slide asks "I'd like to know specifically what the MA rating buys me?"
IMHO, compliance with that standard (which may affect any warranty claim$ you might have) which includes wet clutch compatability.
Also "Oils with that rating sure cost more." This is quite true: some SURE do... Most are synthetics or some kind of blend and prices can go up above $10 per quart, too!
But not all: try Valvoline's 10W-40 & 20W-50 MC-specific oils: both carry the JASO MA rating and I've found them for under $2 per quart on sale. Castrol EVO's are commonly $2.99 per quart after a $1 rebate.
Cheers!
Norm
IMHO, compliance with that standard (which may affect any warranty claim$ you might have) which includes wet clutch compatability.
Also "Oils with that rating sure cost more." This is quite true: some SURE do... Most are synthetics or some kind of blend and prices can go up above $10 per quart, too!
But not all: try Valvoline's 10W-40 & 20W-50 MC-specific oils: both carry the JASO MA rating and I've found them for under $2 per quart on sale. Castrol EVO's are commonly $2.99 per quart after a $1 rebate.
Cheers!
Norm