As suggested by Snowman, this thread is for anyone to post link's that contain worthwhile information, MSDS Sheets, oil comparrisons, additive packages, oil analysis, whatever.
It is for information only, any inappropriate postings will be removed.
This page gives reasons why you can run a diesel rated oil in a motorcycle; I've not heard that it is neccessary to be rated as such before you can use it in a motorcycle however, if you find yourself in a situation like me (FREE oil at work) then you may find this information much more interesting
Here's a couple of links that I find helpful in my line of work, I am the PM Customer Support Agreement contact, as well as new technology contact, for the Cat dealer down here.
http://www.lngpublishing.com/ (has an on line mag that has at least one good article a month in it on lubes, filters, base oil stock, greases, etc.)
On this sit there are a bunch of us who use Mobil in our rides, myself included. About 80% say they buy at Wal-mart because there can save a couple bucks. Well lets start saving our towns. http://walmartwatch.com/ Information on how Wal-Mart really does buisness.
By the way I try to avoid this chain at all cost. I switched over to Amsoil. But it by the case and don't worry about running out.
When extreme overheating situations exist, oxidation is rampant. The only cure for oxidation is changing the oil. Extreme heat indicates the need to change your oil more frequently.
Your fossil oil's effectiveness in lubricating drops off once its temperature increases beyond 250" F.
Oil Oxidation Rate Chart
When observing the accompanying oxidation rate chart, it will become readily apparent that heat is the enemy and must be controlled. With heat comes oxidation of the oil and the only cure for this is to change the oil. When extreme overheating situations caused by improper tuning or a brutally hot summer day exist, oxidation is rampant, so change your oil more frequently.
Mobil 1 test and analysis I found interesting. Of particular interest to me is this statement:
"Engine wear actually decreases as oil ages. This has also been substantiated in testing conducted by Ford Motor Co. and ConocoPhillips, and reported in SAE Technical Paper 2003-01-3119. What this means is that compulsive oil changers are actually causing more engine wear than the people who let their engine's oil get some age on it."
Well i believe that oil gets more slippery when it´s well used, but even if it would decrease wear the oil would get contaminated at the same time by gasoline and other substances.
The reason for that oil gets more slippery and therefore decrease wear would be because the oil molecules breaks in smaller molecules after a while in use am i right?
But in real world conditions gasoline and other harmful stuff would mess things up anyhow.
So it´s a good thing to change oil now and then.
I don´t know how many times i´ve encountered trouble with jap-bikes at my old job with a lot of gas in the oil. And gasoline isn´t that good as a lubricant.
This is a "White Paper" I found very informative testing the different synthetic motorcycle oils. Being Syn3 is now $10.00/qt. and is associated with Venezuela, it's off my list. It looks like Mobil 1 v-twin and Amsoil rated the highest overall. Mobil is less expensive and therefore gets my nod. I'm going with Mobil 20w50 V-Twin in the crankcase, Mobil 75w90 gear lube in the tranny and staying with H-D Primary lube in the primary. If nothing, else I'll enjoy the savings over Amsoil and Syn3...about $2.00/qt.
This article is the best I've ever read for explaining oil formulation and certifications. It is worded and explained for the 'layman' instead of for industry insiders....very informative.
Comparative Viscosity Chart, crankcase vs. gear oil
I see that we already hit Bob is the Oil Guy, but attached is a chart from BITOG showing Viscosity Classifications (i.e. why is 10W-40 roughly the same viscosity as 75W-90?) and here is a string discussing the accuracy of such charts.
Here's a few link I had found that can be really helpful for those who really want to know what they are looking at and how/why it has become that way when in comes to lubricating auto oils.