TYPES OF ENGINE OIL | EXPLAIN GRADES & TYPES

Motorcycle Engine Oil Types & Grades :

Engine is basically a set of parts bound together in such a way that they convert the energy from a fuel into mechanical force. That further helps you rev you motorcycle to the limits described by the manufacturer.

Engine Oil Types:

Mineral Motorcycle Engine Oil
Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil
Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil

Mineral Bike Engine Oil

As the name explains, mineral oil has a basic profile and does not include additions in the form of complex chemical compounds. They have lesser efficient molecular bonding and using them for extreme conditions could lead to an engine’s loss.

Mineral oil is preferred for commuter motorcycles as they have ideal running conditions and lower operating speeds. Also, companies use mineral oil for the run-in period as it helps to brush the parts properly before the use of other grades of oil.

Semi-Synthetic Bike Engine Oil

This type of oil uses the right blend of natural as well as chemical products for its making. It is used in motorcycles that run more than usual every day. The high operating time enables the rider to keep the engine secure with higher heat resistance of the semi-synthetic oil.

For those who use their vehicle for just a few kilometers every day, it is hard to distinguish between both of them and sometimes, better oil turns evil by restricting performance due to better viscosity. No more than 30 percent of synthetic oil is blended into the mineral oil for making a semi-synthetic oil.

Synthetic Bike Engine Oil

High-performance motorcycles use synthetic engine oil for its superb lubrication property and high-temperature resistance. It is the most expensive type of engine oil and could only be used in two cases. The first person who should consider synthetic oil is the rider who burns a full fuel tank every day on the highway.

Second is the one who lives in areas with extreme temperatures. Both cases require extra engine care and synthetic oil does that for the rider. A regular rider with 30 kilometers of daily riding will not need this oil as they will reach their destination before the actual benefit of the oil starts.

Bike Engine Oil Grades

Now comes the grade of oil on use. You must have come across different grades of oils like 5W20, 10W40 and many more. Let’s understand what these numbers mean.

The value that comes before the W symbolizes the viscosity of the oil when the engine is cold. The numbers have no direct relation to any unit such as temperature. It would be false to consider 10W30 good for the cold start at 10 degrees.

It is actually a relative number, which shows that 5 at the front will bring a better cold start than 20. W stands for winter. Larger the number after W, the more is the oil capable of holding its actual position at higher temperatures.

This means it won’t breakdown easier if it is a big number. Still, manufacturers know what conditions arise and they decide a multi-grade oil by keeping all of that in mind. Experts believe that buyers should keep the same oil as directed by the brand for almost the first 15,000 km.

This includes almost 6 services that the average rider will complete in almost 12-15 months. Getting an engine flush after that and using an oil that best suits your needs is the best plan that one could make after the given period.

This gives enough time to the engine to get as smooth as butter flowing on a hot pan. What comes next is for the purist. If you plan your first trip from North to South right after your run-in period, do remember to take your own pack of synthetic oil when visiting the dealership

Bike Engine Oil Duration & Quantity

Engine oil quantity varies with engine size and design of the motorcycle. The cost multiplies with every liter and seasoned riders keep a spare pack with them when going on longer expeditions. Topping up is a necessary part for slightly older engines and also for those bikes which have surprisingly long service intervals.

To keep warranty under check, do consider getting your engine oil changed at prescribed intervals. Along with engine oil, gear-less machines have a different grade of oil that is commonly known as gear oil. It has completely different properties and the difference in drain intervals.

Changing of the engine oil cannot just single-handedly help you attain perfect service as replacing oil filter, cleaning the air filter and getting you injector cleaned at given intervals will help you enjoy the best ever riding experience.