Whether you’re running a used and abused Africa Twin, a shiny new Fireblade or a workhorse PCX125 scooter, the right engine oil is essential to keep your bike running smoothly.
The chart below will help you quickly choose the right engine oil, without having to enter your bike’s number plate, frame number or jump through a load of dropdown menus.
We’ve listed the recommended grade and the amount of oil you need to use. While we have researched the right oil to the best of our ability, it goes without saying: always consult your owner’s manual where you will find the manufacturer’s recommended engine oil.
Table of Contents
Honda Engine Oil Chart
We’ve listed all the Honda motorcycles we can find, the manufacturer’s recommended engine oil and the oil capacity (minimum and maximum where possible).
Key
We’ve also included a few acronyms to help you. FS = Fully Synthetic. S = Synthetic. API = American Petrol Institute, which signifies a standard. JASO MA = Oil for motorcycles with wet clutches. SG = An oil rating. Choose an oil that is SG or higher, ie SH, SM etc, but not SD for example. Ext Tank = Eternal Oil Tank, not Premix.
Make | Model | Engine oil | Oil Capacity |
---|---|---|---|
HONDA | @ 125 (NES 125) | 10W40 | 1.0 – API SE-SG |
HONDA | ANF 125 INNOVA | 10W30 | 700 ML – |
HONDA | CA 125 REBEL | 10W40 | 1.3 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 1000 F | 10W40 | 3.9 – 4.0 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 1000 R/+ NEO SPORTS CAFE | 10W30 | 2.7 – 3.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 1000 R/RA | 10W30 | 2.7 – 3.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 1100 | 10W30 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 1100 EX (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 1100 EX | 10W30 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 1100 F/F2 SUPER BOL D’OR | 10W40 | 4.0 – 4.5 L |
HONDA | CB 1100 R | 10W40 | 4.0 – 4.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 1100 R | 10W40 | 4.0 – 4.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 1100 RS (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 125 F | ||
HONDA | CB 125 F (EURO 4) | ||
HONDA | CB 125 K | 10W40 | 0.9-1.2 L |
HONDA | CB 125 R NEO SPORTS CAFE | ||
HONDA | CB 125 S | 10W40 | 1.0 L |
HONDA | CB 125 T (TWIN) | 10W40 GES. | 0.9 -1.5 L |
HONDA | CB 125 T2 (TWIN) | 20W40 | 1.5 L |
HONDA | CB 1300 | 10W40 | 3.8 – 4.0 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 1300 (ABS) | 10W40 | 3.8 – 4.0 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 1300 S | 10W40 | 3.8 – 4.0 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 250 G | 20W40 | 2.0 L |
HONDA | CB 250 N (EURO-SPORT) | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L |
HONDA | CB 250 N/ND | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L |
HONDA | CB 250 RS | 10W40 | 1.7 L |
HONDA | CB 300 R NEO SPORTS CAFE | ||
HONDA | CB 350 | 10W40 | |
HONDA | CB 350 F FOUR | 10W40 | |
HONDA | CB 360 G (DISC) | 10W40 | 2.0 L |
HONDA | CB 400 FOUR | 10W40 | 3.5 L (Total) |
HONDA | CB 400 N | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 400 N/EURO-SPORT | 20W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L |
HONDA | CB 450 K1-K5 | 10W40 | 2.8 L |
HONDA | CB 450 N | 10W40 API SE | 2.5 L |
HONDA | CB 450 S | 10W40 API SE | 2.5 L |
HONDA | CB 50 J | 30W | 900 ML |
HONDA | CB 500 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 500 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 500 F | 10W30 | 2.7 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 500 F (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.7 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 500 F (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.7 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 500 F/FA | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 500 FOUR | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 500 TWIN | 10W40 | 2.8 L Total |
HONDA | CB 500 X | 10W30 | 2.7 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 500 X (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 500 X / XA | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 500/S/CUP | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 550 F1/F2 (FOUR-IN-ONE) | 20W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L |
HONDA | CB 550 K3 | 20W40 | 3.0 – 3.2 L |
HONDA | CB 600 F HORNET | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.8 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 600 F HORNET | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.8 L API SG |
HONDA | CB 600 F HORNET | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 600 F HORNET | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L |
HONDA | CB 600 F HORNET | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L |
HONDA | CB 600 F/S HORNET | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 650 | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 650 C | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.5 L |
HONDA | CB 650 F | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 650 F (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 650 R NEO SPORTS CAFE | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CB 650 SC | 10W40 | 3.3 – 3.5 L |
HONDA | CB 72 DREAM | 30 CASTROL | 1.2 L |
HONDA | CB 750 C | 10W40 | 3.2 – 3.5 L |
HONDA | CB 750 F BOL D’OR (FA/B/C/2) | SEA 10W40 | 3.2 – 3.5 L |
HONDA | CB 750 F1/F2 | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 750 FOUR K0-K6 | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 750 FOUR K7 | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 750 K (KZ/KA/KB) | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB 750 NIGHT HAWK | 10W40 | 2.7 – 3.0 L API SF-SG |
HONDA | CB 900 F BOL D’OR | 10W40 | 4.3 – 4.5 L |
HONDA | CB 900 F HORNET | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CB 900 F/F2 BOL D’OR | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.5 L |
HONDA | CB 900 FB BOL D’OR | 10W40 | 4.3 – 4.5 L |
HONDA | CB SEVEN FIFTY | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CB TWO-FIFTY | 10W40 | 1.5 – 1.6 L API SE |
HONDA | CB-1 (CB400 F) | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.1 L API SE |
HONDA | CBF 1000 | 10W30 | 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CBF 1000 F | 10W30 | 2.7 – 3.0 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CBF 125 | 10W30 | 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | CBF 250 | 10W40 | 1.5 L |
HONDA | CBF 500 /ABS | 10W30 | 3.1 – 3.5 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBF 600 / ABS | 10W30 | 2.6 – 2.8 L |
HONDA | CBF 600 / ABS | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBF 600 S / ABS | 10W30 | 2.8 L |
HONDA | CBF 600 S / ABS | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 F | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.8 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | CBR 1000 F | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.8 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | CBR 1000 F/DUAL | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.8 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 F/DUAL | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.8 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR FIREBLADE | 10W30 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR FIREBLADE | 10W30 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.1 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR FIREBLADE (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR FIREBLADE SP (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR SP FIREBLADE | 10W30 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR SP-2 LIwithED EDITION | 10W40 S | 2.7 L |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR/ABS FIREBLADE | 10W30 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR-R FIREBLADE (EURO 5) | ||
HONDA | CBR 1000 RR-R FIREBLADE SP (EURO 5) | ||
HONDA | CBR 1100 XX BLACKBIRD | 10W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 1100 XX BLACKBIRD | 10W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 125 R | 10W30 | 1.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CBR 125 R | 10W30 | 1.0 – 1.3 L API SE |
HONDA | CBR 125 R | 10W30 | 1.0 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 250 R/RA | 10W30 | 1.4 – 1.5 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 300 R/RA | 10W30 | 1.4 – 1.5 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 400 RR | 10W40 | CA 3.4 L |
HONDA | CBR 500 R | 10W30 | 2.7 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CBR 500 R (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 500 R/RA | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F | 10W30 | 2.8 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.4 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.4 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F | 10W40 | 3.1 – 3.5 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F | 10W40 | 3.4 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F (EINSPRITZER) | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 F (VERGASER) | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 FS SPORT | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 RR | 10W30 | 2.8 L |
HONDA | CBR 600 RR | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.8 L |
HONDA | CBR 600 RR | 10W40 | 2.6 – 2.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 600 RR | 10W40 | 2.6 – 2.9 L |
HONDA | CBR 600 RR/ABS | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.8 L API SG |
HONDA | CBR 650 F | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CBR 650 F (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CBR 650 R | 10W30 | 2.7 – 2.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | CBR 900 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 From BJ’94 | 3.1 – 3.2L or 3.5 – 3.6L |
HONDA | CBR 900 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 900 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 900 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBR 900 RR FIREBLADE | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | CBX 1000 | 10W40 | 5.3 L |
HONDA | CBX 1000 (PRO-LINK) | 10W40 | 4.0 – 4.3 L API SE |
HONDA | CBX 1000 (US-PRODUKTION) | 10W40 | 4.0 – 4.3 L API SE |
HONDA | CBX 550 F/F2 | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L |
HONDA | CBX 650 E | 10W40 | 2.2 – 2.5 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | CBX 750 F | 10W40 | 2.8L or 4.5L From 85 |
HONDA | CG 125 | 10W40 | 1.0 L |
HONDA | CH 125 SPACY | 10W40 | 800 ML API SE |
HONDA | CJ 250 | ||
HONDA | CJ 360 T | ||
HONDA | CL 250 S | 10W40 | 1.8 – 2.0 L |
HONDA | CLR 125 CITYFLY | 10W40 | 1.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CM 125 C | 10W40 | 1.6 – 1.8 L |
HONDA | CM 185 T | 10W40 | 1.5 L |
HONDA | CM 200 T | 10W40 | 1.5 L |
HONDA | CM 250 C | 20W40 | 1.5 L |
HONDA | CM 400 T | 10W40 | 3.0 L |
HONDA | CMX 250 C REBEL | 10W40 | 1.5 – 1.8 L API SE |
HONDA | CMX 250 REBEL | 10W40 | 1.5 – 1.6 L API SE |
HONDA | CMX 500 (EURO 5) | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CMX 500 REBEL (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | CN 250 HELIX | 10W30 | 800 ML API SE |
HONDA | CR 250 R CROSS | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | CRF 1000 L AFRICA TWIN | 10W30 | 3.9 – 4.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1000 L AFRICA TWIN (DCT) | 10W30 | 3.9 – 4.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1000 L AFRICA TWIN (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.9 – 4.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1000 L AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE | 10W30 | 3.9 – 4.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1100 L A.T. ADVENTURE SPORT (EURO 5) | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1100 L A.T. ADVENTURE SPORT ES | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1100 L A.T. ADVENTURE SPORTS DCT | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1100 L A.T. ADVENTURE SPORTS DCT ES | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1100 L AFRICA TWIN (EURO 5) | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | CRF 1100 L AFRICA TWIN DCT (EURO 5) | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | CRF 250 L | 10W30 | 1.4 – 1.5 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 250 L (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 1.5 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 250 M | ||
HONDA | CRF 250 RALLY (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 1.5 L API SG |
HONDA | CRF 450 L | ||
HONDA | CROSSRUNNER (VFR 800 X) | 10W30 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CROSSRUNNER 800 (VFR 800 X EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CROSSRUNNER 800 (VFR 800 X) | 10W30 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SG |
HONDA | CROSSTOURER (VFR 1200 X/XD) | 10W30 | 3.1 – 3.3 L API SG |
HONDA | CROSSTOURER(VFR 1200 X/XD EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.1 – 3.3 L API SG |
HONDA | CTX 1300 DX | ||
HONDA | CTX 700 N | 10W30 | 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | CX 500 (Shaft-Drive) | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CX 500 C | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CX 500 E (EURO) | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CX 500 TURBO | 10W40 | 3.2 – 3.5 L API SE |
HONDA | CX 650 C | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.2 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | CX 650 E | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | CX 650 TURBO | 10W40 | 3.2 – 3.6 L |
HONDA | CY 50 | 15W50 | 900 ML API SE |
HONDA | DN-01 NSA 700 A | 10W30 | 3.1 – 3.3 L |
HONDA | F6C GOLD WING | 10W30 | 3.9 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | F6C VALKYRIE (GL 1500 C) | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | FES 125 PANTHEON (2-Stroke-Oil) | ||
HONDA | FES 125 PANTHEON (4-Stroke) | 10W40 | 1.0 L |
HONDA | FES 150 PANTHEON | ||
HONDA | FES 250 FORESIGHT (4-Stroke) | 10W40 | 1.1 L |
HONDA | FES 250 FORESIGHT (4-Stroke) | 10W40 | 1.1 L API SE |
HONDA | FMX 650 | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.15 L |
HONDA | FT 500 | 10W40 | 2.0 – 2.5 L API SE |
HONDA | FX 650 VIGOR | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.15 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | GB 500 CLUBMAN | 20W50 | 1.6 – 1.8L |
HONDA | GL 1000 K0-K2 GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.25 L |
HONDA | GL 1000 K3 GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.25 L |
HONDA | GL 1100/DX GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.2 L API SE |
HONDA | GL 1200 DX GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.2 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | GL 1500/SE GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING | 10W30 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING | 10W30 | 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING | 10W30 | 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING (with AIRBAG) | 10W30 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING DCT | 10W30 | 4.6 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING TOUR | 10W30 | 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING TOUR | 10W30 | 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING TOUR DCT | 10W30 | 4.6 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 1800 GOLD WING TOUR DCT | 10W30 | 4.6 L API SG |
HONDA | GL 500 D SILVER WING | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
HONDA | GL 650 D SILVER WING | 10W40 | 3.2 – 3.6 L |
HONDA | GOLD WING F6B | 10W30 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | GOLD WING F6C | 10W30 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | LEAD 100 | 10W40 | 700 ML API SE |
HONDA | MB 50 | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.5 L |
HONDA | MB 80 S | ||
HONDA | MBX 50 S/SD | 1.0 L | |
HONDA | MBX 80 SW-D-2 | ||
HONDA | MCX 80 S | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | MONKEY Z 125 | 10W30 | 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | MSX 125 | 10W30 | 800 – 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | MSX 125 | 10W30 | 800 – 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | MT 50 S | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.5 L |
HONDA | MT 80 | ||
HONDA | MTX 125 | 1.2 L | |
HONDA | MTX 200 RW | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | MTX 50 | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | MTX 50 S | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | MTX 80 C | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | MTX 80 R | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | MTX 80 R2 | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | NC 700 D INTEGRA | 10W30 | 3.2 – 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NC 700 S | 10W30 | 3.1 – 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NC 700 X | 10W30 | 3.1 – 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 D INTEGRA | 10W30 | API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 D INTEGRA (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 J NM4 VULTUS | 10W30 | 3.4 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 S/SD (OHNE/with DCT) | 10W30 | 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 S/SD (OHNE/with DCT) (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.4 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 X/XD (OHNE/with DCT) | 10W30 | 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NC 750 X/XD (OHNE/with DCT) (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.4 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | ND 50 MELODY | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | NH 125 D LEAD | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | NH 50 LEAD | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.3 L |
HONDA | NH 80 LEAD | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.3 L |
HONDA | NHX 110 LEAD | 10W30 | 800 ML |
HONDA | NS 400 R | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.8 L |
HONDA | NSC 50 R | ||
HONDA | NSR 125 R | ||
HONDA | NSR 125 R | ||
HONDA | NSR 50 S | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.2 L |
HONDA | NSS 125 FORZA | 10W30 | 800 ML API SG |
HONDA | NSS 125 FORZA (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 800 ML API SG |
HONDA | NSS 250 FORZA | 1.1 L | |
HONDA | NSS 250 JAZZ ES-ABS | 10W30 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SG |
HONDA | NSS 300 FORZA | ||
HONDA | NSS 300 FORZA | ||
HONDA | NT 650 HAWK GT | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | NT 650 V DEAUVILLE | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | NT 650 V DEAUVILLE | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L |
HONDA | NT 700 DEAUVILLE | 10W30 | 2.6 – 2.8 L API SG |
HONDA | NTV 650 REVERE | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L |
HONDA | NX 250 | 15W-40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L |
HONDA | NX 250 | 15W-40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L |
HONDA | NX 650 DOMINATOR | 10W40 | 1.9 – 1.95 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | NX 650 DOMINATOR | 10W40 | 1.9 – 1.95 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | PC 800 PACIFIC COAST | 10W40 | 3.2 L API SG |
HONDA | PCX 125 | 10W30 | 800 – 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | PCX 125 | 10W30 | 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | PCX 125 | 10W30 | |
HONDA | PS 125I (PES 125) | 10W30 | 900 ML |
HONDA | PS 150I | 1.0 L | |
HONDA | PS 250 BIG RUCKUS | 1.0 L | |
HONDA | RVF 750 R | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | SES 125 DYLAN | 10W40 | 1.0 L |
HONDA | SFX 50/SPORT | ||
HONDA | SGX 50 SKY | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | SH 100 SCOOPY | ||
HONDA | SH 125 | 10W40 | 1.0 L API SE |
HONDA | SH 125 MODE | ||
HONDA | SH 125I | 10W30. 10W40 | 0.9 L |
HONDA | SH 125I (EURO 4) | 10W30. 10W40 | 900 ML API SG |
HONDA | SH 125I (EURO 5) | ||
HONDA | SH 150I | 10W30 API SG | 900 ML |
HONDA | SH 150I (EURO 4) | 10W30 API SG | 900 ML |
HONDA | SH 150I (EURO 5) | ||
HONDA | SH 300 I | 10W30 | 1.4 L |
HONDA | SH 300 I | 10W30 | 1.4 L API SG |
HONDA | SH 300 I | 10W30 | 1.4 L API SG |
HONDA | SH 50 FIFTY | ||
HONDA | SH 50 SCOOPY | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | SILVER WING 400 | 2.6 L Total | |
HONDA | SILVER WING/ABS (FJS 600) | 10W40 | 2.0 – 2.2 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | SJ 100 BALI EX | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | SJ 50 BALI | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | SL 125 S | 1.2 L | |
HONDA | SLR 650 | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.15 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | SRX 90 SHADOW | 2-Stroke Oil | |
HONDA | SS 50/M | Single Grade | 750 ML |
HONDA | ST 1100 PAN EUROPEAN | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | ST 1100 PAN EUROPEAN (ABS/TCS) | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | ST 1300 PAN EUROPEAN (ABS) | 10W40 | 3.6 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | ST 50 DAX | 10W40 | 600 – 800 ML |
HONDA | ST 50 G DAX | 10W40 | 800 ML |
HONDA | ST 70 DAX | ||
HONDA | SUPER CUB C125 ABS | 10W30 | 1.0 – API SG |
HONDA | S-WING 125/ABS | 10W40 | 900 ML |
HONDA | SW-T400 | ||
HONDA | SW-T600 SILVER WING | ||
HONDA | SW-T600 SILVER WING | ||
HONDA | TRX 250 TE | 10W40 | 1.5 – API SG |
HONDA | TRX 350 FE | 10W40 | 2.0 L API SF-SG |
HONDA | TRX 350 FM | 10W40 | 2.0 L API SF-SG |
HONDA | TRX 400 | 10W40 | 2.1 L API SF-SG |
HONDA | TRX 450 FE | 10W40 | 2.1 L API SF-SG |
HONDA | TRX 450 R | 10W40 | 800 ML API SG |
HONDA | TRX 500 FA | 10W40 | 4.6 L API SG |
HONDA | TRX 500 TM | 10W40 | 2.4 L API SG |
HONDA | TRX-650 RINCON | 10W40 | 2.9 L API SG |
HONDA | VF 1000 F (INTERCEPTOR) | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VF 1000 F2 | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.25 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VF 1000 R | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VF 1100 C | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.25 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VF 500 F/FII | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L APA SE |
HONDA | VF 750 C (CC/CD/CE) | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VF 750 C MAGNA | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.1 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VF 750 F (INTERCEPTOR) | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SF-SE |
HONDA | VF 750 S/SD (SABRE) | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VFR (800) | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SG |
HONDA | VFR 1200 F/FD (with DCT) | 10W30 | 3.0 – 3.2 L API SG |
HONDA | VFR 400 R | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L API SE |
HONDA | VFR 400 R | ||
HONDA | VFR 750 F | 10W40 | 3.1 – 3.3 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VFR 750 F | 10W40 | 3.1 – 3.3 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VFR 750 F | 10W40 | 3.1 – 3.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VFR 750 F | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VFR 750 R | 15W-40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VFR 800 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VFR 800 (ABS) | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VFR 800 F | 10W30 | 2.9 – 3.1 API SG |
HONDA | VFR 800 F (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 2.9 – 3.1 L MIN API SG |
HONDA | VFR 800 FI | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VISION 110 (NSC110 WH) | 10W30 | 700 ML API SG |
HONDA | VISION 50 (NSC 50) | ||
HONDA | VT 1100 C SHADOW | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | VT 1100 C2 SHADOW ACE | 10W40 | 3.3 – 3.5 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VT 1100 C3 SHADOW AERO | 10W40 | 3.3 – 3.5 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VT 125 C SHADOW | 10W40 | 1.2 – 1.3 L API SE |
HONDA | VT 125 C/C2 SHADOW | 10W40 | 1.2 – 1.3 L API SE |
HONDA | VT 1300 CX (FURY) | 10W30 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SG |
HONDA | VT 500 C | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L MIN API SE |
HONDA | VT 500 E | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SE |
HONDA | VT 600 C SHADOW | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VT 750 C | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.5 L |
HONDA | VT 750 C SHADOW | 10W40 | 2.5 – 2.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VT 750 C SHADOW (OHNE ABS) | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.6 L API SG |
HONDA | VT 750 C SHADOW ABS | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.6 L API SG |
HONDA | VT 750 C/C2 SHADOW | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.25 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VT 750 C2B BLACK SPIRIT | ||
HONDA | VT 750 DC BLACK WIDOW | 10W40 | 2.2 – 2.4 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VT 750 S | 10W30 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SG |
HONDA | VT 750 SPIRIT | 10W30 | 2.6 – 2.7 L API SG |
HONDA | VT 750 SPIRIT | 10W30 | 2.5 – 2.6 L API SG |
HONDA | VTR 1000 F FIRESTORM | 10W40 | 3.7 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VTR 1000 SP-1 | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VTR 1000 SP-2 | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VTX 1300 | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | VTX 1800 | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.7 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | WAVE 110 I (AFS 110 2 SH) | 10W30 | 700 ML API SG |
HONDA | X4 (CB 1300 DC) | 10W40 | 3.7 – 3.9 L |
HONDA | X8R-S/X (SZX50 S/X) | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.0 – 1.2 L |
HONDA | X-ADV | ||
HONDA | X-ADV (EURO 4) | 10W30 | 3.4 L API SG |
HONDA | XBR 500/S | 10W40 | 1.6 – 1.6 L MIN API SE |
HONDA | X-ELEVEN (CB 1100 SF) | 10W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 1000 V VARADERO | 10W40 | 3.4 – 3.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 1000 V VARADERO | 10W40 | 3.4 – 3.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 1000 V VARADERO | 10W40 | 3.4 – 3.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 1000 V VARADERO | 10W40 | 3.4 – 3.6 L |
HONDA | XL 125 | 10W40 | CA 1.0 L |
HONDA | XL 125 V VARADERO | 10W40 | 1.1 – 1.3 L API SE |
HONDA | XL 125 V VARADERO (VARADERO 125) | 10W30 | 1.1 – 1.3 L API SE |
HONDA | XL 185 S | 10W40 | 900 ML – 1.1 L |
HONDA | XL 200 R | 10W40 | 900 ML – 1.1 L |
HONDA | XL 250 R | 10W40 | 2.0 L |
HONDA | XL 250 R | 10W40 | 1.5 L MI. API SE |
HONDA | XL 250 S | 10W40 | 1.1 – 1.3 L |
HONDA | XL 350 R | 10W40 API SE | 1.6 L |
HONDA | XL 50 | 30W (S) 20W(W) | 900ML API SE |
HONDA | XL 500 R | 10W40 | 1.5 – – |
HONDA | XL 500 S | 10W40 | 1.5 – – |
HONDA | XL 600 LM/RM | 10W40 | 2.0 – 2.1 L |
HONDA | XL 600 R | 10W40 | 2.0 – 2.3 L |
HONDA | XL 600 V TRANSALP | 10W40 | 2.2 – 2.4 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | XL 600 V TRANSALP | 10W40 | 2.2 – 2.4 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 600 V TRANSALP | 10W40 | 2.2 – 2.4 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 650 V TRANSALP | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 650 V TRANSALP | 10W40 | 2.1 – 2.3 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XL 700 V TRANSALP | 10W30 | 2.1 – 2.3 L |
HONDA | XLR 125 R | 10W40 | 1.0 L |
HONDA | XLV 750 R | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L |
HONDA | XR 125 L | 10W40 | 0.9 L |
HONDA | XR 400 R | 10W40 | 1.7 – 1.8 L API SE |
HONDA | XR 600 R | 20W50 | 1.9 – 1.95 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | XR 600 R | 2.0 L | |
HONDA | XR 650 R | 10W40 | 2.0 ML – 2.1 L API SE |
HONDA | XRV 650 AFRICA TWIN | 15W-40 | 2.2 – 2.4 L API SE-SF |
HONDA | XRV 750 AFRICA TWIN | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.6 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | XRV 750 AFRICA TWIN | 15W-40 | 2.2 – 2.4 L API SE-SG |
HONDA | Z 50 JZ/GZ MONKEY/GORILLA | 10W40 | 600 – 800 ML |
HONDA | Z 50/J MONKEY | 10W40 | 600-800 ML |
HONDA | ZOOMER 50 | 10W30 | 600 ML |
What You Need To Know
If you better understand the differences between different engine oils, you’ll always pick the best one for your needs and budget.
What’s the difference between different engine oils?
Mineral oils are refined from petroleum, but even mineral oils contain some synthetic compounds or additives to improve them. Semi-synthetic oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils. They have definite improvements over pure mineral oils. Semi-synthetics can contain “hydrocracked” bases.
Hydrocracked oils are mineral oils that have been subjected to intense pressure and temperature to change the structure of the molecules, making the resultant oil more stable and resistant to evaporation at higher temperatures. Semi-synthetic oils don’t cost much more than mineral oils do, but offer advantages over the latter.
Full-synthetic oils, however, are far more expensive than mineral or semi-synthetic oils. Full-synthetics are man-made oils that have been tailored to give them certain advantages like the fact that they perform better in extreme temperatures, are less likely to evaporate or thin excessively in heat, etc. Full-synthetics contain poly-alpha-olefins (PAO) and esters. PAOs don’t gel at low temperatures, making them necessary for any true 0W oil.
Esters are similar to PAOs but also help protect metal surfaces and offer good lubrication. Full-synthetic oils are expensive and, unless you are racing, not necessarily recommended for motorcycles. For the everyday rider, a semi-synthetic shear-stable 10W-40 oil with some ester content would be a great choice.
What’s the best type of oil to use for road riding?
Your ideal choice of oil would be an ester semi-synthetic 10W-40 or a 10W-30 that is also shear-stable. The fact that the oil is shear-stable is more important than the fact that it is semi-synthetic.
You are still better off choosing shear-stable mineral-based oil than a low-quality semi-synthetic one that isn’t shear-stable. Only for frequent long-distance riders would the cost of a full-synthetic oil be worth it, as it can help save on oil changes and fuel costs.
Does a high-performance oil produce more power?
There will always be loss of engine output due to things like thermodynamics, which can’t be changed that much. However, some of that loss, about 6%, is due to oil drag. By using quality but low viscosity oil, this loss can be minimised and engine power increased. For a typical 100bhp motorcycle, a lighter engine oil might show a 2bhp peak improvement.
Choosing the right oil filter
If you’re changing your engine oil, it makes sense to change the oil filter too. An oil filter removes tiny particles from the oil, helping to keep the oil fresher and work to its best ability for longer. A new filter costs a few quid and it only takes a couple of minutes to change.
We’ve put together this Honda motorcycles oil filter chart to help you pick the best oil filter for your motorcycle.
How To Change Your Motorcycle’s Oil
If you’ve never changed your motorcycle’s oil before, you might be apprehensive but you needn’t be. With the right tools, anyone can change their engine oil in under an hour. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you through your first motorcycle oil change.
Recommended Motorcycle Engine Oils
The table below shows all the different engine oils available for four-stroke motorcycle engines. We’ve listed them by viscosity. Then we’ve listed the best motorcycle engine oil available in each viscosity, from Mineral-based engine oils to Semi-Synthetic, right up to Fully Synthetic and even top-quality ester-based oils.
The table has been compiled from owner reviews and ratings and manufacturer-specified oil, where applicable.
5W30
Fully Synthetic. Ester-based oil to ensure maximum power output of the engine without compromising the reliability and the wear. Used by Factory race teams. Ideal for wet clutches. Quality doesn’t come cheap.
5W40
Fully Synthetic. For racing and performance motorcycles where excellence is the only option. Specially researched synthetic esters provide exceptional film strength and outstanding surface protection from start-up to maximum output..
10W30
Fully Synthetic. This ultra high performance 4-stroke motorcycle engine oil offers improved fuel economy and engine performance, rapid oil circulation on cold start, excellent lubrication under all conditions, and superior wet clutch performance.
Semi-Synthetic. Particularly suitable for tuned engines or those used in hot climates. Utilising an ester base. Ensures rapid oil circulation on a cold start, excellent lubrication under all conditions, and superior wet clutch performance. API SL, & JASO MA2.
10W40
Fully Synthetic. One of the best fully-synthetic motorcycle engine oils. Ester-based oil, which is of the highest quality. Very high film strength protects the engine and gearbox. Meets JASO MA. Ideal for oil immersed clutches. Compatible with catalytic converters.
Semi-Synthetic. A high-quality part-synthetic oil at a good price. Castrol’s 10W-40 is suitable for high-performance bikes including highly stressed multi-cylinder engines.
Mineral Based. A good quality mineral oil that provides protection under regular riding conditions. Especially suitable for small capacity engines and commuters.
10W50
Fully Synthetic. Suitable for modern high-performance motorcycle engines where API or JASO specifications are recommended. Excellent shear stability.
10W60
Fully Synthetic. Elf’s Moto4 is designed for high-performance four-stroke engines. Its additives improve viscosity rating and thicken the oil at high temperatures, whilst maintaining its fluidity at low temperatures.
15W50
Fully Synthetic. Ultimate performance fully synthetic motorcycle oil for all high demanding 4 stroke engines including racing engines. Offers ultimate lubrication at peak performance levels. Outstanding shear stability and ageing resistance, low evaporation tendency.
Semi-Synthetic. Designed for the latest generation European and Japanese motorcycles. 15W-50 is well suited for large air-cooled single, twins and high mileage engines that require good high-temperature viscosity and oil consumption control.
20W40
Semi Synthetic. Four stroke engine oil exceeds the requirements of the leading manufacturers. Offering excellent high mileage engine protection.
20W50
Fully Synthetic. 100% synthetic 4-Stroke lubricant with Ester technology. Engineered for 2 cylinder engines and meets Harley Davidson spec. Meets JASO MA2 specifications for optimal wet clutch performance and suitable for catalytic converters.
Mineral based. Mineral oil based 4-stroke engine oil for all Harley Davidson & Metric V-Twin Cruisers. Provides protection over a wide range of operating conditions. Promotes a high level of engine cleanliness.
What does Engine Oil Do?
A good engine oil lubricates, protects, cleans, and cools the engine to keep it running smoothly.
Engine oil provides lubrication between the individual engine components, reducing friction. It does so by providing a slippery film between the moving parts in the running engine. This ensures that the engine can run efficiently, at optimal performance and with increased power. Lubrication is also vitally important at start-up. Here, the cold oil in the oil sump needs to be quickly pumped back into the engine so that it can provide lubrication. This allows for an ideal cranking speed to turn over the engine. In order to ensure that that oil can flow quickly at start-up, but also provide enough of a film to protect the engine when running, an engine needs an oil with different viscosity ranges.
Engine oil creates a film on moving parts in the engine, which acts as a protective layer. By preventing and minimising metal-to-metal contact, wear of these components is reduced. Engine oil has another way it protects the engine. Combustion by-products, oxidation and contamination from condensation all form acids. If left unchecked, these acids can cause corrosion in the engine, which can lead to components failing. Engine oil ensures that this does not happen and so protects the engine.
For an engine to run optimally, it needs to be clean. Deposits in the engine can gum it up and reduce its performance. Further, unnecessary wear and damage in an engine can be caused by microscopic contaminants. For perspective, a single hair is 100 microns thick. Contaminants as small as 5 to 20 microns could easily cause damage to an engine. Engine oil keeps the engine clean by holding these contaminants in suspension until they can be removed via the oil filter. Engine oil also prevents damaging deposits from forming.
Finally, engine oil also helps to keep the engine cool. Heat is caused by the friction between the moving parts as well as by combustion. The radiator is responsible for cooling the top part of the engine. Cooling the rest of the engine, like the pistons, rod bearings, timing gears, crankshaft, camshaft etc., is up to engine oil. As oil passes over these heated surfaces, it absorbs the heat. This hot oil then travels to the oil sump, where it is cooled by the air surrounding it.
What is Multigrade Oil?
Oil is thick and viscous when it is cold and then thins as it warms up. Cold thick oil struggles to circulate as the engine is started, but using a thinner oil here would mean that, once heated, the oil would be too thin to adequately protect the engine.
The answer is using a multigrade oil. This oil, due to the addition of polymer, has two different viscosity grades. By adding a polymer to a thin oil base, it is possible to have an oil that performs well in both hot and cold conditions. The polymer ensures that as the oil is heated, the rate of thinning is slowed down. It also ensures that, as the oil cools, the rate of thickening is slowed too.
Multigrade oil is identifiable by its two numbers, say 10W-40. The first number 10W (W stands for Winter) refers to the viscosity of the oil at a low temperature. A lower number would mean a thinner oil, so a 5W would be thinner than a 10W. A 0W oil would be the thinnest at cold temperature.
The second number, 40, refers to the viscosity of the oil at a high temperature, which will always be measured at 100 °C. Again, a lower number means a thinner oil, so, at 100 °C, a 30 oil would be thinner than the 40 oil. It is, of course, important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer in choosing the correct multigrade oil for your motorcycle.
Synthetic Engine Oils Common Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions when it comes to synthetic motorcycle engine oil.
Will my engine consume more synthetic oil?
Not likely. In modern engines, most oil consumption happens due to evaporation at high temperatures. Synthetic oils, however, tend to be far more resistant to evaporation, especially if they contain ester and PAO, so oil consumption should be lower with a synthetic. Irrelevant of oil type, oil consumption will go up in engines with defective seals, and worn valve guides and piston rings. Here, one might as well use a cheaper oil instead of a synthetic one.
Is synthetic oil compatible with other engine oil?
Synthetic oil is fully compatible with any other engine oil. Provided the oil is for a 4- stroke engine, one can safely mix any type of oil irrelevant of what its base is or what it contains, be it mineral, semi-synthetic, hydrocracked synthetic, PAO, ester, etc. The exception here would be Castor-oil-based racing oils.
Will a synthetic oil void my warranty?
As long as you follow the instructions in your handbook in regards to the viscosity ranges and API of an oil, you can use whichever oil you choose, including synthetics, without affecting your warranty. The choice of brand is also up to you as OEMs, by law, cannot prescribe this.
Are synthetic oils worth the extra cost?
This depends. For a great bike in a great condition, the right synthetic oil will help keep maintenance costs down, lower fuel costs, and keep it running like new. For an oil-guzzling older model, synthetic oils may just not be worth the price.
Motorcycle Engine Oil FAQ
Can I use car engine oil in my motorcycle?
This can be risky. Even though you can and will find car oil with the same viscosity ratings (i.e. 10w40) as for motorcycle engines, the additives in the oil will be different. Most cars use a separate gearbox oil and most cars have a dry clutch. So a car oil could make your clutch slip or knacker your gearbox. If you're buying a bike that's been run on car oil, beware!
Does engine oil have an expiry date?
Engine oils have an expiry date which means the performance levels can no longer be guaranteed. However if your oil hasn't been opened, it'll take years and years for it to degrade. If your oil has been opened and is a couple of years out of date, it'll most likely be absolutely fine. However, if you've already opened it and it's 5 years out of date you'll be better off buying fresh oil as the additives in the oil may have oxidised and lost their qualities.
What are the most critical areas where the oil flows?
For a motorcycle engine, the critical engine areas are the piston assembly, bearings and valve train. The engine oill also lubricates the clutch (but not if your motorcycle has a dry clutch) and your motorcycle's gearbox.
What does my oil filter do and do I need to replace it?
The oil filter traps foreign particles and debris that are introduced into the oil by normal riding. These particles can be anything from carbon deposits to small metal particles from your motorcycle's engine. These particles can lead to engine damage, while a blocked filter may lead to oil starvation and ultimately engine failure. An oil filter costs just a few pounds, so it makes sense to change this every time you do an oil change.
What is the difference between a mineral, semi-synthetic, and full-synthetic engine oil?
Mineral oils are refined from petroleum, but even mineral oils contain some synthetic compounds or additives to improve them. Semi-synthetic oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils. They have definite improvements over pure mineral oils. Semi-synthetics can contain “hydrocracked” bases. Hydrocracked oils are mineral oils that have been subjected to intense pressure and temperature to change the structure of the molecules, making the resultant oil more stable and resistant to evaporation at higher temperatures. Semi-synthetic oils don’t cost much more than mineral oils do, but offer advantages over the latter.
Why does a 2-stroke oil have to be mixed with fuel?
A 2-stroke engine is built and runs differently to a 4-stroke one. A 4-stroke engine keeps most of its oil in its crankcase and oil sump and recirculates this oil to lubricate the engine. With a 2-stroke engine, the process is somewhat different. Here, there is no oil sump as the crankcase deals with the compression and induction of the fuel/air mix. The only way, therefore, to provide oil to the engine for lubrication is by adding it to the fuel. As this oil is burnt with the fuel, it can’t be recirculated. A specific 2-stroke oil is needed as 4-stroke oil would leave damaging deposits behind when it burns.
Is any engine oil better than no engine oil?
Yes, but when it comes to motorcycles, the 'right' engine oil is better than 'any' engine oil!
Why do some engines burn oil?
Unfortunately, some types of engines just use more oil than others due to their design. Here, the burnt oil can leave damaging deposits behind, meaning these engines often need more top overhauls. However, if a touring engine uses more oil than is necessary, changing to a lighter grade of oil often solves the problem.
Can I top up my engine with a different type of oil?
As long as you don’t mix a 2-stroke oil with a 4-stroke oil, you can safely top your engine up with a different type of oil. You probably wouldn’t want to mix different grades, say, a 5W-30 synthetic with a 20W-50 mineral oil, but if you do, it likely wouldn’t do any harm.
Do I need to warm up my engine before riding?
The oil needs to be warm, but, even better, hot, especially when riding at speed. When cold oil is pumped into an engine, cavitation (bubbles of vacuum within the oil) is likely to occur. This, in essence, means that the engine does not receive enough oil for it to run optimally at speed. Warmer, and so thinner, oil ensures that the engine not only receives enough oil, but that all moving parts within it can work optimally. Ideally, use a 5W-40 or 10W-40 oil and ensure the engine warms up properly for a few km before speeding up.
Do I need to regularly change my oil?
If you tend to drive short distances with a low annual mileage, regular oil changes are vital, irrelevant of whether the minimum mileage for an oil change was reached or not. Water vapour and fuel tend to make their way into the oil, and, unless you drive long distances, they never have the chance to evaporate. This can cause damages like corrosion, gear tooth pitting, and ring and bore wear. Long-distance riders with a high annual mileage who use a high-quality oil can afford to be a little more relaxed on the oil changes.
What's the best type of oil to use in a road bike?
Your ideal choice of oil would be an ester semi-synthetic 10W-40 or a 10W-30 that is also shear-stable. The fact that the oil is shear-stable is more important than the fact that it is semi-synthetic. You are still better off choosing shear-stable mineral-based oil than a low-quality semi-synthetic one that isn’t shear-stable. Only for frequent long-distance riders would the cost of a full-synthetic oil be worth it, as it can help save on oil changes and fuel costs.
How does oil 'cling' onto the engine's internals?
Where there is high-speed rotation in the engine, e.g. with a plain bearing, the high speed draws a thick layer of oil between the two surfaces, like a wedge. Here, this oil supports and carries the load of these surfaces. As soon as the spinning stops, however, either due to the slowing down or stopping of the engine, this wedged oil gives way. Where no rotation occurs in an engine, oil cannot form this thick wedged layer to protect metal surfaces. Here, oil provides a thin protective film and often relies on anti-wear agents, detergents, and anti-oxidant chemicals to help protect from metal-to-metal contact.
Engine Oil Glossary
When it comes to motorcycle engine oil, there are a lot of terms that get thrown around. We’ve created this quick glossary to help you understand what everything means.
Anti-Wear Agent
In boundary lubrication conditions, this additive reduces the amount of wear caused by metal-to-metal contact by chemically reacting with the metal surfaces and forming a film between them.
Corrosion Inhibitor
This engine oil additive helps to protect metal surfaces by inhibiting corrosion caused by contaminants. It usually does so through a chemical reaction that forms a protective film over the metal surfaces.
Detergent
This engine oil additive chemically reacts with acidic, sludge-forming contaminants in the oil to neutralise them. It then holds these, now harmless, impurities in suspension.
Hydrocracking
Using hydrogen, the hydrocarbons in mineral oil are put under high temperature and pressure to crack their molecules. The result is a synthetic-like base stock of high quality. When blended with further additives, hydrocracked oil is not only extremely stable but also comparable in performance to synthetic oils.
Oxidation inhibitor
This additive prolongs the storage life of engine oil. It does so by helping to counteract the negative effects of oxidation.
Synthetic lubricant
The base oils for synthetic lubricants are artificially made from chemical compounds or polymerisation of hydrocarbons, instead of by refining petroleum. Synthetic oils offer several advantages over mineral oils.
Viscosity
Viscosity refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow. Temperature directly impacts the viscosity of the oil. Cold oil is thicker and hot oil is thinner. An engine oil, however, needs to be able to adequately protect and lubricate an engine both at start-up, when it is cold and while running, when it is hot. The solution here is an oil with two different viscosity grades, i.e. a multigrade oil.
Questions? Tips, Errors?
We work hard to keep our motorcycle oil chooser up to date but if you spot any errors or you can help us fill out any missing info, we’d love to hear from you. Likewise, if you have a question, just enter it in the comments box below and we’ll get back to you straight away. Thank you!