Useful information
How much does it cost to change motorcycle oil and how often should it be changed?
Jun
In just one year, more than a million motorbikes were sold in Vietnam in 2020. Each motorbike is equipped with the latest technology for efficiency and performance. For a motorbike to operate efficiently at its peak capacity, it needs oil. Clean oil keeps the vehicle’s pipes clean, ensuring the engine is lubricated, running well and does not boil or overheat.
If you are looking for the best motorbike oil, We are here to help you make the right choice. Below is a list of the best motorbike oils to keep your motorbike or motorcycle engine running at peak performance and efficiency. In addition, you will also know how much it costs to change the motorbike oil!
Benefits of changing motorcycle oil
- Lubricates your motorcycle engine. The main function of engine oil is to ensure adequate lubrication is provided to all parts of the engine to minimize friction and wear. Motorcycle engine oil works by lubricating two moving parts, covering them with a thick film. For maximum efficiency, the lubrication system needs to provide a continuous flow of oil to all parts of the engine.
- Cools your motorcycle engine. Engine oil carries heat away from the lubricated parts. When the engine is off, the oil returns to the oil pan. The best motorcycle engine oil will help cool your oil while it is in the oil pan. It is important that the oil temperature never exceeds the flash point.
- Clean your motorcycle engine. Engine oil is made up of two basic components, additives and base oil. While additives provide additional engine protection through cleaning, base oil provides lubrication. Motorcycle oil is designed to clean all the engine components it comes into contact with. Well-formulated additives clean away carbon deposits that build up on engine parts.
- Improve efficiency and performance. Because motorcycle oil helps keep your engine clean, your motorcycle engine will get the best fuel economy. When your engine is clean and running smoothly, it maximizes the mechanical power of the engine.
- Prolongs engine life. A well-maintained engine will last longer than an abused one. Regular use of good engine oil will help increase the life of your engine. Engine oil helps minimize sludge buildup, keeping internal parts clean and well lubricated.
Current Classification of Motorcycle Oils
MINERAL BASED MOTORCYCLE OIL
Mineral oil is made from crude oil with various additives that help neutralize acids. Furthermore, some companies include friction modifiers in their products to improve lubrication so you don’t run out of product. Mineral oils are useful if you’re using a new motorcycle. They provide excellent protection for the new engine for the first few miles. Also, in case you have a small capacity engine, you should use this type of oil.
SYNTHETIC MOTORCYCLE OIL
Synthetic oil is a modified oil that contains pure crude as an essential additive. Over the years, synthetic oil has improved with the advancement of technology. Synthetic oil is favored due to its lower viscosity, which helps in smoother movement of motorcycle engine parts and reduces internal friction. The problem with synthetic oils is that they are quite expensive, which can be a small price to pay for the protection and long life.
SEMI-SYNTHETIC MOTORCYCLE OIL
Semi-synthetic oil, as the name suggests, is a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil. High performance motorcycles require synthetic oils, while mineral or conventional oils keep the engine clean and running smoothly for a longer period of time. Semi-synthetic oils are ideal for medium-sized engines of 125-180 cc.
Top Motorcycle Oil Brand
MOTUL
Motul is a French international company that specializes in the production, development and distribution of lubricants for automotive engines including motorcycles, cars and other vehicles. The lubricant company was founded in New York in 1853 as the Swan & Finch company. Today, Motul has bases in more than 80 countries worldwide. As a pioneer in synthetic and semi-synthetic oils, the company has always prioritized innovation, research and development. Motul is a trusted brand due to its technological developments in the field of motorsport. One of its leading products is the Motul 7100 4T Synthetic Motorcycle Oil.
MOBIL CORPORATION
Mobil Corporation is an American oil, gas and chemical company that was founded in 1866. In 1999, Mobil merged with Exxon to form Exxon Mobil Corporation. Today, Mobil remains a popular brand within the combined company. As of 2016, it had a daily production of 20 million barrels of oil. There are four major Mobil sub-brands: Mobile Gasoline, Mobil Devlac, Mobil Industrial, and Mobil 1. Mobil 1’s synthetic V-Twin motorcycle oil is one of its best-selling products.
ATMOIL
ATMOIL brand imported premium oil is imported and exclusively distributed by TRUC AN TRADING SERVICES CO., LTD. Although it is a young brand, it has emerged very strongly thanks to its high-end quality, loved by backpackers and professional technology drivers.
Current general motorcycle oil change price
General information about the current Honda motorcycle oil change price on the market:
- Under 200,000 VND: Motorcycle oils in this price range are less expensive and tend to be natural or synthetic blends. Synthetic blends are a good choice if you are looking to enjoy the benefits of full synthetic oil at an affordable price.
- From 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND:Motorcycle oils in this price range are popular due to their full synthetic formulation, low viscosity, high performance and efficiency.
- Above 1,000,000 VND: There are not many motorcycle oils in this price range. The motorcycle oils here are high-performance oils suitable for motorcycles and racing cars. They have low viscosity, top performance and efficiency. These motorcycle oils are not suitable for small displacement motorcycles.
Main featuresof motorcycle oil
Viscosity
Viscosity is how fast or slow the oil flows in your engine. Low viscosity oil has the ability to flow quickly and freely. On the other hand, high viscosity oil flows much more slowly. You will notice oil ratings like this: 10W-30. 10W represents the SAE viscosity when the engine is cold and 30 is when the engine is hot. Putting the wrong viscosity in your engine will cause metal to wear, which can be fatal to your engine.
ADDITIVES
The additives in motorcycle engine oil help remove dirt and neutralize acids. They also lubricate and cool your engine. Choosing the wrong oil for your motorcycle can increase friction and reduce engine life.
How often should I change motorcycle oil?
In most cases, the answer depends on a number of factors such as the type you use and how often you ride. Some manufacturers claim their products can be used for 5000km, 8,000km, but you should not focus on these numbers too much.
Although it can last 8,000km, it will be very polluting to the environment and seriously affect the motorcycle engine.
As you ride, all sorts of tiny particles of dirt and combustion by-products end up in the oil. They are then circulated through the engine. This can cause corrosion of small, unseen parts inside your motorcycle.
Some of the best motorcycle oils today
Castrol Power1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Most motorcycle engine oils are designed to improve the acceleration of your bike by improving the transmission quality of the engine. However, very few products can match Castrol. Castrol Power1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, through its unique oil blend, allows you to accelerate at the touch of the throttle. This keeps your engine rolling quickly with less friction.
Castrol Power1 Synthetic Oil is an affordable motor oil that offers great improvements to your bike’s drivetrain. In addition to providing excellent longevity, it comes in two different grades: 10W-40 and 20W-50. This type of motorcycle oil has the ability to change viscosity when subjected to mechanical stress, making the oil thinner when exposed to extreme temperatures.
One drawback to this oil is the potential for leakage if your engine gasket is not properly seated. You may also need to change the oil more frequently when using this type of oil than with other types. Some motorcycle owners have also noticed increased engine noise when using oil
If you are looking for a motorcycle oil that will give your engine the best performance, then Motul’s 7100 is the best choice for you. This engine oil has been formulated to help make shifting easier with less pressure on the lever. Motul 7100 is a fully synthetic motorcycle oil that is certified by the American Petroleum Institute for purity and smooth operation.
If you are a performance enthusiast, Motul 7100 Synthetic is the ideal product for your motorcycle. It is designed with anti-oil film properties that are improved for better performance at high temperatures and rpm. Its ester technology helps to reduce friction within the motorcycle engine, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.
This fully synthetic oil is designed to last longer; Motul suggests that motorcycles using this oil can go 1,000 km before changing the oil. Its excellent shear resistance protects your engine as well as your gearbox, resulting in smooth gear shifting and trouble-free performance.
One downside to Motul 7100 motorcycle oil is that it is not ideal for low-displacement vehicles. It also has a high operating temperature, making it unreliable for city or short trips. This high-performance, low-viscosity oil is also expensive compared to other products in its range. On the bright side, it offers great value for the small amount, which is a small price to pay.
Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
If your motorcycle engine is making a lot of noise, it could be due to lack of lubrication or heat generated when metal parts rub against each other. Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic Motor Oil has been specially blended to lubricate your engine with a steady supply of oil. It is also specially designed to reduce engine noise.
Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic Motor Oil is also designed to save your engine from harmful debris. This formula is perfect for hot riding, meaning you can ride for longer without worrying about engine damage. It also provides smoother acceleration and transmission for a seamless riding experience.
One drawback to this oil product is that it is expensive compared to other motorcycle oils in its range. Additionally, some users have complained about receiving the wrong oil after ordering. Mobil 1 V-Twin synthetic oil is also not ideal for low-power bike engines.
Other opinions about motorcycle oil
- Conformance Standards: Check the product body for the standard mark as high-quality motorcycle oils have a label given by the manufacturer. They will have SAE, JASO or API markings on the body. These symbols indicate high-quality options.
- Riding Style: It is very important to know your riding style as motorcycle oils vary depending on this. If you are a performance enthusiast, you should consider using synthetic motorcycle oil because heavy riding will cause higher temperatures than normal riding. Synthetic oil is specially designed to resist breakdown at extreme temperatures. However, if you are a calm rider, buying mineral oil will be an ideal choice.
- Oil Grade: The oil grade your motorcycle uses is very important. It tells the user what temperature range the oil is in and how much viscosity is needed to provide effective lubrication. For example, in 5W-40, these numbers represent the viscosity of the oil. The first number in the viscosity grade is the low-temperature winter rating. The letter “W” stands for winter. The second number in the viscosity grade is the high-temperature rating. Therefore, if you live in a very cold area, buy motorcycle oil with a low “W” rating.
Our recommendations when changing motorcycle oil
- Before changing your motorcycle oil, make sure you check the drain intervals in your service manual. In case you are using a natural oil, make sure it is replaced after 3000 km. If you are using a full synthetic oil, you can change the oil after 8000 km.
- Most riders do not change the oil filter, but it is necessary. Changing the oil filter along with the oil will give your engine better performance and efficiency.
- Some motorcycle owners prefer to use additional additives after changing the oil. However, this is unnecessary in the long run. Additives cost more and using them with synthetic blend oil that already has additives will not provide any benefit.
- Before changing the oil, make sure you start the car and let it warm up for at least 10 minutes. Wear safety gear when handling old used oil.
- Replace your old washer with a new one after changing the oil. This simple maintenance tip will save the threads in your oil pan because it will take less torque to tighten the drain plug.