Motorcycle Wet-clutch and Oil Requirements

AMSOIL has published a technical service bulletin on the subject of motorcycle/ATV wet clutch operation and the oil requirements for proper operation. This 6 page article is quite comprehensive and covers the following objectives:

1. Provide information to understand the function of oil immersed
clutches commonly found in power sports applications.
2. Review the role played by lubricants in wet clutch applications
and the key properties affecting operation.
3. Highlight common problems associated with oil-immersed
clutch operation.

Also discussed are the AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils that are suitable for wet-clutch applications. Yes synthetic lubricants are fine for use with wet-clutches provided that the lubricant does not contain friction modifiers or extreme pressure additives. This applies to conventional lubricants as well. Simply put, do not use automotive motor oils with wet-clutches. A common misconception is that motorcycle oils are simply automotive oils with a picture of a motorcycle on the label.