Quote:
Originally Posted by Riceburner
I would never have thought to use diesel engine oil in my motorcycles 
Diesel engine oil and 4 stroke motorcycle specific (as marketed) engine oil are basically the same? , , |
It depends on the specific oil, Robin.
First, must not have additives to reduce friction that will affect the wet clutch with it's composite fiber discs.
Second, must be able to resist foaming under the higher rpm's that a gasoline engine normally runs at.
Although bigger diesels operate at lower rpm, they are placing more load on some critical components (crank pins, rod bearings, etc.) due to the higher compression ratio, typically around 20:1, that they use and the resulting combustion force. Since a diesel is also inherently more dirty under the piston rings, the oil must be able to carry the contaminants to the filter.
Great strides have been made in diesel technology in recent times, much of it thanks to the emissions standards in Europe and the popularity of diesels there. Are you aware of the diesel powered cars that have competed in, and won, the Le Mans 24 races in recent years?
Diligence and homework is needed in oil selection, but there are choices out there.