Motorcycle Oil

Like passenger cars, motorcycles require regular oil changes for the engine and other components to run smoothly. With proper care and regular maintenance, motorcycle engine oil adds years to your two-wheeler. However, with the numerous options for motorcycle oil from brands such as Castrol, Amsoil, Lucas Oil and more, it becomes a challenge to pick the right one. We help break down the differences between the different kinds of motorcycle oil and help you choose the right one for your bike. 

Which oil is best for my motorcycle:

Oil serves two main purposes for any automobile: First, it helps lubricate the various moving metal parts in the engine, thus reducing friction and the accompanying wear and tear. In some cases, lubricating oil is the only barrier between metal parts. Second, the oil helps to draw away heat from the engine and helps it keep running at an optimal temperature. As you know, heat is a primary cause of parts malfunctioning and lowering their endurance. In addition, motor oil contains additives to remove sludge formation within engines and helps prevent rust formation. 

Can you use regular motor oil on a motorcycle?

While engine oil serves the same purpose of lubricating and cooling down the engine in passenger vehicles and motorcycles, you may not use regular motor oil on a bike. Due to their smaller and narrower build, motorcycles contain a smaller oil sump than automobiles. Therefore, there is a lot less oil flowing throwing the engine. In addition, since motorcycle engines typically run faster and at higher temperatures than cars, the oil used must be more efficient. Moreover, motor oils used in passenger cars are less viscous, thus, ineffective in ensuring the proper functioning of a bike's gearbox. 

What types of motorcycle oil are there? Which do I need?

Like automobiles, there are three popular types of motorcycle oil: synthetic, synthetic blend, and conventional. Synthetic oils perform the best when offering protection at higher temperatures while having lower volatility than the other types of oil. Consider our wide selection of synthetic motorcycle oils for the best performance. 

For more information on engine oils and additives, such as high-mileage oil, synthetic engine oil, and 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine oil, browse our collection. To find out How to choose motor oil or How to check your transmission fluid, read our guides for more information.