FIELD TESTS
Before our oils are released on to the market, they undergo rigorous field testing. Our latest oils are tested by expert human riders in real life conditions and situations all over the world as, unfortunately, Flossie cannot ride on the open road.
Dr David Jilbert
Team Leader - Motorcycle and small engines group
No major motorcycle oil development program is complete without putting it to the test in real life conditions.
The type, location and length of any field trial will depend on the product being released.
Trials may be run in different geographical locations at any one time to ensure that the final product released is suitable for varying market conditions.
All our field trials are tightly controlled, using fully trained riders on pre-approved test routes using constant batches of fuel and oil.
Oil samples are routinely taken and analysed to keep a check on its performance as it relates to engine wear and viscosity control.
Riders give regular feedback on key attributes of the oils’ performance such as clutch feel, gear selection and engine response.
The tracking of oil consumption, oil condition and bike performance over time is critical to the field evaluation. This is especially true when the oil drain intervals are pushed well beyond the recommended maximum. This allows us to stress the oil to the limit.
At the end of the trial, the bikes are often evaluated for emissions and fuel efficiency before being fully stripped for inspection and measurement to ensure that the oil has lived up to our huge expectations.
Only then, can the product be released to the market and for the whole development process to start all over again.
