Oil Grades

The thickness / viscosity of the oil is measured in a SAE rating. The lower the number the easier it flows at low temperature. For Extreme cold conditions or very short Journeys a thin light Oil of SAE10 performs well. For Hot running conditions a fairly heavy oil of SAE40 or 50 is suitable. Modern oil are a usually a multigrade. An oil with a SAE rating of 10-40 flow like a SAE10 at very low temperature and retains its viscosity at extremely high temperature acting as a SAE40. Multigrade Oils contain additives and detergent to help gather dirt particles until they get to the filter. These are not are not suitable for some classic and vintage machines and their owners use straight oils (Single grade SAE). These oils cannot give the as high a standard of protection and performance of a modern multigrade in varying temperatures.

Oil Classification

Always us an Oil equal or above the classfication of oil recommended for your motorcycle. The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization - JASO use for 4-stroke petrol motorcycle engines - JASO-MA and for 2-stroke petrol engines - JASO-FC classification system designed to address oil-requirement issues not addressed by the leading classification agency the American Petroleum Institute - API. API classification for Motorclcle Oil are for example SE for 70' aircooled fours and SL for a 2005 watercooled Multi thus SG's better than SF which is better than SE etc.

Checking Oil

Oil is usually check with the bike stood upright and the dip stick resting on the top thread. Overfilling can cause damage and seal failure. Watercooled Engine usually use little or zero oil between changes. Aircooled motors have larger tolerances and its not unusual to use oil when very hot. Engines with low oil get very hot.

Oil Changes

Drain oil from a hot engine as it flows better and holds the dirt particles better. The quantity of oil in a engine is often marked on the crankcase near the filler. Its usual to renew the filter on alternate changes.

Synthetic Oils

While costly synthetic oils are tougher and longer lasting than mineral oils and are of particular value when the vehicle is use in arduous condition and /or the maintenance schedule is erratic.

Warning - Automotive Oils

Most Cars have dry clutch and many automotive oils contain additive that are not suitable for motorcycle wet clutches.

Two Strokes

Operate a total loss system where the oil is burnt in the combustion chamber. Because the oil is not heated a low ash SAE30 oil is use (except in marine application).

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