Buck, I like your idea of using the cam chain tensioner as an overall wear indicator. But for it to work, one would have to measure the extension on the bike very early its life - ideally before the first start, then at every service interval. Because of build tolerances the extension may not be the same on any two new bikes, so the first measurement would be the zero point.

Your comment on bike life was also interesting. I read an article claiming the average life on a motorcycle, from showroom to salvage yard, was about 10K miles. Yes, I know they will run much longer. The short average comes from use patterns. Average bikes get no more than 1-2K per year, riding short distances on nice weekends during nice weather. It takes five or six years to wear out the first tire, during which time the bike depreciates rapidly. The first tire wears out and the owner takes the bike in for a new one and a service. He is stunned by the bill, which will be several hundred dollars. It takes another five years, and another few thousand miles, to wear out the second rear tire and the front, and likely brake pads. At this point the shop charge for both tires, another service, brake pads, and so on is quite near the book value of the bike. Now the bike is ten years old, needs expensive work, and isn't worth much. What happens? Remember that not a lot of people actually work on their vehicles any more.

I also liked your point about anecdotal evidence on oil quality. That is the same sort of evidence that exists about fuel and oil additives. I have been unable to find any sort of controlled tests of any of the additives of any sort. I figure if the makers could actually devise a test, have it performed by a reputable testing facility, show their products work, and publish the results they would have done so. Absent those tests, I conclude the products do not work.

Bill, how about buy a new bike, perform the routine maintenance on it and adjust the valves whenever they rack up the miles to need it.


Oh, that's right -- you buy magical oil.   That means you jest don't DO any of that routine maintenance/adjustment stuff and you jest trust the magic to keep you going.


Hate to say it old bud, but so far your oil hasn't shown us any magic properties, it is just the SAME SAME as other good oils.   No magic.  No zero wear.   It is all in your head, you simply want to believe the incredible claims because you desperately NEED to.


Your exhaust valves are out of tolerance by several thousandths of an inch.


Your bike is running sub-par and it has for years now.   But you will never know that because you NEVER adjust your valves, tune your air screw, etc. etc.


My bike runs a lot better with a correct (minimal lash) valve clearance and a properly tweaked air screw.  Acceleration over the entire range is a lot better and the throttle response is a lot crisper.  


You should try it -- it is well worth the minimal effort.


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