Additive Technology for Superior and Unique Motorcycle Oil (SUMO) 2015-32-0764

In a market survey conducted in 2010 on major South East Asian cities, motorcycle users identified some of the most valued oil features being clutch friction, durability and engine cleanliness. In the fast growing motorcycle markets of Asia where motorcycles are used mainly for daily transportation needs, there are enormous opportunities for motorcycle oils delivering differentiated attributes that provide superior reliability to the end users. It was with this market perspective that this new additive technology was developed.

The additive technology was developed based on a unique set of components and formulation approach to meet the lubrication challenges of motorcycles, particularly its high shear and temperature conditions. In a forward-looking standpoint, the development was aligned to the current energy conservation and environmental trends in the personal mobility oil segment. Hence, the technology was formulated in SAE 5W-30 with an opportunity for fuel economy credits from the lower viscometrics. The additive was also developed in the lower phosphorous range of the JASO specification to be positioned as a lower SAPS catalyst compatible additive. With the lower phosphorous and viscosity grade, durability trade off was a concern. However, the additive technology demonstrated excellent durability performance, as shown from results in the modified FZG Pitting Test, extended JASO T903 Friction Test, API SN demonstration program (with extended Sequence IVA) and a field test in Thailand. In addition to durability, the additive technology also showed excellent engine cleanliness and sludge control performance. The results of this extensive performance evaluation activity will be presented in detail in this paper.

In conclusion, the oil formulated with this additive technology delivered key differentiated attributes highly valued by motorcycle users i.e. clutch friction, engine cleanliness and pitting protection, with these superior performance attributes enabled by the unique set of components and formulation approach. This project was a successful technology demonstration of a motorcycle oil additive which was developed to meet today's performance needs of end-users, aligned with the broader trends in the personal vehicle lubricant market.