygrwr** · 30th July 2009, 14:54

I admit it was a long time ago now but when I kept detailed track of fuel consumption I always got at least 5% better using Mobil 1. Even changing the oil just as frequently made it much cheaper to use than mineral oils. I have used it ever since other than for the first change on a new bike.

**Quasievil** · 30th July 2009, 14:59

Originally Posted by vifferman

Mobil 1 (or 4T, or whatever it's called)

Mobil 1 racing 4 T
is the name of it

**Flip** · 30th July 2009, 21:04

They really are that good. They are better, cleaner and stronger than mineral oils. Yep they are worth 3 times the price to me.
I have worked in the Beaumont lube oil blend plant in Texas where the Mobil 1 was made (and I actually hate Mobil) but the oil is brillant stuff.
I use it in my race car and use the HD Syn3 in the Harley. I dont use them in my vintage vehicles cause they don't justify or need the uber oils.

**Flip** · 30th July 2009, 21:22

Originally Posted by p.dath

Is there much difference between car and motorcycle engine oil?

None at all. All the industry API testing is done in standard car (S) and truck(C) motors, not bike motors.

**Molly** · 30th July 2009, 21:22

Go to the on-site shop of your local Mobil distribution centre and buy fully synthetic oil at a more realistic price (though I notice it has gone up a lot in the past year).

I've read every bloody white paper / test and opinion on syn vs dino oil I can and think it really comes down to the conditions expected for use. For my Harley in the NZ climate it's hard to justify the cost simply for the cooler running afforded by Mobil 1 V-Twin Fully Syn. It's not Arizona after all and I'm not racing either. That said, it is better for your motor so once run in I'll probably stick with it. By the way, lots of crap is talked about roller bearings 'skating' on fully syn. It's bollocks.

Oh, and I gather HD's SYN3 is only a blend, not fully syn. An independent white paper I read (admittedly funded by AMSOil) didn't think much of SYN3 at all.

I need to get out more.

**Molly** · 30th July 2009, 21:25

Originally Posted by Flip

None at all. All the industry API testing is done in standard car (S) and truck(C) motors, not bike motors.

Hmmmmm. Depends really. I've testing literature for bike-dedicated oils. PM me and I'll bounce some of it to you via email (for those long, cold winter nights).

**p.dath** · 31st July 2009, 09:48

I think I might stick with the semi-synthetic oil for my bike. But perhaps when I buy a new bike (not for some time!) I might change over to using the nice fully synthetic oil.

**Flip** · 31st July 2009, 13:57

Originally Posted by Molly

By the way, lots of crap is talked about roller bearings 'skating' on fully syn. It's bollocks.

No its not. I have first hand experience of Evo big end failures using Mobil 1.

I don,t really care what Ampro say about Syn1. Harley Davidson say its the oil to put in their motors, Harley are the experts on Harley motors. The SAE serviceability classifications on motor oils are not done on Harley motors but on std car motors.

**Naki Rat** · 31st July 2009, 14:52

Originally Posted by vifferman

......
Many bike riders swear by decent diesel oils, as they're generally cheaper and made to some quite exacting standards......

I was long ago warned off of using diesel oils in engines not designed for them (i.e. petrol engines) due to it containing detergents that played havoc with seals and the like. Oil and engine technology may have changed so maybe this is no longer relevant

**Quasievil** · 31st July 2009, 16:16

Originally Posted by Flip

No its not. I have first hand experience of Evo big end failures using Mobil 1.

Of course it was the oil, nothing to do with anything else.
Must have been an oversight when designing the best oil in the world to consider your particular big end

lol

sorry that shit cracks me up big time !

**AllanB** · 31st July 2009, 16:53

Did someone say I should rub Mobil 1 on my big end?

Personally I don't think Mobil 1 would be the choice for this - not enough friction ........

**bsasuper** · 31st July 2009, 17:37

Originally Posted by Flip

None at all. All the industry API testing is done in standard car (S) and truck(C) motors, not bike motors.

You put gtx in your bike and ill put motul 5100 in mine and see whos bike F%#Ks out first

**Quasievil** · 31st July 2009, 17:38

Originally Posted by AllanB

Did someone say I should rub Mobil 1 on my big end?

Personally I don't think Mobil 1 would be the choice for this - not enough friction ........

I can sell ya a 208 lt of massage parlour oil for the big end