20-10-2023
Just like any motorized vehicle, motorcycles need engine oil for smooth operation and fuel efficiency. Motorcycle engines require lubricant with different properties than other vehicles, so it is recommended that you use an engine oil formulated specifically for motorcycles. There are many types of engine oil available today and while it may seem overwhelming to navigate your way through all these options, choosing the right engine oil for your motorcycle doesn’t have to be stressful. Read on below to learn what to consider when looking for an engine oil!
4-STROKE VS. 2-STROKE ENGINE
Before choosing an engine oil for your motorcycle, you must first identify if it has a four-stroke or two-stroke engine. A four-stroke engine works in four sequences: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. A two-stroke engine, on the other hand, has the intake and exhaust integrated into the compression movement of the piston, eliminating the need for valves.![4-STROKE VS. 2-STROKE ENGINE](https://www.gscaltexindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4-STROKE-VS.-2-STROKE-ENGINE.jpg)
2. JASO SPECIFICATIONS
Leading the world in motorcycle manufacturing and home to some of the world’s biggest brands, it is no wonder that the standards for motorcycle engines originated in Japan. The Japanese Automobile Standards Organization (JASO) specifications are a globally recognized motorcycle grading system and frequently appear on engine oil product labels. Depending on which type of engine your motorcycle is equipped with, the applicable JASO specification may vary. For four-stroke engines, the T903 specifications introduced in 1998 serve as a global standard. For two-stroke engines, engine oil manufacturers follow the guidelines of the M345 specifications. The T903 establishes two different sets of performance categories: JASO MA for motorcycles fitted with a wet clutch, and JASO MB for scooters fitted with an automatic transmission (CVT). JASO MA addresses the desired level of friction needed for slippage prevention in motorcycles and JASO MB addresses friction performance to provide better fuel economy for scooters fitted with automatic transmission (CVT).![JASO SPECIFICATIONS](https://www.gscaltexindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JASO-SPECIFICATIONS.jpg)
![Quali Level](https://www.gscaltexindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Quality-Level.jpg)
3. MINERAL VS. SYNTHETIC OIL
Each type of oil, whether mineral or synthetic, serves its own purpose depending on the type of motorcycle, riding style, and climate. Mineral oils, as the name suggests, are natural derivatives of refined crude oil that provide adequate engine protection. Mineral oils are relatively less efficient and require more frequent replenishment. While they are more affordable than synthetic oils, they lack longevity in comparison and extreme stress on the engine may lead components to wear out faster.![MINERAL VS. SYNTHETIC OIL](https://www.gscaltexindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MINERAL-VS.-SYNTHETIC-OIL.jpg)
4. OIL VISCOSITY
As you may have learned in our previous guide to choosing an engine oil, viscosity is an index that indicates the thickness of an oil. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the oil will be. Viscosity is the most important physical property to look for when choosing an engine oil as it determines the overall performance of your engine. Oil viscosity prevents the internal surfaces of your engine from coming into contact with each other. Especially for motorcycles fitted with wet clutch, the oil must lubricate not only the engine, but also the clutch and gears. If the viscosity is too low, the gears inside the gearbox will grind against each other, which ultimately leads to higher oil temperature, less effective gear protection and increased wear. Oil with overly high viscosity, on the other hand, may take longer time for the oil getting to the cylinder walls and cause damage to important components. Viscosity is such an important part of choosing an engine oil that other factors, such as climate and riding style, must also be considered. The manufacturer of each motorcycle generally states which viscosity range will best meet the motorcycle’s needs, so it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s guideline.![OIL VISCOSITY](https://www.gscaltexindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/OIL-VISCOSITY.jpg)