Field proven performance: New field trial demonstrates the performance of motorcycle
additive technology Developing motorcycle lubricants is a complex business. Formulations must not only meet the needs of OEMs who are looking for dedicated lubricants to protect the engine, clutch and gears, but also the regional needs of end users.
Here, Infineum Technologist, Pei Yi Lim, provides an update on the latest research, which demonstrates the field performance of motorcycle oil additive technology.
As passenger car oils tend to lower viscosities to deliver fuel economy benefits, their use in motorcycles is increasingly inappropriate. This trend means that OEMs are increasingly looking for specifically tailored lubricants that deliver excellent hardware protection in this high temperature, high rpm environment. At the same time, end users are demanding, amongst other things, better clutch feel, lower oil consumption and longer engine life.
With these requirements in mind, Infineum has developed additive technology, which enables the formulation of superior and unique motorcycle oil. In an initial study to evaluate the technology, bench and engine tests were used including the Modified FZG Pitting Test, extended JASO T903:2011 Clutch Friction Test and API SN demonstration program.
Data from preliminary field trials, which are considered to be the most effective way to evaluate an oil, were also presented. As part of the extensive demonstration of performance for this new technology, Infineum has recently completed a second field trial.
Field trial protocol
The second 32,000 km field trial was conducted in mixed-city service, including personal commuting and goods delivery, in Bangkok, Thailand. SAE 5W-30 candidate oil was formulated using the new Infineum additive technology and run against an SAE 10W-40 OEM Genuine Oil reference oil.
Each oil was run in three, new, single-model Japanese four-stroke 125cc manual transmission motorcycles. After an initial break-in period of 2,000km, each bike was run over three extended oil drain intervals (ODI) of 10,000km.
Used oil analysis, performed every 2,500km, looked for any abnormal trends that might indicate a potential engine or oil issue. The engine was disassembled for inspection at the end of the trial and rated using the CRC Manual No. 20 method to obtain the best view of the effect of the oils on the engine parts.
Extensive field trials confirm performance The candidate oil showed superior engine durability performance, despite being formulated at lower high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity and with less phosphorous.
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This performance can be seen in metal wear used oil analysis averaged over the three vehicles run on each oil. While the concentration of aluminum, typically present in piston, oil pump and friction clutch was similar for both oils, the concentration of iron, a metal commonly found in liners and tappets, was consistently less in the candidate oil than the reference oil.
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.136 DECEMBER 2016
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