Your bike is your pride and joy. More than just a machine to get you from A to B, it helps you dodge traffic, experience the thrill of riding, and look cool while doing so. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look after your bike the right way. One of the easiest ways to supercharge performance is simply choosing the right engine oil and lubricants for your motorcycle.
Engine oil plays a crucial role in performance, lubrication, cooling, sealing, cleaning and protecting your engine, reducing friction and corrosion while also minimising noise in the engine. However, there are lots of different types of motorcycle oil, all of which are specially engineered for specific engines and applications.
In this article, we’ll go over the various types and FAQs regarding motorcycle engine oil, ensuring you always choose the best for your beloved bike.
Types of motorcycle engine oil
There are three main types of motorcycle engine oil depending on the base oil used. Each type is then enhanced and tailored with a range of additives suited to the needs of various engines.
Mineral Motorcycle Oil
Mineral motorcycle engine oil is generally made with a crude oil base which is filtered and refined to remove contaminants.
Mineral-based oil tends to be the cheapest of the three types, however, because it moves slowly through your system it can hinder performance and reduce fuel efficiency. Mineral-based oil may need changing more frequently compared to synthetic oil and has the potential to struggle under extreme conditions.
Having said this, some older bikes are designed to use this type of oil, often making it the better choice for those engines.
Semi-synthetic
Semi-synthetic is a good compromise between mineral-based and full synthetic. It combines a blend of the two to offer better performance at low temperatures and robust protection along with more affordability.
Full Synthetic
Synthetic is generally considered the gold standard of motorcycle oil. Carefully crafted in a laboratory, it offers cooling, fuel economy, and friction reduction, with long-lasting results.
Synthetic oils are recommended for newer engines and also motorcycles with an engine capacity over 200cc.
As the highest-performing motorcycle oil with sophisticated enhancements, it should come as no surprise that synthetic is the most expensive of the three types. However, since it will last you longer between oil changes and improve fuel economy, you can think of it as a value-added investment.
Motorcycle oil for different engine types
A motorcycle or scooter engine is usually defined as a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. The terms relate to the number of strokes the piston must make for each cycle.
Two-stroke motorcycle oil
Two-stroke engines are more cost-effective but tend to produce more noise and reduce fuel economy. They are typically found in smaller engines such as those used for mopeds and scooters. You will need a 2T motorcycle oil if you have a two-stroke engine.
Four-stroke motorcycle oil
A four-stroke engine is most commonly used in modern motorcycle models and produces more power, fewer emissions, and better fuel efficiency than its two-stroke counterpart. Four-stroke engines do not burn oil alongside fuel as two-stroke engines do and therefore need oil that is specially formulated, known as 4T motorcycle oil.
Why viscosity is important
All motorcycle oil comes with a viscosity grade, which measures how well it flows, or how ‘thick’ or ‘thin’ it is. Motorcycle engine oil needs to be thick enough to coat the moving parts inside the motor sufficiently, but not so thick that it leads to higher friction and reduces power.
It might be monograde, with just one viscosity rating, or multigrade, with two ratings to show how the oil performs at both hot and cold temperatures. Multigrade oils are typically the superior choice because they perform well across a range of operating conditions.
Different engines require a different level of viscosity, so it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see which viscosity grade will offer the best performance for your particular bike.
When should I change my motorcycle engine oil?
Most manufacturers suggest changing motorcycle oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, but synthetic oils usually allow for longer intervals.
You should always change your motorcycle engine oil annually, regardless of mileage, and change more regularly if you ride under extreme conditions. This includes very hot or cold weather, stop-start traffic, and off-road riding.
Checking and changing your oil as per your manufacturer’s recommendations is one of the best things you can do to protect your engine, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of your bike.
Can you use car oil in motorcycles?
Engine oil for cars has a very different make-up and formulation to motor oil for motorcycles, and should never be used interchangeably. Oil for motorbikes is created to handle the higher RPMs and stresses that bikes have to deal with, and using the wrong type can lead to increased wear, reduced performance and even serious clutch or engine damage.
How to choose the right oil for my motorcycle?
Choosing the right engine oil and lubricants for your motorcycle is simple when you know what to watch out for.
Start by checking the manufacturer’s recommendations, and then consider your particular riding style, engine type, and the local climate where you’ll be riding most.
Gulf Oil provides premium motorcycle oil for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines to aid long-term performance in a range of different riding conditions.
Gulf Pride is a great choice for those who commute short distances or ride in the city, with special technology to aid on-demand acceleration and protect against wear.
Meanwhile, Gulf PowerTrac is ideal for those looking for added power, performance and longevity, with a synthetic composition that keeps your engine clean and free from build-up.
Finally, Gulf Syntrac is our most advanced formula yet – a full synthetic oil suitable for race-ready superbikes.