Synthetic Or Mineral Oil: What's Better For Your Motorcycle? | MC Garage
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2016
- Looking for a strong opinion? Ask a motorcyclist what oil they use. Is mineral oil good enough, or is synthetic the only way to go? In this video from the MC Garage, we’ll discuss the differences.
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What Makes Up Motorcycle Oil
A mineral or synthetic designation refers to the base oil that makes up about 75 to 80 percent of each liter of oil. The other 20 to 25 percent of the bottle are additives like anti-foaming, viscosity modifiers, and friction modifiers. Nearly all additives are synthesized in a lab, but they’re not considered when categorizing an oil. It’s the base oil that makes the difference, and the American Petroleum Institute has split them up into five groups based on their characteristics and composition.
Group I, Group II, and Group III oils are all derived from crude oil that’s pumped out of the ground, while group IV and Group V oils are synthetic, meaning they’re concocted in a lab from chemically modified materials. Group IV is reserved for a specific type of chemistry called Polyalphaolefins, or PAOs. Group V includes a pretty wide range of chemistries, but the most popular Group-V synthetics are esters.
So, the base oil determines if the oil is classified as a mineral or synthetic, but what do those terms mean for your engine, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Mineral Vs. Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Mineral oil has been around for decades and it can offer great lubrication performance. By far the biggest appeal of mineral oil is its price. Since it takes less work to become a finished product, it’s pretty affordable stuff.
The drawbacks of mineral oil stem from the fact that it’s refined from crude oil. That means mineral oil contains a variety of different molecules as well as some lingering contaminants like sulfur. Basically, that means mineral oil is less chemically stable than synthesized oil so it’s more easily oxidized and acidified and can break down more quickly under extreme use. And by “extreme” we mean high loads, high engine speeds, and high temperatures. Think motocross bike being ridden at full tilt on a scorching summer day.
Just as the cons of mineral oil revolve around its impurities, the benefits of synthetic oil revolve around its purity. Synthetic oil consists of uniform molecules that are specifically tailored to serve as a performance lubricant. That means it does a better job of reducing wear and holds up better under extreme use. The cons? There’s really just one: Price. Synthetics are difficult to produce, and the cost reflects that. We’re talking $15 a liter versus about $6 a liter for this mineral oil.
What About Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Oil?
Torn between the two? Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils. It offers some of the benefits of synthetic oils without all the cost. The thing is, there is no set minimum percentage for synthetic content, so semi-synthetic oils can range from as little as 5 percent synthetic on up to a straight 50-50 blend. For the most part, though, semis use about 15 percent synthetic oil.
So the bottle will say what base oil it’s made from, right? Not likely. The only time you really know you’re getting the good stuff is when you see “ester” on the bottle. Ester isn’t your great aunt, it’s a family of badass molecules that have some impressive properties like polarity and super-strong film strength. And since it’s the most expensive stuff to make, manufacturers are always eager to slap “ester” on the label.
The Best Motorcycle Oil Is The One You Use
When it comes down to it, there’s a lot of marketing that goes into oil and it can be difficult to really know what you’re buying. Our advice? Buy oil from a reputable, established company and steer clear of no-name bargain brands.
The type of oil you use can be a tough choice, but when it comes down to it changing your oil regularly is just as important as what oil you use.
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00:25 What Is Motorcycle Oil Made Of
00:53 What Is Mineral Motorcycle Oil
01:40 What Is Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
02:04 What Is Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
02:14 What Makes A Motorcycle Oil Good - Auta a dopravní prostředky
quick and straight to the point without unnecessary
Unnecessary Bullshit
I hate when you are watching a video about a recipe or wrenching. And they BS for 10 mins about their life story or that kinda stuff.
Respect to this guy for not wasting out valuable time
They both work fine, the best oil is clean oil, and the correct grade...
Yeah but synthetic will take the abuse you throw at it without degrading as much as mineral oil
20k on a bike to save 5 bucks on oil. Synthetic is the 0nly way to go
Synthetic is definitely the way to go, if you can afford it.
Also, changing the oil on time is actually the most important part of the whole ordeal!
@@menotyou7762 if you regularly change your fluids and not beat the crap out of your bike, either is fine.
Hey guys is there such thing as changing oil to often? On a motor bike
This guy is good and knows his stuff. I've Been a motorcycle mechanic since 1980 and retired now and recently the proud owner of a 2019 xsr900 .
I'm having my 1st change oil on my bike and I'm glad I dropped by here. Thank you so much.
MC Garage always putting out useful content to keep riders educated, good job guys!
straight forward an non-nonsense explanation. I love this channel!
love the garage series...Keep it coming
the videos are very simple and information. top of the line!!! keep it up Ari and your team!
Great videos, you always explained it clearly and on point. also how something works, advantages/disadvantages and everything!
I run full synthetic in everything from the lawn mover and snow blower to our suv's and motorcycles including a motor swapped pitbike. motorcycles are very demanding on oil from the wet clutch breaking down then the oil filter getting clogged and having to drain that same oil out fast enough to keep the flow going, I like adding marvel mystery oil as an extra piece of mind for fuel pumps and injectors and it hasn't dirtied any internal sensors
Always informative videos from the MC Garage. I always use synthetic in my Bikes
Same here, cost be damned! =P
Good video, and clear information from Ari. Good job. I'd like to add one thing from the field (I am a motorcycle technician with 10+ yrs. experience) on MC's behalf. Read your owner's manual!!!! The oil the machine was designed to use will be listed there. As for brand, it's all preference, just make sure it meets the ratings your motorbike needs to operate properly. Thanks for being brave and saying you use mineral bases in your street bike too Ari. 😉
We realy like your videos, they are just simple to understand and very helpful. Thank's!
Thank you for your great knowledge of information. You're the best coach when it comes to motorcycle 🏍️ advice.
Great info guys ! Really jazzed about the success of your channel.
These videos are SO helpful. Thank you 🙏
MC Garage. I really liked this comparison. Perhaps you could do something similar for fuels? There's lots of theories about supermarket vs premium and it would interesting to hear your take.
Just what I was looking for. Thanks!
The "diversity" of molecules in mineral oil also has the advantage of better adhering to a not-so-uniform metal surface (at the molecular level with all sorts of nooks and crannies). This is why using mineral oil (of the right viscosity) can often lead to a quieter ride. But, you don't get that "quiet" for free -- now because it's absorbing all that vibrational energy the conventional oil gets "pushed" and "worked" even harder! So, don't be surprised that will also "break down" more often as well.
I’ve been using Rotella T6 full synthetic no problems so far and it’s so affordable.
I love this channel. Really useful information.
Nicely done and very professional. Thanks.
Love me my MC Garage. Keep it up, guys.
My experience: both my CB500F and CBR600RR both shifted better & stayed cooler after switching from GN4 mineral to full synthetic.
I've been using Delo 400 MGX 15W-40 on my CB500F for the last 15k kms. Used Motul fully syn for 30k kms before that and to be honest, I don't feel any difference between them. My oil change interval is 5k kms.
Which full synthetic did you use? Did you use hondas?
@@JohnnyBoy919 Honda HP4S for the 500F and Amsoil MCT for the 600RR
@@mattf2535 Do you think it's good to use the HP4S for a first oil change? I'm thinking of changing my 23' CbR500R oil at just 300 miles, as I'm doing a little bit of a semi-harsh break-in.
I run what the manufacture tells me to. I guess I have no imagination but none of my machines have ever let me down.
Hey great video as always. If you haven't already can you do a video on checking alignments and bearings?
Nice video straight to the point
Great stuff thanks.
Such good information!
THIS CHANNEL IS AWESOME.
That is for 4t.When we talk for 2t,mineral oil are good for some small bikes that go about 5-6k rpm because they can't propertly burn synthetic oil.For some bigger 2t bikes you need to use synthetic because they have higher rpm and produce very high temperature.And yea,for scooters is best to use semi-synthetic because they have too high rpm for mineral but don't produce soo much temperature to burn synthetic.
Please do the “science” on engine motorcycle oil vs auto and diesel truck engine oil. I see many people put diesel motor oil in sport bikes! Some say they don’t care because they will sell the bike and they don’t keep it long enough, how can this attitude affect the second or third owner? Thanks and great job on the vids! Keep them coming.
good stuff
Question: in Wet multiplate clutch gearboxes, does it make a difference in gearshifts if mineral or synthetic is used?
Thanks #MC this is what i was looking for
Very savvy. Good man
Forty years ago I went to school for my Industrial Mechanic certification. And we required 8 hours of oils and lubricants study. Way back then we learnt that synthetic oils were the best. I’ve used them ever since and have never once had an engine fail on me.
change oil is important what ever oil that you use,, he is right thats a big yes....
keep making this.
Like he said- the benefit of synthetic is more gradual breakdown - but isn't this only better for pro-longed use - which is why i use mineral oil (cheaper) but i change it after every trackday. For my car i use synthetic because it only has 4K rpm and it goes for 10K miles.
many many thanks... bro....!
Thanks again for your knowledge question Best motorcycle grade oil for winter months
Hi. Is it true that if you run synthethic you have more time between valve adjustments? Or that doesn't correlate?
15 honda shadow shaft drive.
Can you make a video on what is the difference between standard and dual channels ABS on bikes.
I agree i notice when i used repsol mineral oil in my gsxr 600 the engine gets very hot really quick
awesome videos.
Amsoil has been shown in independent dyno runs to increase hp by 2-3 on the R1 over traditional oil. There's also a longer change interval. Good enough reason for me to continue using it.
Only a fool don't use amsoil and bypass systems...
I've always used castrol 4t 10w40 synthetic ( the gold container)
The mineral is the best u idiot
@@leftmorningstar6954 Why?
MC Garage, How many KM does Semi Syn oils able to last before it needs to change ? Based on 60% town 40% highway use, per day around 40-60km clocked. Thanks!
The best oil to use is the one you will use frequently or at least on the service intervals.
what is the best motorcycle engine oil to use after overhaul engine?
Mineral or Semi Syntethic oil?
I used motul synthetic 5100 in my 07 xr400 motard. The clutched slipped. changed to castrol power 1 gps semi syn and no more clutch slip. I use the castrol in my yamaha wr450f 09 and the motul in my husky 09 te510. both have been great. i get 1500km in my husky, the Yamaha I service every 350km. That the difference of an offroad bike and a road bike.
Hey avid fan here from phillipines i have a ns200 rouser is it ok to use the motul oil cause im in a tropical country thanks more power to your show and its help me alot from your video
Dear Ari, pls advice if car oil can be used in moto bike or scooter system? Much appreciated 🙇🏻
Thank you 🙏.
To my knowledge, the friction modifiers in synthetic oils are removed so as to be used in a wet clutch application. What is left besides the base esters that would make synthetics so much better in cars when used in bikes?
You called it. .esters inherently have the highest film strength and temperature resistance...
And what about Technosyntetic oils? Like Motul's 5100 ?
hi can you please tell me that what engine oil is best for 4-Stroke OHC Single Cylinder Cooled by Air 70 cc motorcycle engine
I have a 2018 Ninja 400 with 8,000 miles. Been putting in full synthetic since first oil change. I was told that I should not be using synthetic at all, until much, much later in the bikes life. Is this true? Did I screw up and use the wrong oil?
The main difference is just how frequently you want to change your oil. If the marketing behind full synthetics promises longer oil change intervals, then that "additive" package will have to obey those rules too. This means that mineral or semi-synthetic oils can have additive packages that make the bike feel better for the first 1000 miles but break down quickly afterwards, but the full synthetic will be restricted to only those additives that can stick around for as long as the base oil itself. So, what really determines the "best quality" oil for your bike, when taking the "whole oil + additive combination" into the picture, is simply how long you want to go in between changing your oil.
Said no petroleum engineer ever.
@@x-man5056 Said someone who thinks they know all petroleum engineers lol
What's the oil drainage interval of mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oil?
Make a Video on correct choice of Engine Oil for Royal Enfield UCE engines
I have a 98Honda CBR900RRW fireblade, would mineral oil be better for this bike or semi synthetic. It has wet clutch system. Please respond. Thank you.
Hope you can give us videos on maintenance based on Honda scooters
Is it true that you shouldnt run snythetic oil in an engine that only ran on mineral oil before?
Thanks for your help
@mcgarage
motul 7100 or 5100 ? which one to choose. I'm curruntly on Motul 7100 10w-40 but sometimes it leaks from Piston head area. it's also same recommanded grade for my Motorcycle, but is it too thin or what? engine also overheats and runs better when cold but sluggish when its hot.
Motorcycle is TVS Apache RTR 180cc
Which oil is prefered for slow revving motorcycles like the royal enfield bullets??? mineral or synthetic?
Hello MC Garage, I have 2 litres spare of oil,1is mineral and the other is synthetic.both of them is unused and sealed what will be the problem I mix those oils,and use it to my bike ..? thank you..
Great sir 👌👍👍👍
My bike manufacture recommend 10W30 oil, but i want to use 10w40 or 10w50,can i use 40 or 50 oil insted of 10w30 recommend oil?
Is synthetic oil good on a tropical or warm country?.. Tnx for the answer
Is it true Rotella diesel oil can be used in motorcycles? If yes, how do I know which weight? My Triumph takes 20W-50.
May I know what is the different between car and motor engine oil even the viscosity is same?
Are there motorcycle specific oils? Or can you use car engine oils on bikes too? I've got a whole bunch of engine oil i use on ny cars sitting around. If I can use that for my bike when I change the oil, I will.
i am from portugal , what oil do you guys recomend to my zx10R 2011?
Here in Canada, we run pure Maple Syrup in our bikes, none of that fake ass Synthetic Maple Syrup...SWEET ride.
No bacon grease at all?
Bet it doesn’t smell as good like Castor bean oil, but a sweet close 2nd 🥈
I have a Yamaha Yzf- R3 320 2015
What oil should i use?
I heard that on some bikes fully synthetic oil can can cause the clutch to slip after extended use, is this true?
what if i pour a synthetic oil on my street bike does it any difference?
Ari how often do you change the oil on your race bikes?
Hi ari.how about synthetic base but the price of mineral oil.i confused
Repsol moto sport 4T synthetic blend is good for my street bike. But don't know about #Ester on it.
Any one knows?
could you use 4 stroke dirt bike oil in your modern street bike if its the same weight
Actually if you are not sure which motor oil will work "best" in your engine, a synthetic blend might be a good thing to try. Making good compromises is the basis for good Engineering. For example, don't gear your bike too tall or too low, don't use a tire too wide or too narrow... similarly, don't use a motor oil that is too slippery, or old technology when your bike can take something better. Remember means between extremes (true generally speaking).
The Belray EXP feels a bit sticky, not slippery, but agree in general with what you are saying here. Plus, you don't need $100 oil in a $50 bike either. But if you have a newish bike and you want to do the best you can do to keep the motor "like new", don't scrimp on oil. Ester synthetic for street, touring, and sport bikes is a huge YES.
Is it advisable to use synthetic oil if the car is in break in period?
I have a honda which manual recommends using 10w30 oil, but many people that own the same bike always recommend using 15w50, synthetic, and I honestly don't know why the heck would you use something so different from the one recommended in the manual... or is it?
Did i make a mistake? Cause i change my mineral oil to synthetic when i got the bike in its break in period does it affect the parts of the motorcycle or damage something? Help me guys im worried about my bike
mineral oil fail after constant 150km riding...always happe to me dont know why and it feels like sudden drop of pick up of my bike
My bike need 1.2L oil. I added 200ml mineral with 1L synthetic. Can it use it for next 1000km or should i discard it?
So it's depending of our riding habit, right?
88 Honda Goldwing I try use Rotella T4, T5, T6, Chevron 400, AMSOIL 10/30, but the best for my clutch was Bell Ray 10w40 mineral.....
I have wrt cluch, how important is the oil to have JASO MA2?
How long will each variety of oil last?? Drain interval?
God I miss these videos.... Not the dude talking abiut carbs non stop.
My brother accidentally changed his oil from synthetic to mineral oil. Does this will have bad effects on the engine?
Do we use mineral or sintetic oil for brand new bike (for break in period)🤔🤔
Im owning a ktm rc 390 which was facing crank case cracked and oil leak issue . I solved that crack with jb weld . Can i use mineral oil for 10-15km just to check oil is leaking or not . To save my synthetic oil wastage . If oil will not leak i will put synthetic oil after . What u suggest me should i do this??
Does synthetic oil start out as crude oil first?
Been running Motul full syn in all my bikes since 2003.
Hi, I own a Mt07, Fz 07 2017 3000 km. I used the recommended viscosity 10W40 Ams oil and the gear changes where clunky, I switched to 15W50 AMS as I leave in HK always summer and everything runs smoothly after the change. My question is whether the 15W50 will protect the engine just as well as the 10W40 although is not the recommended viscosity?
Surely , it will protect from wearing , just go on bro