There are so many motorcycle engine oils to choose from. Navigating through the maze of options can be overwhelming. But you need not fret. All you have to do is understand each of the choices available and how suitable each is for your bike. From formulations to their performance characteristics, this blog will uncover everything you need to know to make an informed decision when selecting the right oil for your motorcycle.
Sometimes motorcycle engine oils are classified into two; two-stroke and four-stroke engine oil. However, as modern motorcycles predominantly utilize four-stroke engines, our discussion will focus exclusively on this type. Therefore, we will look into the different kinds of 4-stroke engine oils based on formulation. There are three main types of engine oils for motorcycles based on the formulation of the oil. These are mineral or conventional oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil.
Also known as conventional oil, the mineral oil is refined crude oil. This means that it is 100% mineral oil with no synthetic component blended in. The straightforward production method contributes to its affordability compared to its synthetic counterparts. While mineral oil may be less expensive, it still provides adequate lubrication and protection for motorcycle engines, making it a practical choice for riders on a budget or those with older or less demanding engines.
The refined crude oil is further broken down to make synthetic oil. In other words, the mineral oil we gain after refining is broken down into its most basic molecules through an arduous process. The resultant product is synthetic oil which does not contain any undesired substances or impurities. As the production process is quite expensive and time-consuming, synthetic oils are very costly.
As the name suggests, the semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral oil and synthetic oil. To elaborate, a small amount of synthetic oil is added to mineral oil to boost the properties of mineral oil. The addition of synthetic oil to mineral oil gives the following benefits:
As a rule of thumb, the performance increases as the amount of synthetic base oil in an engine oil increases. Moreover, semi-synthetic oils provide a great balance between cost and performance.
So which of these would you choose?
Choose the right type of oil for your bike based on the following tips:
When selecting the right engine oil for your motorcycle, there are several factors to consider beyond just the oil type. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:
The easiest way to figure out which oil to use is to take a look at the owner’s manual of your motorcycle. The manual will definitely have recommendations from the manufacturer. The oil type and viscosity grade will be recommended.
The viscosity grade of an engine oil refers to its thickness. A lower grade means that the oil works well in lower temperatures. Similarly, a higher viscosity grade indicates that the oil is better suited for higher temperatures. If you are confused you can refer to the owner’s manual of your bike for the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help you find the right viscosity grade for your motorcycle.
If your bike is constantly exposed to harsh environmental conditions like road salt, rain, and humidity, you should consider investing in a corrosion-preventive oil. An example is Addinol corrosion protection oils which offer superior barrier protection and water displacement.
Always take care to choose reputable brands that produce high-quality oils. Trusted brands often invest in research and development, which results in products that meet or exceed industry standards.
By understanding the distinctions between mineral, synthetic, and semi-synthetic oils, as well as considering factors like manufacturer recommendations, viscosity, riding conditions, and brand reputation, you can confidently choose the oil that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the affordability of mineral oil, the performance of synthetic oil, or the balance of semi-synthetic 4-stroke engine oils, rest assured that there’s a perfect match for every rider and every bike. So, equip your motorcycle with the right engine oil and hit the road with confidence, knowing that your engine is protected and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.