Study of Lower Viscosity Motorcycle Engine Oils for Fuel Saving

Nobuaki Watanabe

doi:10.4271/2010-32-0123

As well as a four-wheeled vehicle, in the field of motorcycle, development of the CO₂ reduction technology and practical use are required for global environment protection. Therefore the energy conserving by engine oil is required. There are several technologies which have been applied to the passenger car engine oils using lower viscosity base oils and some friction modifier additives.

However, these technologies might bring difficulties or problems to apply to the motorcycle engine oils. Since motorcycles normally have transmission gears and a wet clutch system inside the crankcase, the gear lubricity and clutch friction performance are additionally required for motorcycle engine oils.

Motorcycle engine oils are also used under severer conditions than passenger car engine oils. Therefore, lower volatility performance at higher temperature conditions, higher shear stability, anti-wear performance and gear pitting toughness are needed.

In this study, we report the results of motorcycle engine oil performance evaluation with engine oils containing high quality mineral base oils and specially selected polymers. The high quality base oil contributed to reduce oil consumption, compared with the current 10W-30 grade motorcycle engine oil. The moderate selection of polymers can increase oil film thickness and also improve shear stability. Additionally, actual motorcycle engine test was conducted. The candidate oil showed better fuel saving and better effect for gear fatigue and noise prevention.

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Study of Lower Viscosity Motorcycle Engine Oils for Fuel Saving 2010-32-0123

SAE MOBILUS