Whether you use your motorcycle for everyday rides, long trips, weekend fun, or racing, the oil in your engine and gearbox is super important. It helps your bike work better and last longer.
The engine parts spin really fast, up to 15,000 times a minute, and good oil keeps them from getting worn out too quickly. It also helps your engine run smoothly by reducing friction and stopping bad stuff from building up.
Brief Overview of Motorcycle Engine Performance
Engines are super important for cars and motorcycles. Motorcycles have different types of engines, and each type affects how powerful the motorcycle is and how much fuel it uses. Each type has good and bad points, so you should choose the one that fits how you like to ride.
Motorcycle engines can be grouped into:
- Designs
- Number of strokes: 2-stroke or 4-stroke
- Cooling system: air-cooled or liquid-cooled
- Number of cylinders: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
- Engine size: from 50cc to over 7000cc
When we think about a fast motorcycle, we often think it’s the best just because it has a big engine, lots of power, and can go really fast. But is that all that matters? No, it’s not! A good motorcycle needs to be great at many other things, too.
How well it does, everything shows how well it’s made. In this article, we’ll talk about what makes a motorcycle great besides just being fast. Let’s learn more about these different types of motorcycle engines.
Importance of Engine Oil in Optimising Performance
Picking the right engine oil can be tricky. There are many choices, like different grades and types of oil. Synthetic oils work really well and last long, even in tough conditions. At Fubex Lubricants, we have the right oil for your vehicle.
Changing your oil regularly is super important for your engine. But how often should you do it? Here’s a simple guide:
- Mineral oil: Change every 5,000 km
- Semi-synthetic oil: Change every 7,500 km
- Fully synthetic oil: Change every 10,000 km
Look at your vehicle’s manual or ask our experts at Fubex Lubricants to find out the best time to change your oil.
Using the right engine oil helps keep your vehicle in good shape and saves money on repairs. Here’s how it works:
It makes the engine last longer. Engine oil reduces rubbing between parts and keeps the engine clean. This stops the engine from getting clogged or damaged. Parts last longer and don’t rust as much, making the engine work better and last longer.
Keeps the Engine Running Smoothly. A well-oiled engine runs better. Good lubrication is important to stop serious damage. It also helps save money on fixing the engine.
Saves Fuel and Reduces Pollution. If the engine oil is old or too low, the engine uses more fuel and works harder. Good oil helps the engine use less fuel and reduces pollution.
Composition & Properties of Engine Oil
Engine oil, whether it’s mineral, synthetic, or semi-synthetic, has two main parts: base oil and additives. Let’s look at what these parts are and what the additives do to help the oil work better.
There are three main types of engine oil: mineral oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil. Each one is made differently.
- Mineral Oil
Mineral oil comes from crude petroleum, which is oil that is pumped out of the ground. They clean the refinery to remove impurities.
This oil is mostly made of hydrocarbons and sometimes has small amounts of sulphur or nitrogen. Additives are mixed in to make the oil work better.
- Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is made in a lab and can also come from refined petroleum. Making synthetic oil is more complicated than making mineral oil.
They change the structure of the molecules to keep only the best ones, and many additives are added. This makes synthetic oil very high-quality, and it performs better than mineral oil.
- Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a mix of synthetic oil and mineral oil. It usually has up to 30% synthetic oil, but even oil with just 1% synthetic can be called semi-synthetic. This mix gives you some of the benefits of both types of oil.
Properties of Engine Oil
Oil lubricants are usually thin and flow easily, but they can be different thicknesses. They’re made from special chemicals and often have extra stuff added to protect against rust, keep the oil clean, and help it work better.
- Viscosity – How Thick or Thin the Oil is
Viscosity is a way to say how thick or thin the oil is. Thicker oils flow slowly, while thinner oils flow easily. Thinner oils are good for making things work smoothly without extra resistance.
- Demulsibility – How the Oil Deals with Water
Oil is needed to handle water wells because water can damage machines. Demulsibility shows how well the oil can separate from water. Oils that do this well help protect against rust and keep everything working smoothly.
- Oxidation Stability – How the Oil Stays Clean
Oxidation happens when oil gets dirty and causes problems. Oxidation stability measures how well the oil stays clean and keeps working properly.
- Pour Point – How the Oil Flows in Cold Weather
The pour point is the lowest temperature at which oil still flows like a liquid. Additives help oil stay liquid in very cold temperatures, which is important for keeping things running well in winter.
- Flash Point – Safety with High Temperatures
Flashpoint tells us the lowest temperature at which oil can catch fire. A higher flash point means the oil can handle high temperatures better without catching fire.
Functions of Engine Oil in a Motorcycle Engine
- Lubrication
Engine oil helps keep all the engine parts moving smoothly. It puts a slippery layer on the moving parts so they don’t rub together and wear out.
The oil needs to flow all around the engine to keep this layer in place and stop parts from wearing out. The oil’s thickness is important to help reduce friction.
- Cooling
Synthetic engine oil helps cool down the engine by carrying away heat. When you turn off the engine, the oil goes back to the oil pan. Good oil also helps cool down the oil in the pan.
The oil shouldn’t get too hot. It’s good to use oil that can handle high temperatures without breaking down, which helps stop problems like build-up.
- Cleaning
Engine oil has two main parts: base oil and additives. The base oil helps the engine parts move smoothly. The additives help clean the engine by removing dirt and carbon build-up from the parts.
Different Types of Motorcycle Engine Oils
There are two main types of motorcycle oil: mineral and synthetic. Mineral oil comes from the ground and is cheaper. Synthetic oil is made in a lab and can handle heat and air better.
- Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is the simplest and cheapest type of oil. It comes from unrefined oils and has special ingredients to protect the engine and make the oil last longer. This oil is good for motorcycles with small engines and old engines that need thicker oil.
- Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is the most advanced type of oil you can buy. It’s made from special base oils and additives that protect the engine and reduce friction. This oil is great for big, powerful motorcycles and modern engines that need thinner oil to work better.
- Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a mix of regular and special oils. It takes the good parts from both kinds to help your engine work better and stay safe. This type of oil is great for motorcycles that are not too small or too big and need good oil but not the super fancy kind.
Maintenance of Engine Components’ Integrity
Your engine is the most important part of your bike. If a tire gets a hole, you can replace it. If the air conditioner stops working, you can fix it. But if your engine breaks, you can’t drive your motorcycle, and fixing it can be very expensive.
Instead of waiting until your bike is broken down, take care of your engine now. It will save you money and make sure your bike works when you need it. Here are four easy ways to keep your engine in great shape:
- Get Regular Oil Changes
You know you need to change your oil every three to five months. Even if you don’t know much about bikes, this is something you can’t forget. Oil can get dirty and thick, which can block your engine and make it stop working right.
Changing your oil on time keeps your engine happy. Ask your repair shop when you should change it based on how much you drive.
- Lubricate & Clean Your Engine
Your engine has lots of parts that move around. They need to be well-oiled so they don’t get damaged. Using clean oil helps keep everything running smoothly. You might want to ask your mechanic if there’s a better kind of oil for your engine.
- Get Spark Plugs Replaced
Spark plugs help your engine start and run. If they get dirty or covered in oil, they won’t work right. It would help if you got your spark plugs checked or replaced about every 30,000 miles. Check with your mechanic to see if your bike needs a different plan.
- Clean Your Engine Regularly
Just like you wash your bike when it’s dirty, you should clean your engine too. Engines can get messy with dirt, leaves, and even bugs. Regular cleaning keeps your engine working well. If you notice strange smells or smoke, your engine might need a good cleaning.
Taking care of your engine isn’t too hard. If you follow these steps and keep up with maintenance, you’ll save money on repairs and help your engine last longer.
- Call a Professional for Help
If you need help with your motorcycle, call Fubex Lubricants. Our friendly team will help you with maintenance and repairs. We’re a trusted repair shop with many happy customers. Contact us to make an appointment for your motorcycle.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right motorcycle engine oil is crucial for keeping your bike running smoothly and lasting longer. Whether you ride every day, go on long trips or race; good oil helps protect your engine, reduce wear, and improve performance. By picking the right oil and changing it regularly, you can ensure your motorcycle stays in top shape.
At Fubex Lubricants, we offer a range of high-quality oils to meet your motorcycle’s needs. Contact us today for expert advice and the best oil for your bike. Let us help you keep your engine running smoothly!
FAQs
Q1: How often should motorcycle engine oil be changed for optimal performance?
Ans: Change your engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometres. Even if your car seems to be running well, not changing the oil can cause problems later. Please keep track of how many kilometres you drive to know when it’s time for a new oil change.
Q2: What are the key differences between conventional, synthetic, and semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oils?
Ans: Semi-synthetic oil gives you some of the good things about synthetic oil but costs less than full synthetic oil. It works better than regular oil, especially when driving in tough conditions, but it’s not as strong as full synthetic oil.
Q3: Can using the wrong type of engine oil damage my motorcycle’s engine over time?
Ans: Picking the right oil for your motorcycle is really important. If the oil is too runny, it won’t stick well to the fast-moving parts in your engine. This can make the engine get too hot and wear out faster.
