AMSOIL PowerSports Oils Provide Superior Motorcycle Wet-Clutch Performance
AMSOIL
Dealer Reviews Amsoil PowerSports Synthetic Oils that provide superior
wet-clutch motorcycle performance and increased motorcycle clutch pack life.
By definition, a clutch is a coupling used to
connect and disconnect the driving and driven parts of a mechanism. Modern
motorcycles and ATVs require the use of a clutch to connect and disconnect the
engine (driving) and transmission (driven). Without the clutch, there would be
no way to stop the vehicle from moving without also stopping the engine. The
clutch also makes shifting easier and minimizes stress on gears and other
components, extending equipment life.
Why a Wet-Clutch?
The clutch is a frictional device, meaning it
requires friction to complete the task of connecting the engine and
transmission. Because a clutch is a frictional device, and one of the main
purposes of a lubricant is to reduce friction, why would anyone introduce an oil
to a clutch? Modern technology and superior technological know-how have afforded
the ability to formulate multifacceted lubricants capable of functioning in a
variety of conditions. While not all lubricants are suitable for use in
wet-clutch applications, an oil-immersed clutch benefits from the lubricant’s
ability to reduce operating temperatures, prevent the formation of deposits and
clean internal components. All of these benefits lead to better performance and
longer life.
Clutch Slip
Clutch slip is a big concern with many
powersports enthusiasts. To the operator, clutch slip feels like an elongated
shift or a delay in the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. This is
due to a lack of friction generated within the clutch pack. The clutch pack is
located between the clutch’s inner hub and the clutch basket and consists of a
series of two types of plates: steel and frictional. The inner-most plate is a
plain steel plate (sometimes aluminum) which attaches to the inner hub via tabs
on the plate’s inner diameter, and the inner hub is connected to the
transmission. The next plate is a frictional plate which attaches to the clutch
basket via tabs on its outer diameter, and the basket is attached to the engine.
The frictional plates are coated with a fibrous compound that helps them grip
the steel plates when the clutch is engaged. The plates within the pack
alternate until the desired pack height is reached. A spring-loaded pressure
plate atop the clutch pack applies constant force to the clutch pack. The
mechanical device that engages and disengages the clutch assembly, normally a
lever located on the handle bars, pulls the pressure plate back and allows the
plates within the clutch pack to separate, severing the connection between the
engine and transmission.
The clutch is only disengaged in order to stop
the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. When engaged, the clutch
spring applies a constant load on the pressure plate, forcing the clutch pack
together. The load creates a high level of static friction between the plates in
the pack, causing them to rotate together. In this position, rotational movement
from the engine is transferred to the clutch basket, to the frictional plates,
through the steel plates, into the inner hub and finally to the transmission
input shaft. The key here is the static friction that holds the frictional and
steel plates together, allowing the transfer of power from the engine to the
wheels. Clutch slip occurs when this static friction is overcome and the plates
rotate at different speeds, or slip.
Common Causes for Clutch Slip
While it seems logical to blame the lubricant
for clutch slip, there are many possible causes. Worn frictional plates, glazed
clutch plates, loss of clutch spring tension, improper clutch pack height,
engine modifications, operator error and the use of an incorrect lubricant all
are potential causes for clutch slip. If a lubricant with the correct frictional
properties is used, it is the least likely cause of clutch slip.
Wet-Clutch Compatibility
Wet-clutch compatibility is determined through
standards set forth by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) and
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Both standards
categorize oils according to their frictional properties, allowing consumers to
choose the appropriate oil based on which JASO or ISO category is recommended by
the equipment manufacturer. If no JASO or ISO category is listed on an oil, it
is likely that compatibility in wet-clutch applications has not been reviewed.
These oils should not be used in wet-clutch applications.
AMSOIL and Wet-Clutch Compatibility
The frictional characteristics of all AMSOIL
powersports oils have been fully reviewed using the test methodology set forth
in JASO standard T903:2006 sub-standard T904 and ISO standard 24254:2007. While
clutch slippage and wetclutch compatibility are major concerns, it is important
to choose an oil that provides maximum protection and performance for other
lubricated components as well. A good oil must not only offer the necessary
frictional properties, but also minimize operating temperatures and reduce the
formation of varnish and lacquer. A good oil must also maintain plate
cleanliness, provide good anti-foaming properties and superior shear stability.
These are characteristics offered by all AMSOIL motor oils for powersports
applications.
According to AMSOIL Technical PowerSports
Product Manager Dave Anderson, choosing an oil that provides balanced protection
is paramount. “Different pieces of equipment have different appetites for
fluids,” said Anderson. “In order to obtain the best performance for any piece
of equipment it is important that the fluid is formulated to address the main
concerns for that application. That is one of the key reasons AMSOIL provides
the variety of products it does.” Anderson said testing is the key to ensuring
AMSOIL products excel. “Our desire is to provide the best possible performance
we can technically provide,” said Anderson. “Many AMSOIL powersports products
are very application-specific because, from a technical standpoint, that’s the
only way we can provide the highest level of performance possible.”
Motorcycle
oil page of our 10w-30, 10w-40, and 20w-50 synthetic wet clutch compatible
synthetic oils
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