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AMSOIL Metric Vs Dirt Bike Motorcycle Oils

AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil A reader asks: My Suzuki V-Strom 650 asks for 10W-40 oil. My motorcycle is used for street, touring and light adventure riding. Some V-Strom owners run the AMSOIL Dirt Bike 10W-40 in this model, while others run the Metric 10W-40. What is the difference between the two and what is the best choice  for my motorcycle?

Our answer: Both the AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 10W-40 and AMSOIL Dirt Bike Synthetic 10W-40 offer world-class protection, performance and smooth shifting. However, there are some very important distinctions between the two. Let’s take a look.

Service Life

The Metric 10W-40 has a longer service life than the Dirt Bike 10W-40. The Metric 10W-40 product was designed to stay in service for up to two times the OEM-suggested drain interval or one year (whichever comes first). AMSOIL “overbuilt” this product so that it could withstand big touring miles.

The Dirt Bike 10W-40 is designed to go the full service interval as suggested by the motorcycle manufacturer. Unlike the Metric Oil, it is not designed for extended drain intervals. The reason being is that the oil is changed more frequently in motocross and dirt bike applications. However, the Dirt Bike Oil can certainly stay in service for the entire service interval as suggested by your owner’s manual. This does not imply that the Dirt Bike product is “underbuilt”. It designed to withstand the severe thrashing delved out by dirt bike engines and transmissions.

Clutch Operation

Discerning riders may notice subtle clutch engagement differences between these two products. AMSOIL Dirt Bike 10W-40 is designed to deliver slightly more aggressive clutch engagement. The reason being is that motocross bikes require instant clutch engagement during race starts and in tight off-road situations. The Metric Oil is designed to deliver smoother clutch engagement which would be more desirable on the street.

It is important to note that both of these synthetic motorcycle oils are 100% wet-clutch compatible. As they both promote cooler operation, longer clutch plate life can be expected. There is no risk of clutch slippage when switching from a conventional motorcycle oil to one of these AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils.

It should also be noted that AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils have a reputation for optimizing shifting smoothness. They can also ease shifting into neutral.

Engine Protection

Both products have been torture-tested in professional racing and on the test bench. The AMSOIL Metric and Dirt Bike 10W-40 oils offer world-class engine and transmission protection. There is no wrong answer between them in this category.

Corrosion Protection

Both the Metric and Dirt Bike Oils contain rust and corrosion inhibiters. However, as the Metric 10W-40 product is designed for longer service intervals, it is a bit more robust on this front.

The total base number of each oil gives us a hint regarding corrosion fighting ability. Total base number (or TBN) is a motor oil’s capacity to withstand acidity. The higher the total base number, the greater the capacity to battle acids. The Metric 10W-40 has a very high TBN of 11.6. Dirt Bike 10W-40 has a respectable TBN of 7.6.

While TBN doesn’t tell the entire story regarding corrosion resistance, it does give us a good indication. Again, as the Metric 10W-40 is designed for ultra-long service intervals, a high TBN is a great asset.

Meanwhile, the Dirt Bike Oil is designed to provide wear control in the dirt bikes and motocross bikes that are routinely pushed to the very limit. However, the drain intervals are generally not that long. Therefore, having an ultra-high TBN is redundant and not a requirement in dirt bike applications.

Conclusion

Both the AMSOIL Dirt Bike and Metric oils will work exceptionally well. However, based on the street/touring/adventure usage, Metric 10W-40 gets the edge. The longer service life is a better fit for bigger miles. The smoother clutch actuation may also be a plus in stop and go traffic.

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AMSOIL Releases New Transmission Oil For Dirt Bikes

AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 80 Dirt Bike Transmission FluidAMSOIL has released a brand new synthetic transmission oil for dirt bikes and motocross motorcycles for the 2016 season. The AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 80 Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid is a high-quality gear oil for 2-stroke transmissions and also for 4-stroke bikes that have a transmission fluid that is separate from the engine oil.

Why Choose The SAE 80 Viscosity?

When choosing the best balance of friction reduction versus wear protection, SAE 80 seems to hit the sweet spot. Prior to the release of this Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid, a common recommendation by AMSOIL was their Synthetic 10W-40 Dirt Bike Oil. This product is an outstanding 4-stroke engine oil and also an elite transmission fluid.

Many assume that 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil is thinner than SAE 80 transmission oil, but the opposite is true. Gear oil and motorcycle engine oil use a different grading scale to prevent confusion and misapplication. The viscosity of AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 80 Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid is 10.3 centistokes at 100°C while AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 Dirt Bike Oil is 14.2 centistokes at 100°C. When comparing the two products on a viscosity chart, the 10W-40 Dirt Bike Engine Oil’s viscosity is actually closer to an SAE 90 gear oil.

What Kind Of Dirt Bikes Would Use This Transmission Oil?

Four-stroke dirt bikes and motocross bikes that separate the engine oil from the transmission fluid (such as the Honda CRF 250/450 series) as well as all 2-stroke dirt bike/MX transmissions.

Why Do Honda CRF 250 & 450 4-Stroke Dirt Bikes Use Separate Transmission Oil?

Most 4-stroke dirt bikes employed a common sump, meaning that one oil (usually a 10W-30 or 10W-40) is used for both the engine and transmission. This has always been the case for most motorcycle brands except for one. Honda CRF 250cc and 450cc dirt bikes and motocross race bikes separate the engine oil from the transmission oil and this makes perfect sense when you think about it. The engine oil does not have clutch plate material and metal filings from gears in circulation. The gear mashing in transmissions also tends to shear-down the oil’s viscosity. On the transmission side, the oil would not be contaminated with fuel dilution and combustion by-products. The transmission oil would also not be exposed to the high heat of the engine. Therefore each oil can do its job without being saddled with the baggage of the other compartment.

The advantage of a single oil sump in four-strokes is that they have the simplicity and convenience of changing just one oil type. They also have a large oil capacity on reserve, rather than two smaller oil sumps.

Best Oil Combination For 2-Stroke Dirt Bikes

Two-Stroke Dirt Bike/MX Engines- Use AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 2-Stroke Racing Oil at 50:1. Some riders mix at 40:1 with excellent results. Dominator withstands extreme heat, big horsepower and prolonged high RPM. If you work your engine to the limit, you will be very pleased with Dominator.

Two-Stroke Dirt Bike/MX Transmissions Use new AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 80 Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid.

Best Oil Combination for Honda CRF 250 and 450 Series

Honda CRF 250 and 450 4-Stroke Engines- AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 Dirt Bike Oil combats heat and wear, while lowering friction and maximizing power output. This is the exact formula used by the Geico-Honda pro racing team and it will do a great job for you.

Honda CRF 250 and 450 Transmissions- Use new AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 80 Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid.

We’ve got these professional-grade AMSOIL products that are race-proven to provide maximum component life and optimum performance. Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page.

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AMSOIL Introduces New Synthetic Oil For Dirt Bikes

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AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-60 Dirt Bike OilAMSOIL has released a brand new synthetic oil series designed specifically for 4-stroke dirt bikes. AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils are now available in 10W-40, 10W-50 and 10W-60. These motorcycle oils are designed to withstand the abuse inflicted upon dirt bikes and are suitable for everyone from world-class motocross racers to casual trail riders. These oils deliver AMSOIL’s famous synthetic protection of 4-stroke engines, gears and clutches, buttery smooth shifting and maximum clutch conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions About AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils

Question: AMSOIL already offers their Advanced Synthetic Motorcycle Oil 10W-40. What is different about this new Dirt Bike 10W-40 Synthetic?

The new AMSOIL Dirt Bike 10W-40 formula places more emphasis on clutch preservation. Dirt Bike clutches can be subject to tremendous abuse. Many MX riders use persistent clutch slippage to moderate traction and maintain speed through corners. Hard riding through deep mud and sand can fry a clutch in mere minutes. One of the primary goals of these products is to dissipate heat in clutches and maintain its frictional properties to prevent slippage. Maximum power output and consistent clutch-lever feedback is the result.

Question: Does the introduction of AMSOIL Dirt Bike Oil imply that their current Advanced Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are insufficient for off-road use?

Not at all. As AMSOIL was adding 10W-50 and 10W-60 Dirt Bike Oils, it only made sense to include a Dirt Bike 10W-40 so that they could offer a full suite of oils for off-road motorcycles. The current AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil has been used in professional motocross competition for years with outstanding results. Marcel Irnie (who happens to be one of North America’s fastest pro road racers) has told us that he can get a full season out of a set of clutch plates using the current AMSOIL Advanced Synthetic Motorcycle 10W-40. If you know anything about AMSOIL, it’s no surprise that they are always looking for a ways to raise the bar. So the release of this Dirt Bike 10W-40 is in no way an indictment of the current Advanced Synthetic Motorcycle 10W-40 Oil or its prowess in off-road applications.

Question: Can I use AMSOIL Dirt Bike Oils in my street bike?

Absolutely. AMSOIL Dirt Bike Oils can be used in any street bike, road racer, supermoto, scooter or ATV that calls for 10W-40, 10W-50 or 10W-60 4-stroke oil. These oils meet or exceed the JASO MA, API SG, SJ, SH, SL specifications.

Question: What is drain interval for AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils?

AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils should be changed at the interval suggested by the motorcycle manufacturer.

Question: Are these Dirt Bike Oils suitable for use in two-stroke motorcycle transmissions?

Yes. These oils are designed for maximum transmission and wet-clutch protection, so they are optimum for this application.

Question: Can AMSOIL Dirt Bike Oil actually improve the performance of my motorcycle?

Yes and on a number of fronts. 1. The 100% synthetic formula reduces friction in your engine, so it can operate at peak output. 2. Shifting is improved, even under heavy loads. 3. As mentioned, this oil is designed to keep clutch plates from expanding due to heat and slipping, so power is put to the ground and not compromised due to clutch slippage.

Question: Is this the same motorcycle oil used by the Geico Honda Pro Motocross team?

Yes. AMSOIL has always had a policy of providing the same oils to their sponsored professional race teams that you and I can buy. MX superstar Eli Tomac and the rest of the Geico Honda team were instrumental in the development of this Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil formula.

Question: What container sizes are offered for AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils?

These oils are available in single US quarts (946 ml) or in cases of 12 US quarts.

Question: Where can I buy AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40, 10W-50 or 10W-60 Dirt Bike Oil in Canada or the USA?

You can buy AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils in Canada or the United States from Oildepot.ca. We ship from 2 warehouses in Canada and 11 throughout the United States. We can sell at wholesale prices and provide knowledgeable service after the sale. Request a price list using the contact form on your upper right or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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