Harley Davidson Shifts Gears on Synthetic Motorcycle oil

Harley Davidson Shifts Gears on Synthetic Motorcycle oil

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The recent introduction of Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Lubricant by Harley Davidson indicates the Motor Company has finally recognized the benefits of running synthetic motorcycle oil in their air-cooled engines.

After years of advising dealers and customers to avoid using synthetic engine oil in their bikes, it’s natural to wonder why the company is suddenly marketing one.

For the past 20 years, Harley Davidson has claimed its petroleum-based Genuine H-D Oil is best for the "unique requirements of Harley Davidson air-cooled V-twin engines." However, laboratory testing has consistently revealed that Genuine H-D Oil does not provide the best protection possible for Harley Davidson engines. In fact, industry standard Four-Ball Wear Tests show Harley
Davidson 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar in the test bearing that is over 50 percent larger than that by AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil proving AMSOIL is superior.

Harley Davidson/AMSOIL Oil Chart One of the major benefits of running a synthetic motorcycle oil is its resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, which inhibit the formation of sludge and deposits that contribute to increased wear. In the past, Harley Davidson has defended use of its Genuine HD oil by arguing that oil breakdown in extreme heat is a non-issue because extreme heat conditions are not normally faced by motorcycle engines, while the superior cold-temperature benefits of synthetics also don’t apply to Harleys.

The fact is Harley Davidson motorcycles are subjected to very high temperatures because they are air-cooled. Harley Davidson engines get especially hot while idling in traffic, commonly reaching temperatures up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat is your enemy and as the heat increases so does the oxidation with petroleum Harley Oil. Along with the fact that the viscosity of petroleum oil drops as the heat goes up, adversely affecting the lubricating qualities of the oil and increasing wear. AMSOIL maintains it's viscosity over a much wider temperature range improving the lubrication and keeping the engine cooler.

The water, soot and acid byproducts of combustion also contribute to deposit formation. Harley Davidson has stressed the importance of regular oil changes in order to remove these contaminants. Of course, promoting regular oil changes is also a good way to promote using petroleum-based Genuine H-D oil.

High quality synthetic engine oil formulated with high-performance additives effectively withstand such contaminants, allowing motorcyclists to safely extend drain intervals.

In support of their about-face and the introduction of a synthetic engine oil, Harley maintains that the Motor Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles because there has never been any test validations completed on the numerous formulations in HD/Buell motorcycles. This product has been exclusively designed for Harley Davidson and is the only synthetic product TESTED and CERTIFIED by Harley Davidson engineering for use in HD/Buell motorcycles.

Although this is necessary marketing hype, Harley Davidson V-twin air-cooled engines are not unique in their lubrication requirements and do not require a special Harley-only fluid. There is nothing about Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle oil that sets it apart from, or makes it better than, many other synthetic motorcycle oil formulations, except that Harley Davidson is marketing it and directly profiting from the sales.

According to Harley Davidson, one of the unique benefits offered by Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle oil is its versatility. For the first time the company is recommending an oil that can be used in the engines, primary chain cases and transmissions of most Harley Davidson motorcycles, including Evolution XL, Evolution 1340, Twin Cam 88 and 88B, Revolution and Buell models. This feature, however, is not unique. AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle oil may also be used in the engines, primary chain cases and transmissions of these applications, providing superior lubricating protection in each component.


How does Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle oil measure up to AMSOIL in wear protection? Four-Ball

Wear Test results indicate that AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle oil still provides the best protection possible for motorcycles. In fact, Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle oil leaves a wear scar nearly 80 percent larger than AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle oil.

Not only does AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle oil offer greater wear protection than Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle oil, it also delivers greater value. Suggested retail price of Screaming' Eagle is nearly $2 a quart higher than AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle oil. And because AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle oil may be used for extended drain intervals of up to twice the manufacturer’s suggested interval, while Screaming' Eagle is recommended for standard drain intervals, AMSOIL customers realize additional savings. Harley Davidson claims Screaming' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle oil has been "exclusively designed" for use in their motorcycles, pointing to extensive bench testing and over 230,000 miles of durability testing to back it up.

AMSOIL. has 30 years of experience providing superior lubricating protection for all brands of motorcycles, and AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil have been tested in millions of over-the-road miles.

Testimonials from countless motorcyclists further demonstrate the superiority of AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil.

Formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic base stocks and high-temperature deposit control additives, AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil provide superior protection and performance for motorcycles in all operating conditions.

AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil effectively withstand oxidation and thermal degradation, keep wear to an absolute minimum, hold contaminants in suspension and keep engines running cool and clean.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

•Reduces operating temperatures
•Keeps engines clean and deposit-free
•Provides maximum protection against wear
•Formulated without friction modifiers for smooth performance
•Saves money with extended drain intervals of up to
•two times the manufacturers’ drain interval recommendations

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com

A Deeper Look At Motor Oil Consumption

A Deeper Look At Motor Oil Consumption

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View AMSOIL in ACTION: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfSFBwTX7Ew/?siteid=amsoilofwisconsin.blogspot.com

by Ed Newman
AMSOIL Director of Advertising
This article appeared in National Oil & Lube News, April 2010

Have you ever met people who have simplistic answers to complex questions and never want to take time to think a little more deeply about the subject? To be honest with you, I think we all fit that description from time to time. Many issues are so complicated that we just don’t have the time to really study them in depth. So we opt out for the simple answer. For example, let’s talk about motor oil consumption.

Ever had a car where you had to top off your oil now and then? Who hasn’t? In my case, I always assumed that this was due to the oil’s volatility. That is, when the engine was hot, the oil’s lighter molecules would vaporize.

I once attended two days of training at a quick lube (part of a major oil company chain) wherein they showed how their conventional oil lost up to 30 percent and their synthetic only 12 percent in a volatility test. It sank home the message I’d already adopted, that synthetics were more resistant to oil loss than conventional oils. While this may be true to a large extent it is not the end of the discussion.

I saw a Technical Service Bulletin called The Reasons for Motor Oil Consumption, and seven pages later I could no longer stand on my simple one sentence answer to the problem. The problem of abnormal oil usage is far more complicated and, in fact, most of the causes are mechanical, not lubricant related at all.

Here are just the first of 40 explanations for oil consumption: External Oil Leaks.
“Some of the many points where external oil leaks may occur include, oil lines, crankcase drain plug, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, oil pump gasket, fuel pump gasket, timing case cover and camshaft bearing seal. No possible source of leakage should be neglected because even a very small leak can cause extremely high oil consumption. For example, it has been estimated that a leak of one drop of oil every 20 feet is approximately equal to a loss of one quart of oil every 100 miles. One way to check for external leaks is to road test the vehicle with a large piece of light-colored cloth tied under the engine. Oil on the cloth will indicate a leak which should be traced to its source.”

But the list goes on. The problem may be front or rear main bearing seals, worn or damaged main bearings, worn or damaged connecting rod bearings, worn or damaged camshaft bearings, worn crankshaft journals, distorted cylinders, honing abrasive, worn ring grooves, cracked or broken ring lands, problems with the wrist pins, clogged oil passages, or even unequal tightening of various bolts.

Item 20 on the list had to do with the radiator, and I initially thought this was just a bit much. Until I read the explanation. A defective cooling system can cause overheating of the engine which may result in the development of localized hot spots in some of the cylinders which can lead to scuffing and scoring of cylinders, pistons and rings resulting in high oil consumption.

And the list goes on. Dirty oil, too much oil in the crankcase, worn or broken piston rings, improper valve timing, incorrect oil pressure, piston slap, internal gasket intake breach, spark knock, aftermarket performance chips and modifications, lugging engines, inappropriate operation of overdrive, leaking turbocharger seals, restricted air intakes and fuel dilution can all contribute in various ways to oil consumption.

In short, few things are as simple as they might initially appear. When all is said and done, however, even though there may be multiple reasons for oil loss, in a mechanically sound engine it boils down to one: the volatility issue. In this, synthetic motor oils make a difference. For this reason, if your customers’ vehicles are mechanically sound they should be using synthetics to reduce their oil consumption. Benefits include reduced oil usage, reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.

Here’s another simple answer that is more complicated than it looks, the cost of synthetics. People who say synthetic motor oils are too expensive have often never gone into depth analyzing the real life cycle costs of a premium synthetic motor oil versus conventional petroleum. The initial cost appears quite a bit higher, but the life cycle cost is the true measure. The annual cost of a premium extended drain synthetic is comparable to or even less than conventional oils these days, and the benefits too numerous for this short summation. When your customer is driving a vehicle with a mechanically sound engine, I always recommend a synthetic solution.

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com

Experts Predict Continued Growth For Synthetics

Experts Predict Continued Growth For Synthetics

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View AMSOIL in ACTION: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfSFBwTX7Ew/?siteid=amsoilofwisconsin.blogspot.com

by Ed Newman
AMSOIL Director of Advertising
This article appeared in National Oil & Lube News, June 2010

For the past few years we’ve read how the lubricants market has been “flat.” Pundits have noted that though not going away any time soon, oil is certainly not a stellar growth sector in the economy. And yet, if you look back at the historical record there has been a segment of the lube industry which has been quietly growing for a long time. We’re speaking of the synthetic lubricants sector, and a new report by the Freedonia Group indicates that U.S. demand for synthetic motor oil is expected to rise more than 7 percent a year over the next three years. These robust numbers might be worth paying attention to.

An April 7 article by George Gill in his Lube Report* from Lubes ‘N Greases highlights the details of Freedonia’s research findings. The opening salvo is a brief summary of the numbers. He follows with this:

“Engine oils and hydraulic and transmission fluids will experience the fastest gains as synthetics finally begin to penetrate the conservative medium and heavy duty truck market,” Cleveland-based Freedonia suggests, “and as increasing new vehicle lubricant performance requirements and growing consumer acceptance further expand synthetics’ share of the light vehicle market.”

Driving Forces
Ned Zimmerman cites four primary drivers for the growth in synthetic lube sales. First, the major brands have stepped up their marketing efforts in this direction. A lot more money is now being spent to make motorists aware of these new lube technologies.

Second, the trend toward OEMs using synthetics in many makes and models will drive demand. GM and others recognize the role synthetics play in helping vehicles attain increasingly stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements. This, too, is helping consumers become more aware of the benefits of synthetics.

Third, Zimmerman noted that while awareness is already strong in the do-it-yourself market, near-term economic pressures will likely drive many others to evaluate and choose synthetics in an effort to reduce maintenance costs.

Fourth, the consumers who make up the bulk of the do-it-for-me market are the kind of people more susceptible to mass marketing. (See point one.)

In short, we’re seeing a convergence of driving forces that will result in the continued growth and mainstreaming of synthetic motor oils and drivetrain fluids. Is this a good thing? Absolutely.

The Trend Is Your Friend
Wall Street has plenty of pithy maxims for investors that sum up pearls of wisdom learned from the school of hard knocks. For example, when you miss a good investment opportunity, there’s consolation in knowing “another bus will be along in fifteen minutes.” With regard to buying stocks Peter Lynch said, “Spend at least as much time researching a stock as you would choosing a refrigerator.” And this Sioux proverb is also a good admonition: “When you realize that you are riding a dead horse the best strategy is to dismount.”

So, the saying that immediately jumps into my mind when I read the Freedonia report is this: “The trend is your friend.”

In sailing, there’s nothing like the feeling of the wind at your back and clear horizons ahead, the sail taut, catching the wind. The wind at your back makes everything easier. Catch the wind. The trend is your friend.

I recently picked up a hitchhiker on a rural highway. He’d been walking near fifteen miles when I came along. Heavy laden with a rather hefty set of baggage, he said he hadn’t minded most of it until this last portion where he came up a rise and was now walking into a headwind. It had been a beautiful day, but it’s tough to walk into the wind. And we all know what happens when you spit into the wind.

I’ve never been a surfer (other than body surfing in Puerto Rico) but I understand the principle. Surfers watch the incoming waves with an eye to the big ones that will give the biggest thrill. They paddle with the trend and position themselves to make a run. When it all comes together, the rush and roar of riding the wave gives an incomparable thrill. The trend is the surfer’s friend. Successful surfers go with the flow, not against it.

Summing Up
It’s a simple message that oil change professionals can profit from. The trend is toward more sophisticated technologies, and high tech lubricants will be increasingly required in the future, as well as desired. Promoting a properly priced premium synthetic solution is the primary way to benefit from this trend.

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com


*“U.S. Synlubes Outlook Promising”, George Gill, Lube Report from Lubes ‘N Greases, April 7, 2010

AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush - Renew your Engine!

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AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush Prepares Engines and Transmissions For New Oil

See Pricing Information or Place an OrderPackage sizes include:

16-oz. Bottle
16-oz. Bottles (case of 12)
5-gallon pail
55-gallon drum

AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush (FLSH) helps restore fuel economy, increase operating efficiency and reduce emissions in gasoline and diesel engines, and automatic transmissions. Its potent, detergent-based formula cleans sludge and deposit build-up, promoting lower operating temperatures and reduced oil consumption. AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush is safe on parts and can be easily disposed of with waste oil.

Restores Vehicles to Like-New
New engines and transmissions run more efficiently, but over time they gather harmful deposits that cause power and performance loss. Stop-and-go driving, prolonged idling, short trips that do not allow the engine to reach full operating temperature, towing, the ingestion of airborne dirt, fuel dilution, water condensation and oxidized oil all can promote sludge build-up in motor oil and transmission fluid. As it settles, sludge clogs narrow oil passages, restricting oil flow to vital parts, especially the upper valve train area.

In transmissions, deposits can form on clutch plates, causing hesitation and erratic shifting. Ultimately clutch glazing can set in, reducing the life of the transmission. Deposits in engines and transmissions can accelerate wear, causing power loss and increased fuel consumption.

• Cleans engines and transmissions for improved efficiency, fuel economy and lower emissions
• Prolongs equipment life
• Detergent-based formula more environmentally friendly
• Compatible with seals and gaskets
• One-treatment results
• Easily disposed of with waste oil

Installing new oil or transmission fluid into a dirty vehicle may not be enough to remove deposits and increase efficiency. The detergents and dispersants in some lubricants may not be able to handle leftover sludge and deposits, and the new lubricant soon becomes unfit for service, accelerating the formation of even more harmful deposits.

AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush Benefits
Unlike many flush products, AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush features a multi-use formulation that dissolves and disperses sludge, varnish and deposits in both engines and automatic transmissions. Due to its detergent-based formulation, used AMSOIL FLSH can be easily disposed of with waste oil, making it more user-friendly. Its advanced formula of light base oil technology, powerful detergents and dispersants provides safe cleaning action. AMSOIL FLSH is compatible with both petroleum and synthetic oils, preparing poorly maintained equipment for installation of new oil. It represents the first step toward restoring neglected equipment to top-notch performance. AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush provides the following benefits in only one treatment:

Gasoline and Diesel Engines

• Helps loosen sticky valves and rings, minimizing blow-by and reducing emissions
• Helps quiet lifter noise
• Promotes lower operating temperatures through sludge removal
• Easy disposal

Automatic Transmissions

• Cleans deposits in oil cooler and ports
• Helps unclog fluid passages
• Cleans deposits and varnish from clutch plates, helping improve efficiency
• Promotes smoother operation and transmission life through reduced shift delay

Applications
AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush is recommended for diesel and gasoline engines, and automatic transmissions. It is not recommended for CVT transmissions or differentials.

Directions for Use
Though it works in one treatment, AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush is safe enough to be used at every oil change. If using a flushing machine, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. Otherwise, use the following guidelines:

Engine: Add 16 oz. bottle of AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush to engine oil fill port. Idle the engine for 10-15 minutes, then immediately drain the oil. Ensure enough time for the system to completely
drain. Remove and replace the engine oil filter. Refill engine with new engine oil in the viscosity grade recommended by the manufacturer.

Transmission: Engage emergency brake. Add 16 oz. bottle of AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush to transmission oil fill port. Idle for 10-15 minutes; shift through drive and reverse. Do NOT place vehicle under heavy load. Drain entire transmission and torque converter of fluid. FILTER MUST BE CHANGED prior to refilling with new transmission fluid.

NOTE: It is not recommended to flush transmissions that do not have a removable pan or access to the transmission filter.



(above) Automatic transmission clutch plates pre-cleanup. Varnish and glazing is heavy on some of the plates.


(above) Automatic transmission clutch plates after cleanup with AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush reveal lighter glazing and varnish.


(above) Cylinder head pre-cleanup. Note the sludge deposits on and around the valve springs and push rod openings.



(above) Cylinder head after cleanup with AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush. The valve springs and push rod openings are noticeably cleaner, with fewer sludge deposits. The manufacturer’s stamping is more easily seen.

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com

Amsoil Synthetic Oil Basics - Educational Resource with Rob Stenberg

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View AMSOIL in ACTION: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfSFBwTX7Ew/?siteid=amsoilofwisconsin.blogspot.com

The AMSOIL Information Series videos featuring Rob Stenberg provide an educational resource for lubrication-related topics and industry news. Make sure to check back with this page frequently, as new videos will be added regularly.



This second segment in the Information Series covers the differences between synthetic and conventional oils, what sets AMSOIL apart from the competition and the benefits of using AMSOIL synthetic oils. Posted March 22, 2010

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com

Amsoil's History of "Firsts!"

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A RICH HISTORY - AMSOIL, A COMPANY OF "FIRSTS!"

As a jet fighter squadron commander LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALBERT J. AMATUZIO had ample opportunity to witness synthetic lubricants in action. These oils are used exclusively in jet engines because of three extraordinary performance characteristics: an ability to reduce friction and wear on engine components, an ability to function dependably at severe temperature extremes and an ability to withstand rigorous and lengthy engine operation without chemical breakdown.

Recognizing that these same benefits would prove invaluable in combustion engines, Al Amatuzio formulated the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet API service requirements for automobile engines. The new lubricant performed like no other before it. When the first can of AMSOIL 10W-40 appeared on the market in 1972, it signaled the birth of an entire industry. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have expanded the boundaries of lubrication science and redefined the performance possibilities of modern machinery and engines.

AMSOIL INC. was founded on Al Amatuzio’s desire for technical innovation, his commitment to high quality and his belief that consumers would respond to a superior product. The company has remained true to these ideals; its history is a checklist of revolutionary products that have withstood the tests of time. As the pioneer corporation in the field of synthetic lubrication, AMSOIL sees its Commitment to Excellence as a historical responsibility, and A.J. Amatuzio’s energy and vision continue to drive the company forward. ...

inspired by aerospace technology Al Amatuzio's induction to the Lubricants World Hall of Fame is the ultimate tribute to the man who started it all.

He is firmly established among the giants who have shaped the industry. Al Amatuzio's desire for technical innovation, his commitment to higher quality and his belief that consumers respond to superior products remain the core of the AMSOIL philosophy.

Center: Albert J. Amatuzio Left: Alan Amatuzio Right: Dean Alexander AMSOIL Today Under the leadership of President Albert J. Amatuzio, along with Alan Amatuzio, Executive Vice President and COO, and Dean Alexander, Executive Vice President and General Manager, AMSOIL remains the leader in synthetic lubrication technology. •Albert J. Amatuzio President and CEO •Alan Amatuzio Executive Vice President and COO •Dean Alexander Executive Vice President and General Manager

AMSOIL has a documented history of innovation and leadership.

•First to develop an API-rated 100 percent synthetic motor oil.

•First to introduce the concept of "extended drain intervals" with a recommended 25,000-mile/1-year drain interval.

•First U.S. company to utilize the NOACK volatility test as a standard of performance excellence.

•First to produce synthetic motor oils for diesel engines, racing engines, turbo and marine engines.

•First to introduce synthetic oils that legitimately contribute to improving fuel efficiency.

•First to manufacture synthetic gear lube for automotive use.

•First to manufacture a 100:1 pre-mix synthetic 2-cycle oil.

•First to manufacture a synthetic automatic transmission fluid for automotive use.

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com

AMSOIL Sandbox Arena - New Richmond, WI

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AMSOIL Sandbox Arena - New Richmond, WI

Inside the Facility

Our Tracks

At Sandbox Arena, riders will be able to enjoy themselves on two challenging tracks. The smaller of the two tracks is our mini track, designed for kids on small motorcycles and quads (65cc or smaller) and for people of all ages that are just learning to ride.

The large track is meant to challenge riders of all ages and skill levels. Professionally designed and built by Shane Schaefer, of Schaefer Tracks, this track will have lines for novices and experts alike!

Pits
One of the most asked for, and unique aspects of our track, was that we build large heated pits, and that’s exactly what we did! Our heated concrete pits will house around 300 motorcycles, and quads. Large bay style doors allow easy one way entrance and exit to the track to avoid too much congestion.

Lobby
The large lobby hosts some great distractions for those that need a break from riding or watching! Come on in and grab a bite to eat, something to drink or just play video games! For those that need a part, riding gear or just a souvenier head to our motocross store to stock up!

Bleachers
With three large sets of aluminum bleachers we have ample seating for the fans that don’t want to miss a series race, or the parents that just want to watch their son or daughter practice.

For more information, visit us at: http://www.vaughninc.com