Best Motorcycle Oils

of Dec 2024

Motorcycle oils play a crucial role in keeping the engine of the motorcycle running smoothly. It provides lubrication to the engine parts, ensures proper function of the clutch system, and keeps the engine cool. Therefore, choosing the right motorcycle oil is essential to keep the bike in top condition. With the myriad options in the market, it can be confusing to make the right choice. This article serves as a guide with valuable tips for choosing the best motorcycle oils.

Types of Motorcycle Oils

Before choosing the right oil for the motorcycle, it is essential to understand the different types of oils available in the market. The three most popular types of oil used in motorcycles include mineral oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is the most basic type of motorcycle oil. It is derived from crude oil and is the cheapest option available in the market. Mineral oil has limited performance and is not suitable for high-performance bikes. It is best suited for older, low-powered motorcycles with less demanding engines.

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is a high-performance oil made of synthetic compounds. It is the most expensive oil available in the market, but it has superior performance and efficiency over other oils. Synthetic oils are recommended for high-performance motorcycles, racing bikes, and modern-day motorcycles with advanced engine technologies. This oil has better resistance to heat and handles extreme pressure, resulting in longer-lasting engine and improved fuel economy.

Semi-Synthetic Oil

Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of synthetic and mineral oils. It provides better performance than mineral oil and is less expensive than synthetic oil. This oil is best suited for bikes that demand a better-quality oil than mineral oil but do not require the premium performance of synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oils are recommended for bikes with moderate engine demand.

Viscosity

The viscosity rating of the oil is another important consideration when choosing motorcycle oils. Viscosity refers to the thickness and flow rate of the oil, indicating how well the oil can flow through the engine parts. Viscosity is measured in units of centistokes (cSt), with lower numbers indicating thinner oils and higher numbers indicating thicker oils. Choosing the right viscosity oil is crucial because:

• Too thin oil can cause friction and wear on the engine parts, resulting in premature engine wear.
• Too thick oil may not be able to flow effectively to lubricate the engine parts, resulting in inadequate engine lubrication and excessive heat build-up.

Motorcycle manufacturers provide guidelines on the recommended viscosity range for their bikes. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the engine. The most common viscosity grades for motorcycle oils are:

• SAE 10W-40: This grade is recommended for most road bikes and in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 40°C.
• SAE 20W-50: This grade is suitable for hot weather and high-performance bikes. It is recommended for temperatures ranging from 0°C to 40°C.
• SAE 5W-30: This grade is recommended for colder weather and bikes that require thinner oil. It is suitable for temperatures ranging from -25°C to 30°C.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Rating

The API rating is an established standard used to evaluate the quality of motor oils. The rating system consists of two letters that indicate service classification, followed by two sets of numbers, with the first set indicating the viscosity grade and the second set indicating the engine performance level.

The API rating system for gasoline engines begins with S (service) followed by the letter “A” through “C,” which indicates the oil's quality level for gasoline engines. The API rating system for diesel engines begins with C (Commercial) followed by a letter “D” or higher, which indicates the oil's quality level for diesel engines.

The higher the API rating, the better the oil's quality and performance. It is advisable to choose oil with the highest API rating possible that is recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer.

JASO MA Rating

The JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) MA rating is a certification that proves that the oil meets high-performance standards for the clutch system of motorcycles. The clutch system of a motorcycle is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels.

JASO MA rated oils have a lower coefficient of friction, ensuring smooth operation of the clutch and preventing clutch slippage. It is recommended to choose an oil with JASO MA rating for motorcycles of all types.

Other Considerations

When choosing motorcycle oils, it is essential to consider the following factors to ensure optimal performance and protection of the engine:

• Brand Reputation: Choose oils from reputable and well-known brands. This ensures quality and reliability.
• Price: Higher-priced oils are not always better. Choose motorcycle oils that offer the best value for money and meet the manufacturer's recommended standards.
• Mileage: Choose oils that are designed for the mileage of the bike. Newer motors may require oil that does not have special additives, while older bikes may need specific additives to prevent leaks and wear.
• Riding Conditions: Consider the kind of riding conditions and terrain the bike is used in. If the bike is ride in stop-and-go traffic or in the mountains, it will need different oil than one that is primarily used on the freeway.

Conclusion

Choosing the best motorcycle oil for your bike is essential to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently. Before buying motorcycle oils, consider the type of oil, viscosity, API rating, JASO MA rating, brand reputation, price, mileage, and riding conditions. Following these valuable tips will help motorcycle owners make an informed choice and ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their bikes' engines.