All Motorcycle Synthetic Oils Are Not Created Equal

goldenhdplatplatinumI just learned that in fact, some “synthetic oils” are not even truly synthetic. Below an explanation written by Spectro Oils Of America.

“Spectro® Platinum Synthetic is, without doubt, one of the finest synthetic lubricants you can buy today, no matter what kind of motorcycle, snowmobile, PWC or racing car you run. Why?

Because it is a true synthetic. Spectro Platinum Synthetic is crafted from modern Group IV PAO (polyalphaolefin) synthetic base stocks. These PAO molecules are assembled from the ground up to provide superior strength and endurance, no matter how hard you push or long you punish them. The Group IV synthetic molecule is thus engineered from scratch to better resist being sheared in the gears, and to fight degrading oxidation due to high temperatures.

(The competitive Group III petroleum oils — adjudged “synthetic” in the course of a long, contentious legal proceeding — are just typical mineral oil molecules which have been refined to a higher level than standard petroleum. They are fine oils, we would agree, but they are not purpose-built starting at the molecular level to deliver maximum endurance.) The advantage of true 100% synthetics isn’t measured in lubrication qualities like “slipperiness”, but more in longevity and “usability”. Easier starting at any temperature, less reaction to temperature extremes, greater durability and resistance to breakdown through molecular shearing.

Spectro Platinum costs more, but delivers so much more longevity and security. So when you’re offered a “synthetic” at a lesser price than Spectro Platinum, chances are good you’re getting a lesser product” Spectro Oils Of America.

18 Responses to “All Motorcycle Synthetic Oils Are Not Created Equal”


  1. 1 Darin Maltsberger- Intsructor@MTI Feb 21st, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Here at MTI, we utilze Spectro oils in our traing program. Their engineering is cutting edge and performance is second to none. Thanks to all of our friends at Spectro for making it possible for our students to about oil technology and experience it first hand.

    -Darin

  2. 2 J Feb 21st, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    2nd that- really can run this oil twice as long as the dino and quasi-synthetics, which helps mitigate the higher pricing; Pretty cheap insurance in the long run.

  3. 3 Bigalyts Feb 21st, 2010 at 8:46 pm

    What’s the story on the Infamous, supposedly the Ultimate “Amsoil”? Is it Myth or is it real?

  4. 4 Windy Feb 22nd, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Bigalyts — Anyone who pays $25 can be an Amsoil “distributor” , it works a lot like like Amway, lean on your friends to buy the oil, sign them up as a “distributor” and you get a % of their sales. I would never let Amsoil in my shop because of this. Why would I ever want to compete with someone who sells out of their car trunk, has no shop expenses (rent, taxes, insurance, employees ect) while I play by the rules. I’ve looked into the claims they make on quality, lot’s of half truthes and exerations. Not a bad oil, I would rate Amsoil average at best.

  5. 5 Grtgatz Feb 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am

    Blatant advertising. I thought this blog was above that.

  6. 6 Rogue Feb 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Just for the record I am using spectro in both my Harley’s. I am using the semi- synthetic in my 2004 FLHTI with 93,000 on it and the full synthetic in my new 2009 FLHTC.
    There are a lot of choices and Spectro is what I chose.

  7. 7 FRED JOHNSON Feb 22nd, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    FRICTION REDUCING ENGINE TREATMENT “POLYDYN TX7″PARA-SYNTHETIC CARRIER,I HAVE BEEN USING THIS PRODUCT IN MY TRUCK AND MOTORCYCLES FOR YEARS ,IF YOU ARE A GEAR HEAD AND WANT THE BEST CHECK OUT IT OUT VISIT http://WWW.POLYDYN.COM AND LEARN. IT ALSO WORKS IN DIESEL ENGINES: TRANSMISSIONS,DIFFERENTIAL,POWER STEERING,MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS,TFE TREATMENTS ENGINE 1QT,DIFFERENTIAL(12OZ) AUTO TRANS (12OZ) POWER STERRING (12OZ) MOTORCYCLES TRANSMISSIONS (12OZ) THIS PRODUCT REDUCES FRICTION 2007 UP NOISEY HARLEY TRANSMISSONS,TRY IT HEAR THE DIFFERENCE!! AUTOSPHEREFRED.

  8. 8 Cyril Huze Feb 22nd, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Grtgatz (your name?). None of my articles are paid and I always refused any trade, parts or services..I am 100% free to write what I want when I want. I just support good brands by publishing information that my readers should know about.

  9. 9 Olive Oil Feb 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Have been going by S&S recommendation for my S&S motor since day 1. Mobil 1 Synthetic V twin oil. Hasn’t let me down yet…..

  10. 10 Troy Feb 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    RE: None of my articles are paid and I always refused any trade, parts or services..I am 100% free to write what I want when I want. I just support good brands by publishing information that my readers should know about.

    Thats why we keep reading your blog.

  11. 11 Pitbull Feb 22nd, 2010 at 7:13 pm

    Spectro makes some good oil but LAT is much better by far. I use their 75w140 gear oil and the 20w50 synthetic in the engine, no problems, cooler running.

  12. 12 Dr. Dave Feb 22nd, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    I second what Troy said….
    That IS why I read this blog.

  13. 13 Cade Feb 22nd, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    Amway makes a good oil…right Windy ?

  14. 14 Rod Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Before you put down Amsoil do some recherch
    http://www.amsoil.com/testimonials/index.aspx

  15. 15 Rod Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    Research sorry for typo

  16. 16 1550tc Feb 23rd, 2010 at 6:45 pm

    gotta love an oil debate 1000 guys 1000 opinions and 1000 fights

    if you guys love to argue about oil.here yah go

    http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

    amsoil works great, spectro id use but its hard to get in some areas of the usa??

  17. 17 Patrick Jansen Feb 25th, 2010 at 11:21 am

    I’ve used alot of oil as have most of you. Some of the stuff out there really is crap. We now exclusively use Spectro. Love it and our rep Mike is very responsive. I needed one case of 6 speed trans lube and he drove 2 hours to bring it to me the next day. Now does anyone have experience with Klotz?

  18. 18 Cade Feb 25th, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    Patrick Jansen,
    You may check out http://www.bennyshogshed.com for the low down on Klotz oil.

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Cyril Huze