The world of engine lubricants is full of letters, numbers, and characteristics that can make our heads spin when it comes to knowing which oil we should use. So how can we know which is the best option in each situation?
So, it’s time to change the lubricant on our motorcycle. The first thing customary in these cases is to look at the vehicle manual and see the manufacturer’s recommendation. In something as important as this, experimenting or using the wrong oil can mean a severe malfunction and even destroy the engine, so be very careful!
There can also be three bases: minerals, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. The first ones are obtained directly from the distillation of crude oil, being the most economical but with the most basic performance. On the other hand, 100% synthetics are achieved based on chemical formulation, achieving concrete bases that allow the best performance for its function but with a higher cost. Finally, the semi-synthetics are the result of mixing the two previous processes to balance cost and performance.
Motorcycle oils have much more specific circumstances of use and mechanics than four-wheel vehicles, which is an added difficulty. Most models have wet clutches that require a particular formulation. This is to prevent the clutch from slipping, and the same oil can offer the gearbox the protection it needs. Some high-performance models exceed 12,000 Rpm, subjecting the lubricant to extreme conditions, and on the other hand, some scooters never leave the city and are exposed to constant starting, stopping, and acceleration.
A series of indicators can be found in oils, and if we look in the user manual, it gives us much information about the lubricant we should use in our vehicle.
SAE
This is the viscosity grade indicator, in the case of engine oils, which is composed of two values. The first value, followed by a W, refers to the viscosity at low temperatures, while the second value is the viscosity at high temperatures. The lower the first, the better the oil will maintain fluidity at low temperatures, allowing for easier ignition. The higher the second, the better it will keep its viscosity at high temperatures, giving greater protection. Therefore, ranges with higher viscosity at low temperatures are usually recommended in models with many kilometres that consume more oil.
API
This is an international indicator of oil quality according to manufacturers’ requirements. In gasoline engines, it is indicated by two letters, such as SG or SL. The more advanced and more modern the product, the further through the alphabet the second letter is. You can always use oil of superior quality, but never one below those indicated in the manual. Most manufacturers recommend a minimum quality of SG, although we find that almost all lubricants are at SJ to SN levels–much more modern.
JASO
This is a quality indicator created in Japan to indicate the suitability of a lubricant in motorcycles with wet clutches that use the same lubricant as the engine, usually following the sequence: JASO T-903: 2016 MA2. The oils marked with the letters MA or the more recent MA2 can be used in this type of engine, while the letters MB must not be used in the motorcycles mentioned, being reserved for use in automatic scooters with dry clutches. The letter at the beginning of the indicator can be a T, which means that it is suitable for four-stroke engines or an M for two-stroke engines.
In summary, the oil we use must always comply with the minimum quality required by the manufacturer since using an inferior oil will cause malfunctions that can be very serious. Furthermore, the SAE grade depends on our climate and our vehicle’s kilometres, although it is advisable to use the one indicated in the manual. If in doubt, always consult a workshop before using an oil outside the specifications shown in the manual.
Do you want to know more about our Repsol’s range of oils? Discover our extensive catalogue of lubricants.
Here are photos for you to enjoy from the Father’s Day Bike Show at Trincity Mall
Hosted by Raf Motorsports and Zina’s Jewellery
Saturday 18th June 2021
