There are three different sets of numbers and letters on a bottle of motorcycle engine oil that you need to be able to understand if you're going to choose the best type for your bike.Īt first it might seem like a lot to take in, but in reality it's pretty straight forward. Understanding the numbers on a bottle of motorcycle engine oil This is important if you’re running a high-revving or high-power output motorcycle, like a sportsbike. It won’t degrade as quickly as oils that use mineral oil and it’s capable of operating under far more strenuous conditions without the properties changing. It will protect against engine wear more than a mineral or semi-synthetic oil but it’s much more expensive too. It is usually comprised of a blend of over 90% synthetic and under 10% base (mineral) oil.
Synthetic engine oil is an oil that’s almost entirely man-made. Semi-synthetic oils offer a great balance of performance and value for money which is why it’s the most popular oil type for all motorcycles. The ratio is usually around 25% synthetic to 75% mineral but the ratio varies and some of the more expensive semi-synthetic oils have a higher ratio of synthetic oil to base oil. Sometimes referred to as part-synthetic, it’s simply a blend of mineral oil and synthetic oil. Due to the lack of additives, mineral oil requires changing more frequently than a synthetic oil as it’ll lose its properties quicker than a synthetic oil but it’s still good value for money. It’s a good oil to use for basic engines, think low-revving low power output engines such as those in standard road bikes, Harley Davidsons, 125cc motorbikes and scooters. It’s often a by-product of the petrol-refining process. Sometimes known as ‘regular oil’ this is refined crude oil and is the least expensive. It’s important you get the right type for your engine and the best motorcycle engine oil will always be listed in your owner’s manual. All oils use additives, even if they’re mineral oils but the semi and fully synthetic oils use more than the mineral oils. There are three different types of engine oil and they all have different qualities, strengths, and weaknesses.
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