Synthetic Or Mineral Oil: What's Better For Your Motorcycle?

Synthetic Or Mineral Oil: What's Better For Your Motorcycle? | MC Garage

Рет қаралды 457,368

8 жыл бұрын

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.
--
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.
Read the whole story on Motorcyclist: www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc...
Subscribe: kzfaq.info...
Motorcyclist Shirts: teespring.com/stores/motorcyc...
Shop Products We Use: www.amazon.com/shop/motorcycl...
See more from us: www.motorcyclistonline.com/
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

Пікірлер: 501

@dennism103 6 жыл бұрын

They both work fine, the best oil is clean oil, and the correct grade...

@user-hs2hd7wp9g 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah but synthetic will take the abuse you throw at it without degrading as much as mineral oil

@menotyou7762 3 жыл бұрын

20k on a bike to save 5 bucks on oil. Synthetic is the 0nly way to go

@Otto45 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@tomchristian4304 2 жыл бұрын

@@menotyou7762 if you regularly change your fluids and not beat the crap out of your bike, either is fine.

@1911ang 2 жыл бұрын

Hey guys is there such thing as changing oil to often? On a motor bike

@vstm3950 7 жыл бұрын

quick and straight to the point without unnecessary

@jeffbezos4746 2 жыл бұрын

Unnecessary Bullshit

@Dishsoapbomb 11 ай бұрын

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

@MarcEdwindelosReyes 5 жыл бұрын

I'm having my 1st change oil on my bike and I'm glad I dropped by here. Thank you so much.

@mototechsam3051 3 жыл бұрын

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 .

@gronkgrunk 7 жыл бұрын

MC Garage always putting out useful content to keep riders educated, good job guys!

@SrinidhiAithal 8 жыл бұрын

love the garage series...Keep it coming

@ryanrafer4240 6 жыл бұрын

the videos are very simple and information. top of the line!!! keep it up Ari and your team!

@PyroMania61 7 жыл бұрын

straight forward an non-nonsense explanation. I love this channel!

@bk3088 3 жыл бұрын

Great videos, you always explained it clearly and on point. also how something works, advantages/disadvantages and everything!

@XTAdventures 7 жыл бұрын

We realy like your videos, they are just simple to understand and very helpful. Thank's!

@benson4u215 7 жыл бұрын

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

@rangerjoe2635 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your great knowledge of information. You're the best coach when it comes to motorcycle 🏍️ advice.

@WarMachineMotovlogs 8 жыл бұрын

Always informative videos from the MC Garage. I always use synthetic in my Bikes

@ElroyMcDuff 7 жыл бұрын

Same here, cost be damned! =P

@ZoneTelevision 8 жыл бұрын

Great info guys ! Really jazzed about the success of your channel.

@eliotsalandybrown 4 жыл бұрын

These videos are SO helpful. Thank you 🙏

@supermotofrank 8 жыл бұрын

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. 😉

@10lhskater 7 жыл бұрын

I love this channel. Really useful information.

@michor10 7 жыл бұрын

Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

@josephjeffrey5171 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@ltcjohnson1966 8 жыл бұрын

Nicely done and very professional. Thanks.

@notthenorm4805 8 жыл бұрын

Hey great video as always. If you haven't already can you do a video on checking alignments and bearings?

@mattdavidson3651 8 жыл бұрын

Love me my MC Garage. Keep it up, guys.

@willdavids7075 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been using Rotella T6 full synthetic no problems so far and it’s so affordable.

@mattf2535 3 жыл бұрын

My experience: both my CB500F and CBR600RR both shifted better & stayed cooler after switching from GN4 mineral to full synthetic.

@tempeleng 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@JohnnyBoy919 Жыл бұрын

Which full synthetic did you use? Did you use hondas?

@mattf2535 Жыл бұрын

@@JohnnyBoy919 Honda HP4S for the 500F and Amsoil MCT for the 600RR

@salmon4o4 8 ай бұрын

@@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.

@m3felonia145 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video straight to the point

@gmike912 7 жыл бұрын

Such good information!

@e65bmwdoctor 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@tommybikes717 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for your knowledge question Best motorcycle grade oil for winter months

@vivaselementum 7 жыл бұрын

THIS CHANNEL IS AWESOME.

@MikeSmith-vb8ul 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@Mr.Swarupdash 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks #MC this is what i was looking for

@F4izzle 5 жыл бұрын

I run what the manufacture tells me to. I guess I have no imagination but none of my machines have ever let me down.

@MothershipVideos 7 жыл бұрын

Great stuff thanks.

@cristobaltorres3625 7 жыл бұрын

Very savvy. Good man

@paumoto3501 6 жыл бұрын

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

@TORVSTV Жыл бұрын

change oil is important what ever oil that you use,, he is right thats a big yes....

@udxpierre 2 жыл бұрын

Been running Motul full syn in all my bikes since 2003.

@2strong2handle 3 жыл бұрын

I agree i notice when i used repsol mineral oil in my gsxr 600 the engine gets very hot really quick

@sirjolly81 8 жыл бұрын

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.

@RevBomb 8 жыл бұрын

good stuff

@SubhosVlogs 5 жыл бұрын

Make a Video on correct choice of Engine Oil for Royal Enfield UCE engines

@luis545x39 8 жыл бұрын

keep making this.

@jati9782 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@johndavis6596 10 ай бұрын

The best oil to use is the one you will use frequently or at least on the service intervals.

@briankeith757 7 жыл бұрын

I've always used castrol 4t 10w40 synthetic ( the gold container)

@leftmorningstar6954 4 жыл бұрын

The mineral is the best u idiot

@Skylar7s 3 жыл бұрын

@@leftmorningstar6954 Why?

@cadcube360 7 жыл бұрын

Can you make a video on what is the difference between standard and dual channels ABS on bikes.

@muhiuddin91 6 жыл бұрын

many many thanks... bro....!

@jonesrajan3979 6 жыл бұрын

Hope you can give us videos on maintenance based on Honda scooters

@tim_salotto_ND 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@johnwolf1475 5 жыл бұрын

Only a fool don't use amsoil and bypass systems...

@caiomendes4799 3 жыл бұрын

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.....

@vstar7196 4 ай бұрын

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.

@ghulamfarooq3587 7 жыл бұрын

awesome videos.

@anaghzaccount 7 жыл бұрын

Question: in Wet multiplate clutch gearboxes, does it make a difference in gearshifts if mineral or synthetic is used?

@abdullahadam5643 7 жыл бұрын

hi ... need to know more about Motorcycle Oil leak causes and solutions...

@ragecage2011 7 жыл бұрын

amsoil 10w30... been using it for EVER ON MY 919RR AND MY R1 ... i get it at wholesale price 8.96 a quart

@ricardoviolanti5780 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏.

@Poppa_82 3 жыл бұрын

I use Harley Davidson's Screaming Eagle SYN3 synthetic 20W50 oil 👌🏽

@dennism103 6 жыл бұрын

I prefer 10w50 maxima in my hd vtwin, works great.

@clocka 6 жыл бұрын

Dear Ari, pls advice if car oil can be used in moto bike or scooter system? Much appreciated 🙇🏻

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 7 жыл бұрын

Fully synthetic in my B-King, semi-synthetic in my MT-01.

@bikeboy0012 7 жыл бұрын

my bike is gsraged in a non temp controlled garage 5 months a year. i only use mineral oil since i change my oil every season. cost benefit

@strrider8474 8 жыл бұрын

Great information. I love all the videos that motorcyclist makes. I got a question that no one can give me a straight answer about exhaust, on aftermarket exhaust if you remove the db killers does it damage your engine or not?, and if it does what happens to it and why do they give you the option to keep or remove it?

@supermotofrank 8 жыл бұрын

Quieting baffle inserts are constrictions installed in the exhaust system to reduce noise levels, the byproduct of installation is increased pressure between the exhaust valve and the end of the tailpipe. More pressure in this area results in better running conditions (generalization). Essentially, installing performance exhaust doesn't damage a power train, lack of compensating for the reduced back pressure does. If the bike is fuel injected it must be re-tuned, if the bike is carbureted it must be re-jetted. Performance exhaust leans out combustion chambers, it must be compensated for.

@supermotofrank 8 жыл бұрын

@dantae666 5 жыл бұрын

yamaha main dealer advised not putting in synthetic in my xvs 1100 because it would make the clutch slip. shocked the dealer would only sell me the cheaper product and not the more expensive i took there advice

@radrcer 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@maurizior1970 2 жыл бұрын

Is it true that you shouldnt run snythetic oil in an engine that only ran on mineral oil before? Thanks for your help @mcgarage

@lukeloney3981 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@MehraRiderzz 5 жыл бұрын

Great sir 👌👍👍👍

@arikagusta6217 5 жыл бұрын

what is the best motorcycle engine oil to use after overhaul engine? Mineral or Semi Syntethic oil?

@PUTERABONCET 7 жыл бұрын

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!

@MrBullya 2 жыл бұрын

Rotella t6 5w40 diesel oil for my 2006 gsxr 1000, 2008 gsxr 1000, 09 r1, 2011 and 15 z1000

@mrthomaslaux1 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@Afaq-ur-RehmanRajput 6 жыл бұрын

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

@CanecaProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Please make a video on how to replace stock coolant with Engine Ice.

@ameunier41 7 жыл бұрын

1- Dump stock coolant 2- Pour Engine Ice What where you expecting? You can always do a wash with demineralized water, but if your old coolant is clean there is no need.

@joepauljoy8573 7 жыл бұрын

Which oil is prefered for slow revving motorcycles like the royal enfield bullets??? mineral or synthetic?

@naseerahmad1524 6 жыл бұрын

What's the oil drainage interval of mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oil?

@davidjames1684 5 жыл бұрын

There is such a thing as too slippery. One job of MC oil is to reduce friction, not virtually eliminate it. If the oil is too slippery, it can cause problems (such as clutch slippage). In cars, using synthetic in a high mileage car might cause it to leak some oil when it wasn't previously leaking oil using conventional (mineral) oil.

@domnickachhap5968 6 жыл бұрын

Motul technosyntheic with ester 5100 . 15w50 i use that and yes its little bit good then castrol wenever my engine gets heat and i get sensation on my knees i get a fate of motul and my tention release it 510 bucks i have to use 1200ml so bought two bottle of 1 liter

@kimballscarr Жыл бұрын

I use the used oil from my car… let it set for a month or two then slowly add until it starts changing color. Same deal I then use in my 1951 Chevy truck. Like I always reuse ATF and gear oil too reuse for machine and hydraulic oil after sitting for at least 3 months. No problems in over 50 years. What brand etc? Bought a bunch 24 (30 gal.) barrels of Kendall GT in the late sixties for a real deal.. that broken down it was 20 cents a qt. Or a $24 a barrel. Still have all the used oil in the used barrels… so maybe it could be refined into new oil… though Kendall is long out of business… probably got enough new to get me to 100 years old. So not worrying about needing to refine / recycle into new right now.

@jamesdunn9714 6 жыл бұрын

I had my oil changed here in Seattle where I'm visiting by Vallantine BMW repair. My moto is a '94 BMWR1100RS. They know their business and I think it'll be fine. Thx for the video.

@wedgecharger 4 жыл бұрын

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?

@mikeschlup5279 2 жыл бұрын

You called it. .esters inherently have the highest film strength and temperature resistance...

@ktiori 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@metallisticrider619 6 жыл бұрын

Is synthetic oil good on a tropical or warm country?.. Tnx for the answer

@submissions72 5 жыл бұрын

God I miss these videos.... Not the dude talking abiut carbs non stop.

@frederickgauma6022 5 жыл бұрын

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..

@VaibhavJoshi1995 7 жыл бұрын

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

@danejurus69 5 жыл бұрын

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?

@polomen24 5 жыл бұрын

i am from portugal , what oil do you guys recomend to my zx10R 2011?

@alancuriel123456 7 жыл бұрын

rotella t6 in everything

@Eskimo-kd6dl 6 жыл бұрын

May I know what is the different between car and motor engine oil even the viscosity is same?

@juntars3543 6 жыл бұрын

Can you explain about engine oil codes?

@tshadow6 3 жыл бұрын

Is it true Rotella diesel oil can be used in motorcycles? If yes, how do I know which weight? My Triumph takes 20W-50.

@Sk2PPer 4 жыл бұрын

Suzuki Ecstar full synthetic 👌🏾👌🏾

@Ranger5gOffroad 8 жыл бұрын

Full synthetic is my go-to!

@leftmorningstar6954 4 жыл бұрын

no mineral is the best

@leftmorningstar6954 3 жыл бұрын

@Ray Charles no your life

@morrisdennis 3 жыл бұрын

I use 20w50 aviation mineral oil its awesome

@christians131 7 жыл бұрын

could you use 4 stroke dirt bike oil in your modern street bike if its the same weight

@getee3636 7 жыл бұрын

And what about Technosyntetic oils? Like Motul's 5100 ?

@robertsullivan8045 Жыл бұрын

BEL-RAY MC1 is the best 2 stroke oil on the US market today! US SUZUKI recommends this oil to minimize any oil related issues with YOUR new race bikes!

@nikhilshyampatil1719 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, can you please make a detail video on engine flush, when to use it, its pros and cons, when shall it be avoided and regular intervals to use it.

@joshSmacknMouths 4 жыл бұрын

Engine flushes are bad from exprience my used car was wrecked due to the engine flush.

@nikhilshyampatil1719 4 жыл бұрын

@@joshSmacknMouths but are they bad on new engines ?

@joshSmacknMouths 4 жыл бұрын

@@nikhilshyampatil1719 sorry i dont know about new engines but ive seen many videos that show bad results from engine flushing not to mention my car car being scraped due to that.