All About Amsoil
Can your oil choice make you faster?
For this edition of Tech Tips, we decided to concentrate on oil, the Amsoil brand in particular. Amsoil Direct Jobber Jay Hansen gives us the lowdown on oils and Amsoil products.
If you read this, you will find that Jay knows a lot about how your choice of oil can affect your bike and as a result, your riding. So we don't mind giving him some exposure to talk about this transmission oil, shock fluid and other Amsoil innovations.
According to Jay, using better lubricants will have a direct effect on the on-track performance of your bike. One customer, for instance, told Jay that after switching to Amsoil in the transmission, his son crashed less and rode stronger, because he was no longer missing so many shifts and could concentrate on the track instead of shifting.
Founded in 1972, Amsoil employs technology that was developed in the aerospace industry. Company founder Al Amatuzio was a jet fighter pilot for more than 25 years, and this is where he saw the benefits of synthetic oil. According to the company, synthetic oils reduce friction and wear in engine components. They can also function at the severe temperatures found inside a dirt bike engine, and can withstand lengthy operation times without significant chemical breakdown.
Amatuzio formulated the world's first synthetic oil to meet API service requirements for automobile engines. How long does this stuff last? Well, it's "Heavy Duty Off-Road Vocational" class of oils has a recommended drain interval of 120,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first!
We asked Jay what makes Amsoil different.
"Experience," Hansen said. "They don't cut corners. They don't worry about the price so much. It will protect better, and last longer. The technology they have is the leading technology in the industry. This gives you better performance and saves you money."
Since Amsoil synthetics are man-made, they are "designed, not refined," Hansen said. "Every molecule has a purpose. Every molecule is the same shape and size."
Four-Strokes and Two-Strokes
When looking for a four-stroke oil, says Jay, "you want an oil that is going to protect your engine, run cooler, handle the high stresses of the RPM, and hold up to the demands of racing. Also "You're going to need oil that's wet clutch compatible. Otherwise the clutch can slip or stick." He recommends Amsoil's 10w40 motorcycle oil for 4 stroke engines and transmissions and 2 stroke transmissions. It is specially formulated for these applications.
According to Jay, many two-stroke riders run their fuel with too much oil, which can cause it to run too rich. This can make your bike foul plugs, as well as make it harder to start. He recommends Amsoil Dominator mixed at 50:1.
"A lot of people try to mix in more oil, thinking that more is better," Jay said. This can make the flash point kind of high, it will rob horsepower. It also takes more energy to ignite it. If you run too rich, you're not going to have the horsepower," Hansen says. You can also carbon up the rings and ruin the cylinder "Using too much oil is as bad as not using enough."
Suspension Fluid
With Amsoil Shock Therapy Suspension Fluid, viscosity remains constant and aeration and foam are greatly reduced, significantly limiting shock fade and inconsistent dampening.
Amsoil Shock Therapy Suspension Fluid is formulated for fade-free dampening and smooth rebounds on the racetrack, reducing rider fatigue and enabling the rider to ride longer and harder while keeping focused on the terrain ahead.
And what are the advantages of using a quality suspension fluid?
"It's not going to shear like conventional fluids would. With conventional fluid it will get thin. This way it will stay the same. Rebound is going to be consistent, you'll know what to expect. It's also not going to fatigue you as fast," Jay said.
According to the company, Amsoil Shock Therapy Suspension Fluid is formulated for maximum stability. This avoids "shearing," which is when oil loses its viscosity.
A good suspension fluid controls friction and heat, reduces wear and scuffing and prevents fade more effectively than conventional fluids.
Amsoil has a full line of synthetic lubricants and filtration products for automotive, industrial, marine, racing, motorcycle, generator, pressure washers, motor homes, and much more.
Jay says that with Amsoil, you will get longer drain intervals, better protection, a drive train that runs cooler, and maximum fuel economy. Amsoil's Ea filters are absolute efficient, Jay said.
Jay can also provide Donaldson filters for med/heavy truck and off road equipment. Actually, he can provide you with a filter for just about anything.
For information on becoming an Amsoil dealer or the preferred customer program, or for fleet accounts call Jay Hansen at 301-481-3333 or 1-866-6-AMSOIL.
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