True, False or Same?

Question

Motorcyle oil is the same as regular oil xcept for the price? Not talking about the bad kind that can destroy clutches. Just straight up motor oil. ex.10w40 or 20w50. Went into a auto store yesterday and reg. 10w40 was a $2 or so a qt., and the same oil that had MOTORCYLE OIL on the label was $8 to $9 a qt. CRAZY! What you guys think?

Answer 1

Mobil1 Motorcycle Oil  can be sold, but not produced, in US because of its additives.  These additives are mostly to carry off heat, but that's not an issue with modern motorcycles used in normal conditions.  I've always used "car" oil in my bikes.



Motorcycle oils DO NOT contain friction modifiers.  That's the stuff in lower weight car oils that will make your clutch slip.

Answer 2

There is a difference but it's not significant. It would really only matter if your were circuit racing. Even then it won't matter because they tinker inside the engines so much it wouldn't have chance to do any damage.

Like the other guys said, he's used it for years with no issues. The only thing I was ever told was that Castrol GTX isn't really good for bikes but the other stuff is just fine.

Answer 3

I would only use the oil type and grade recommended for your motorcycle. Check your owners manual. Most motorcycles have a wet clutch, and using automotive oil might have unforeseen consequences.

I just paid 4$/qt for Honda gn-4 10w-40 (regular oil). Mobil T1 synthetic racing oil however is $50 for 4 quarts. You're probably looking at a synthetic oil, and they are always more expensive. If your bike doesn't require a synthetic oil, then get regular non-synthetic motorcycle oil. It will be cheaper, but it's still formulated for motorcycle use.

Answer 4

I use what the manufacturer recommends as far as weight and API classification.

That means I ran Castrol GTX in my Hondas, my Suzuki, my Yamaha, and my cars as well.

None of them developed any oil related problems.

My Harley is a different matter. I use motorcycle oils in that one. 3 cases, 3 oils.

Answer 5

True, there is a difference in oils.  However, I wish someone had told me I couldn't run automotive oils in bikes....had I known that, I wouldn't have put the stuff in my KZ1000 for the last 110,000 miles (no overhauls or anything).

Answer 6

api rating and detergents are still different.  grade is about as similar as they get

Answer 7

There is a big difference. There is water cooled oil, air cooled oil, and even diesel oil. Water cooled oil in an air cooled engine can cause expensive problems

Answer 8

False. Not all oils are the same. Most automotive oils use detergent additives that will foam up in a motorcycle. The oil I use for my bike is $11 a quart. I only use Amsoil or Lucas Synthetic.

Answer 9

There is a difference.

Answer 10

Cars have transmissions with transmission fluid to protect clutches and gears.

Motorcycles use the same oil for lubricating EVERYTHING, and oil gets acidic byproducts in it from combustion. These acids will accumulate with riding and eat your gears and clutch plates unless there are additives to neutralize them.  Motorcycle specific oils have these additives.

So you can buy motorcycle oil and protect your entire engine, or you can buy regular oil and change it more often.  Some bikes are picky about what oils work with their clutches, and most motorcycle oils also have friction modifiers to help that as well.  But it's up to you.

Answer 11

I ride a 40 year old BSA. It has never had motorcycle oil in it.

I run Castrol 10w40 automobile oil and the oil is changed every 3500 miles. I see no advantage in running 'motorcycle' oil.