In comparison, engine oil is similar to human blood. Both cannot survive without it because it is so essential. Engine oil performs a number of vital tasks that are essential for a long life. As bike owners in India, we know nothing about the different types and grades of engine oils. Frequency of oil changes, etc. We only use motorcycle mechanics to complete the task. Yes. However, our position on the matter is that we shouldn’t simply believe the statements of a single person and that we need to at least possess some fundamental understanding. The purpose of this post is to provide some clear ideas and advice on bike engine oil.
Mechanics Of Motorcycle Engine Oil
Motorcycle engine oil reduces wear and friction between the engine’s parts. On metal surfaces, engine oil creates a coating that lowers friction. Reduced friction protects the friction surface, such as engine bearings, from heating and wear.
What Purposes Does Bike Engine Oil Serve?
Engine oil serves a variety of purposes, including minimizing friction, reducing wear, cleaning the engine, cooling engine parts, forming a seal, absorbing shocks, and preventing corrosion.
Types Of Motorbike Engine Oil
Generally speaking, there are three different types of bike engine oil:
- Oils Mineral (MO).
- SS: Semi-Synthetic Oils.
- Completely synthetic oil (FS).
Let’s now delve deeper into each category of motorbike engine oil.
- MINERAL OIL, OR MO.
Mineral oils are a by-product or product of the processing of petroleum. It is for small-displacement engines and is the least expensive. Small displacement engines do not put too much load on the machine and are never designed for high revs. Mineral oil is used in brand-new motorbike engines because it offers good protection. The drawback is that mineral engine oil does not last very long and needs to be changed frequently.
- SEMI-SYNTHETIC OIL, OR SS.
Semi-synthetic oil, as its name suggests, offers the best of both worlds: high levels of protection from mineral oils and high levels of performance from synthetic oils. This motorcycle engine oil is more expensive than mineral oil and is advised for 150-300cc motorcycles. Choose mineral oil if the engine is under 150cc in size.
- FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL
The most expensive type of engine oil is fully synthetic. Mineral oil comes from natural sources, whereas synthetic motor oil is made entirely of polymers. For high-performance motorbikes like off-roaders, superbikes, and racing machines, synthetic oil is advised. The fundamental benefit of synthetic oil over mineral oil is that it lasts longer and does not degrade as quickly. The great lubricating performance it offers is another USP.
What Does Engine Oil Grade Mean?
Engine oil grade refers to a group of requirements or codes that are listed with the engine oil. It mostly specifies the engine oil to use based on the outside environment. Technically speaking, viscosity or flow resistance is referred to as engine oil grade. The better the flow, the lower the number.
How Can You Read The Grade Of Engine Oil?
The moniker SAE number also refers to the engine oil grade code. The Society of Automotive Engineers is referred to as SAE. In the code, the letter W stands for “Winter.” The first number has to do with how oil flows while it’s cold, like when an engine first starts. The second number is determined by how oil flows at temperatures over the normal working range for engines.
At low temperatures, thin, low-viscosity oils flow more easily to shield engine components. In general, thick, high-viscosity oils keep the film strength better to safeguard engines at high temperatures. For instance, at start-up temperatures, a 5W-20 will flow more easily than a 10W-20, while at operating temperatures, a 10W-40 will flow easier than a 10W-50.
When Should A Motorcycle’s Engine Oil Be Changed?
Depending on the type of engine oil, engine oil needs to be changed every two to three thousand kilometers or every six months. It would help if you asked a bike mechanic or shop owner for synthetic or semi-synthetic oils because they last longer. Replacing the oil is advised with mineral oil between 2000 and 3000 kilometers. Anyhow, regardless of any other factors, an oil change is required every six months.
What Takes Place If The Oil Change Is Delayed?
Engine performance suffers, and fuel economy declines when the oil is changed slowly. Overall, it shortens the life of the motorcycle engine and the bike.
How Can I Tell When To Change My Bike’s Oil?
By releasing the engine oil bolt and pouring oil into an oil pan, you may check the color of the engine oil. There are various methods for some models, and this procedure varies depending on the model. It’s time to replenish the oil if the hue is dark. Fresh engine oil is always transparent and clear.
Is Replacing The Oil Filter A Must While Changing The Oil?
Yes, it would help if you thought about replacing the oil filter when you change the engine’s oil. The purpose of an oil filter is to shield the engine from harm by getting rid of impurities that may build up in motor oil. Your bike’s oil filter becomes clogged or ruined after a certain amount of time, just like engine oil does. Once a year or after every two general maintenance visits, replace the engine oil filter. Ensure the owner’s manual contains the same information.
What Is A Motorcycle Engine Flush?
An aftermarket chemical additive called an “engine flush” removes built-up deposits and sludge from engines.
How Should I Flush My Motorcycle’s Engine Or Oil?
Before doing the routine oil change, add the engine oil flush to the crankcase. Oil cleansing removes sludge and grease buildup from the inside components, making them ready for fresh lubrication.
How Much Motor Oil Is Recommended For The Motorcycle?
For more information, consult the owner’s handbook. Following the guidelines in the service manual carefully prevents excessive or insufficient oil usage. The amount of oil should be more when the oil filter is changed, as stated in the owner’s handbook. It’s important to observe the final point.
When Changing The Oil, Should The Motorcycle Engine Be Warm?
Yes. Early in the morning, the engine oil is thicker and colder. Drive the motorbike or let the engine warm up for a while to allow the oil to become loose.
Does The Oil In Motorbike Engines Burn?
Yes. Oil deposits may build up on the spark plugs or valve stems of the engine if there is a problem with the piston rings or other engine parts. That indicates that oil is combusting inside the combustion chamber.
How To Change An Engine’s Oil?
According to the owner’s manual, the motorcycle engine oil has to be replaced. All service manuals include a step-by-step procedure that you can complete at home. Make sure you have the necessary equipment and the best engine oil for motorcycle to complete the task. While changing the oil, the bike must be on the middle stand. If the motorcycle’s center stand is not available, use the paddock stand instead.
The following are the general steps for changing the oil in a bike engine:
- Have all the tools available as instructed in the instructions.
- In the oil pan, drain the used oil.
- If necessary, replace it with a fresh oil filter.
- Utilizing the funnel, add fresh engine oil.
- Check the tightness of each nut and screw. Avoid overtightening since that could cause the thread to break.
How Can A Motorcycle’s Oil Leak Be Fixed?
A specialist should be called in to fix a motorbike engine oil leak because it cannot be done at home. If you notice an engine oil leak, stop the motorcycle right away and inform the technician. Coordinate the remaining procedures with the technician. A number of businesses, including Royal Enfield, now provide roadside assistance, which is a fantastic effort.
We have covered practically all of the topics connected to motorbike engine oil in this post.
