Motorcycle Engine Oil

There are three main types of motorcycle engine oil

  • Full synthetic motorcycle engine oil
  • semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil
  • mineral motorcycle engine oil.

Synthetic oil are man-made, consistent and devoid of contaminants, while mineral oil come from the nature ground although refined, can contain some contaminants.

Mineral oils are more suitable for older motorcycles because they are heavier or thicker and don’t leak.

Different strokes for different motorcycle engine

Different types of motorcycle and riding styles uses different type consisting of 4T (4 stroke), 2T (2 stroke) motorcycle and scooter oil.

4 stroke motorcycle engine oil is used in 4 stroke engines where the oil and gasoline are separate. Some motorcycle  engine is a 4 stroke engine. 2 stroke engine oil refer to those gasoline engines where the oil and gas are mixed.

Synthetic motorcycle engine oil

Full synthetic motorcycle engine oil has lower viscosity (resistance to breaking down) which reduces internal friction translates into better engine efficiency, more output performance and slightly enhanced fuel economy.

Full synthetic motorcycle engine oil may cost a lot more than mineral oil, but it in the long run, it can provide a longer lasting engine and longer periods between oil changes.

However please do not try to save by extending on scheduled oil change, it will come back to you in the form of engine wear, piston jam which may cost a lot more and burn a deeper hole in your pocket!

Use the correct motorcycle engine oil

Ensure and check with your motorcycle manufacturer handbook recommended grade and type of engine oil standard in order to change the correct motorcycle engine oil.

Your motorcycle manual will specify a particular oil specifications of viscosity/weight and service classifications and it is wise to follow strictly accordingly.

How do you know which brands of motorcycle engine oil is good ?

Although there are many different brands of motorcycle engine oil, it is best to choose high quality brands. Only you can judge and gauge after every engine oil change that you can feel the engine performance.

Rule of thumb: use good quality branded synthetic oil which is a small price to pay for engine protection.

Some brands of motorcycle engine oil gives you extra boost after a fresh engine oil change.

You can feel the clutch gear change more smoothly and engine revs power up but some brand of engine oil effect only last for a while. While some brand of engine oil output are consistent and you can feel your motorcycle engine revs with ease and changing gear is smooth as butter.

Motorcycle engine oil standards

In 1998 the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) developed a grading system for motorcycle engine oil and provides specifications for petrol engine oil.

There are specific standards for two-stroke engines, for example JASO FC or FD.

    JASO FA – This is the lowest 2 stroke oil spec that tests lubricating capability, detergents, initial torque and exhaust smoke.


    JASO FB – This spec tests the same things as JASO FA but is a slightly higher standard.

    JASO FC – This spec has the same level of tests as JASO-FB for lubricating capability and initial torque. But it has much higher standards for detergents and exhaust smoke.

    JASO FD – This spec is the highest and is almost the same as the JASO-FC spec but with much higher detergent capabilities.

For four-stroke engines (JASO MA and MA2) is for motorcycles which have a clutch and gearbox that are also lubricated by the engine oil.

The grading system measured engine oil ability to resist clutch friction or slippage, protection offered against engine wear and pitting in the gear box.