AMERiders knows there are many arguments, great debates whatever you want to call them out there but we are going to enter into one big one today Which Oil Is Better for your Motorcycle Conventional or Synthetic? We can hear all our brothers and sisters now starting up with their opinions but we are just going to tell you what we have scrounged up from the good old net. So here we go.
Which is Better for Your Bike?
In the world of internet arguments, which we have covered a few, there aren’t many topics more combative than those surrounding oil. Brand loyalties passed down from generation to generation, lies told by businesses trying to make a buck on our gullibilities; the arguments can sometimes start as if a person is discussing religion rather than motorcycle maintenance. Just like any other item that is sold in any type of store on a shelf to be used by a person the argument of Which Oil Is Better Conventional or Synthetic is one that is age old.
The biggest lie ever told was the 3,000-mile oil change. Oil change businesses began this myth in order to bring about more repeat business with their current customers and of course, generate more moola as well. Every time you left these places you had a convenient reminder to return in 3,000 miles to get your oil changed. This belief was propagated so completely that many people still swear by the 3,000-mile oil change interval. It’s listed as different thousands of miles for different types of vehicles 30k, 60k nevertheless you get the hint.
So, when do you need to change your oil?
The best indicator of when to change your oil is to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended interval. This also means you need to use an oil that meets your manufacturer’s oil requirements. It stands to reason if you ride in a very dirty environment or run your bike at track days you will change your oil more frequently, but that’s the price you pay for that extra fun. If you don’t then you more than likely won’t need to change it that frequently.
Conventional vs Synthetic
Both synthetic and conventional oils start off with almost even capability. Conventional and synthetic oils also both start on the ground and they use similar base materials. But that’s where the similarities end. The single largest difference between synthetic and conventional is the difference in each one’s ability to maintain viscosity over a long period of time.
Both synthetic and conventional oils use additives for friction, for temperature, viscosity, cleaning, and more. Because, synthetic starts as a purer base – having been distilled, purified, and broken down to its base molecules, as opposed to simply being refined – it is more chemically stable. This means synthetic oil maintains its ability to suspend dirt, prevent parts contact, and to flow in colder temperatures better than conventional oils. All of this means less wear and tear on your motor and transmission, fewer maintenance costs over the long term, and more piece of mind.
So, short answer: synthetic is generally a better choice. But don’t aim a gun at us, beat us over the head, or give us the cold shoulder cause we said that.
We could keep writing about this for several days but this video from Engineering Explained probably does the best job I have ever seen explaining the difference in the protection of new conventional and synthetic oil versus used conventional and synthetic oil. There is something about a visual that words cannot compete with.
~And as always….
~Live Free Ride Hard~
~AMERiders
and
Let AMERiders keep you up to date with information Which Oil Is Better Conventional or Synthetic.
And as always don’t forget to send us your stories, pictures, and events for posting to GALLERY.AMERIDERS @ GMAIL.COM and we will post them for you. The more people that know about your event the better and we are offering free advertising. We would also love to hear about your rides and love to see those bikes so send those stories and pictures.
Like what you just read? Share it on social media ( Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram) with others and let them get the information and benefit from it as well.