Fuel Economy Durability - A Concept to be Considered for Motorcycle Oils 2011-32-0545

Motorcycle manufacturers have recognized that highly friction modified passenger car oils can be deleterious to clutch performance, leading to clutch slippage. To address this issue, a JASO specification for four-stroke motorcycle oils was developed in 1999, categorizing oils into high friction oils termed JASO MA and low friction oils termed JASO MB. The high friction oils were preferred for most motorcycles where the engine oil also lubricates the clutch and gears. New motorcycle transmission technologies have increased the number of dry clutch applications which has led to an increased demand for JASO MB oils to improve fuel efficiency. While JASO MB oils contain friction modifiers to improve initial fuel economy, the motorcycle specifications have not addressed the fuel economy durability of motorcycle oils. This paper will investigate the fuel economy durability of JASO MB quality oil in various ways in order to determine if the fuel economy benefit is maintained throughout the time the oil spends in the engine.