Have you ever wondered if you can use the same type of oil for an old motorcycle that you use for a new one? At Fubex Lubricants, we want to help you understand how synthetic motorcycle engine oil works and if it’s good for older bikes.
Synthetic oil is a special type of oil made by scientists to be better for engines. But can it work well in older motorcycles, too? In this guide, we will explain what synthetic oil is, why it might be good for your old bike, and what you need to think about before making the switch.
Let’s learn together how to keep your motorcycle running smoothly!
Brief Overview of Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil
Synthetic oil is a special kind of oil made by scientists. They take regular oil, break it down into tiny parts, and then put it back together in a better way. If you look at a drop of synthetic oil under a microscope, you’ll see that all the tiny parts look almost the same.
Regular oil, also called mineral oil, comes from the ground. When you look at a drop of regular oil under a microscope, you’ll see lots of different shapes and sizes.
Synthetic oil can be made in two ways: fully synthetic, which is 100% made by scientists, and synthetic blends, which is a mix of synthetic oil and regular oil.
Full synthetic oils are made from special ingredients, and regular oil from the ground is not used. They are made molecule by molecule and have special additives to help them last longer.
A synthetic blend is a mix of regular motor oil and synthetic oil. Adding synthetic oil to regular oil makes it a bit better at protecting the engine.
There are different kinds of synthetic oils, each used for other things. Most of the synthetic oils used in cars are called PAOs.
Introduction to Older Bikes & their Unique Requirements
Older bikes have been around for a long time and might need more attention. They work differently from newer bikes and need specific things to run well. Knowing these differences helps older bikes stay in good condition and run well for a long time.
Understanding the Oil Type
There are many kinds of engine oils for motorbikes, and it can be a bit confusing. These oils come in three main types: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oils are the most common and are often used for small motorbikes with engines between 80cc and 125cc. This is why they are sometimes called the best oils for 100cc bikes.
Mineral oils don’t last as long as synthetic oils, but they give enough protection for engines that don’t work too hard. It’s best not to ride too fast or too hard with mineral oil because it can make the engine parts wear out faster.
Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a mix of regular oil and special synthetic oil. It’s popular because it works well for many different motorbikes. This type of oil is good for bikes with bigger engines, like 150cc and 180cc.
It’s a great choice for riders who sometimes like to go fast. Semi-synthetic oil protects the engine better and lasts longer than regular oil.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is made in a lab and is the best for bikes with really big engines, like those over 180cc. It costs more than regular and semi-synthetic oils, but it protects the engine the best and lasts the longest.
Synthetic oil is very slippery and can handle high temperatures, so it’s perfect for tough conditions.
Compatibility of Synthetic Oil with Older Bikes
You can use synthetic oil in older bikes, but there are a few things to remember:
Better Protection
Synthetic oil protects engine parts better, which can help older engines run more smoothly.
Less Wear and Tear
It helps reduce wear and tear, which is good for older bikes that might have parts that are more worn out.
Watch for Leaks
Make sure your engine doesn’t have any leaks because synthetic oil is thinner and might leak more easily.
Check the Manual
Always look at your bike’s manual to see if synthetic oil is recommended.
Switch Slowly
If your bike has been using regular oil for a long time, mix synthetic oil with regular oil at first to make the switch slowly.
Using synthetic oil can help keep your older bike in good shape and make it run better for a longer time!
Precautions & Considerations Before Switching to Synthetic Oil
Now that we’ve talked about how great synthetic oil is, you might wonder if it’s okay to switch from regular oil. The good news is that it’s usually safe to switch to synthetic oil, even if your car has always used regular oil. But there are a few important things to think about:
Checking Compatibility
Before using synthetic oil, look in your car’s manual or ask a mechanic to be sure it’s okay. Older cars or ones that have been driven a lot might need a different kind of oil.
Changing Your Oil
When you switch to synthetic oil, be sure to change all the old oil with the new synthetic oil. Mixing synthetic and regular oils can make the synthetic oil not work as well.
Cost
Synthetic oil costs more than regular oil. It works better and protects your car more, but think about how much money you have and what your car really needs before you decide to change to synthetic oil.
Switching to synthetic oil can make your car’s engine work better. It protects the engine more, and you don’t have to change the oil as often. But first, you need to check if your car can use synthetic oil.
You should also change all the old oil to synthetic oil and think about how much it costs. Understanding these things will help you decide if synthetic oil is good for you and your car. If you need advice, Fubex Lubricants can help with all your oil needs.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, using synthetic motorcycle engine oil in older bikes can be really good. It gives better protection, makes the engine parts last longer, and helps the bike run better.
But you need to be careful about a few things, like checking for leaks, making sure it works with your bike’s engine, and switching slowly if you’ve been using regular oil. At Fubex Lubricants, our high-quality synthetic oils are made to help both new and old motorcycles run smoothly.
FAQs
Q1: Can synthetic motorcycle engine oil improve the performance of my vintage bike?
Ans: Yes, using synthetic motorcycle engine oil can make your vintage bike work better. It helps the parts move smoother, which can make your bike faster. Synthetic oil also protects the engine better, especially for older bikes that might have more wear and tear.
Q2: Are there any specific compatibility issues I should be aware of when considering synthetic oil for my older motorcycle?
Ans: Older bikes, especially ones that cool with air, aren’t built as precisely and might use up more of the newer, better oils. Synthetic oils won’t make the clutch slip if they’re made for wet clutches, not car oils. However, synthetic oils are usually more slippery than regular oils.
Q3: How can I determine if my older bike is suitable for switching to synthetic oil without causing damage to the engine?
Ans: Older engines have more space between their parts, so they need thicker oil with bigger molecules. Synthetic oils have flatter molecules that can slip past the engine’s seals more easily. This might make the engine use more oil and could make the insides of the engine smooth and not work as well.
