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Motor oil lubricates all engine parts, and also protects it from corrosion, cooling and other aggressive effects of the external environment. All oils differ from each other, they have different viscosity, composition and mode of operation. High-quality motorcycle oil also takes into account the design of the model, since two-stroke motorcycles differ from four-stroke ones. Total motorcycle oils are of high quality and guarantee long and trouble-free operation of the engine.
Variety of engines
Most motorcycles are arranged in such a way that the engine is located very compactly. On units with a two-stroke engine, the life cycle of the oil is short - it burns in the cylinder. In four-stroke motorcycles, the gearbox and clutch are washed with the same oil as the engine itself. The oil composition requirements for different motorcycles are different.
Two-stroke engines
Such engines require oil with high performance mixed with gasoline and purity. This type of oil does not have a long service life, so it does not contain stabilizing additives.
For two-stroke motorcycles, it is not recommended to use mineral oils, as they form soot and dirt in the combustion chamber and muffler. This contributes to a decrease in power and increases the probability of spark ignition.
Four-stroke engines
In these engines, the oil works continuously, so detergents and stabilizers are important here. The operation of oil in the engine differs depending on the motorcycle. In a small water-cooled chopper, the operating conditions are similar to those of a car engine. In motors with high revolutions, the load and shear speed are increased. To protect the engine, the oil must be of excellent quality.
Classification of motor oils
TotalEnergies motorcycle oil is divided into the following categories:
- Mineral oil.
The oil is marked with the inscription Mineral on the label, it is obtained from the distillation of petroleum. It contains components that clog the channels during combustion, worsen engine lubrication and, as a result, make it less cool. These components thicken at low temperatures, do not free the engine from soot, and at elevated temperatures acquire unstable properties. All this has a negative effect on the operation of the engine.
- Synthetic oil.
The label is labeled Fully Synthetic. Oil is synthesized as a result of chemical reactions. This type of oil has clear advantages: it does not change its properties in the heat, it does not thicken at low temperatures. The range of permissible temperatures is usually indicated on the packaging. Another undoubted plus is protection of the motor from soot, increased cleaning and stability in operation. The price of this type of oil is high, but it is compensated by the quality and the absence of defects in the product.
- Semi-synthetic oil.
The oil is produced on the basis of a mixture of several components: mineral and synthetic. This oil is usually collected from the first two types. On the packaging of such oils, you can often see different inscriptions from Semi Synthetic to Synthetic Technology. Such oils are often used for turbocharged engines. The advantage is increased efficiency at a cold start, as this type of oil is thicker than synthetic oil.
Quality standards
Motorcycle oils are tested according to their own requirements, except for oils for four-stroke engines with a dry clutch.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
The system is spread all over the world. Only API TC is relevant now, as all others do not have sufficient rigidity for modern operation.
API TC standard
Suitable for units with a 500 cm3 engine, works at elevated temperatures, does not form soot, the engine can be operated on early ignition without harm to the motorcycle.
JASO standard
Japan uses its own system for determining the quality of motorcycle oils. Special attention is paid to the smoke of oils during combustion. The JASO FC standard is the most common today, JASO FA products are permitted for use only on old engines. With the increase in European requirements for environmental friendliness, JASO FC no longer meets the requirements, so additional questions were raised about smoke and engine cleanliness.
Choosing a motorcycle oil
When choosing oil, you should pay attention to the following points:
- for a motorcycle with a dry clutch, the canister must be marked MA or MA-2;
- the viscosity must correspond to the dealer's recommendations;
- before pouring mineral oil, it is worth washing the engine;
- for winter driving, it is better to pour synthetic oil;
- it is recommended to pour synthetic or semi-synthetic oil into new motors or power units;
- the viscosity class must correspond to the API or correspond to the highest class according to the specification.
Motorcycle oils differ from liquids intended for the operation of automobile engines. The use of motor oils is not recommended for the operation of a motorcycle engine, as this can lead to rapid engine wear.
