Motor oil is often described as the lifeblood of the engine. This is because without this lubricant, the engine would suffer serious damage and quickly seize up altogether. The oil acts as a protective film for the moving metal components, preventing them from overheating and shedding at a fast pace as a result of increased friction. It also has cleaning properties, as it picks up contaminants such as dust and debris and drags them out of the engine and through the oil filter. This, along with its anti-corrosive properties, is critical for maintaining a healthy motor.

However, it is important to note that using the wrong product for your vehicle could also have serious consequences. This is largely due to the range of viscosities required for different operating conditions. Signs that the wrong oil has been used include starting troubles in cold weather, increased fuel consumption, and leaks. This is why it is important to check the requirements and recommendations for your motorcycle in your vehicle owner’s manual.

How often should I change my motorcycle’s engine oil?

Motor oil isn’t made to last forever. Over time, it starts to degrade due to buildups of combustion deposits and heat. It can also go bad just from sitting in the engine as all engine oils have an expiry date. The interval for changing the lubricant will usually depend on the type of oil and the environment. The general recommendation for mineral-based lubricants is to change them at least once every 2,000 miles or twice a year. Synthetic products, however, normally last much longer. Experts recommend changing semi-synthetic oil every 5,000 - 6,000 miles and fully synthetic oil every 7,000 - 10,000 miles.

Things to consider when choosing motor oil

First thing’s first: before making a purchase, check your motorcycle’s manual to make sure that the oil matches the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. You should be able to find information on the recommended viscosity, standings and lubricant type for the make and model of your bike.

Not all products are made equal. It is safer to choose products from a recognised brand that meets OE requirements and complies with API or ACEA standards. The price ranges are very broad as there are many different formulas and additives available on the market. Popular motorbike oil brands from various price segments include Castrol, Chempioil. Motul and FANFARO, for example.

The conventional mineral-based oil is often the cheapest option and is better suited for older motors. These products are refined from crude oil. Additives are added during production to enhance the viscosity of the natural lubricant. Compared to synthetic blends, they are less refined and therefore break down quicker and are more likely to oxidise. Synthetic products generally offer greater protection. They last longer and are designed to flow better at lower temperatures while being more resistant to high temperatures. Fully synthetic lubricants are usually significantly more expensive, but semi-synthetic blends are a cost-effective alternative. 

For example, FANFARO offers a very reasonably priced blend containing synthetic ester called M-4T PLUS, designed for 4-stroke engines that operate under extreme loads. The high-performance inhibitors and additives ensure high resistance to corrosion and maximum wear protection. Chempioil’s MOTO 4T ULTRA 20W-40 is another similar synthetic-based product , offering enhanced oxidation stability and a high traction coefficient for friction components.

On the labels of most products you will see two viscosity grades indicating the fluid’s resistance to flow at low and high temperatures. For example, “MOTO 4T ULTRA 20W- 40”. 

In this example, the “20W” indicates the oil viscosity at cold temperatures (W= winter) and “40” is the viscosity grade at warmer operating temperatures. The lower the number, the easier the fluid will flow. Thinner lubricants provide more protection in cold environments, whereas higher viscosity oils are better for high operating temperatures.

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