oil and your engine (by ktm)

[BCSavWill@cs.com]

Hi all, As there seems to be some chat on oil recently (again) I thought this might be interesting, copied from a KTM tec article. Quote: So now back to the present, and the current high tech four-stroke (Racing) KTM engine and what has to be addressed. First off, notice that I keep saying motorcycle engine, as the common motorcycle four-stroke engine has several unique to the design demands for oil performance. First, the reciprocating and high temperature environment of the piston, next connecting rod and main bearings that receive minimal oil to reduce oil drag. The valve train system that usually has multiple valves that are high sources of heat extraction from the combustion chamber, reciprocating valves with high lift roller rocker arms and camshaft systems. Then we take that oil from that extreme high heat environment and use it to minimize the wear and pressure of transmission gears trying to feed all of the horsepower to the rear wheel. Now the most contaminating and toughest job this same oil has is dealing with, the use (and abuse) of the clutch. Very aggressive friction material is continually flowing through the entire oil system and making an already difficult lubrication job even tougher. At one time KTM used a sintered metal clutch plate material in Grand Prix motocross racing four-strokes because the engine s combustion heat was getting the engine oil so hot that the organic material clutch friction plates were actually swelling and causing major clutch drag. Needless to say the oil had to be changed every time it ran thirty minutes or more, and the oil never was used for more than one hour maximum. We don t use the sintered metal clutch plates any more, but clutch friction material, regardless of type, wreaks havoc on the oil pump, connecting rod bearings, piston, rings, cylinder, camshaft, rocker arms, cam chain, transmission gears and every type of plain, ball or roller bearing in the entire motor that it comes in contact with. So knowing all of this no, matter which type of motorcycle formulated oil or brand you use, the key is to change the oil and the oil filter(s) as often as possible. I once overheard someone say it doesn t matter which brand of laundry detergent or bath soap you use as long as you use it and in both cases, oil or soap, more is better. So change your oil at least to the factory recommended intervals, and remember there s no such thing as changing the oil too often. It s cheap insurance for your high tech engine. End quote. Regards, Brian A14 D17