Motorcycle oil is super important for making your bike work well, especially when it comes to the clutch. The clutch helps connect the engine to the transmission, letting you change gears smoothly.
A “wet clutch” stays covered in oil, which helps it run better and makes your ride feel smoother. In this guide, we’ll explain how motorcycle oil affects your clutch, the different types of oils you can use, and why synthetic oil is a great choice for wet clutches.
How A Motorcycle Wet Clutch Works
A clutch in a motorcycle couples the engine and the transmission system in such a way that it can be shifted. A “wet clutch” is the name given to the clutch that is always immersed in oil. It ensures this continues to run smoothly, especially for motorcycles and dirt bikes, for which the gear shift is crucial.
Why Oil Matters for Clutch Performance
Oil is very important for how well the clutch works. The oil’s friction, or “grip,” affects how the clutch feels when you use it. If the oil doesn’t have the right grip, the clutch can feel “loose” or not as smooth.
For example, when you start moving at a green light, good-quality oil helps the clutch work better so the bike doesn’t stall or slip. If the oil doesn’t have the right grip, the clutch plates can slip, making it harder to ride smoothly.
Types of Motorcycle Oil for Clutches
Motorcycle oils are made from a base oil, with added ingredients to make them work better. There are three main types of oil, depending on what base oil they’re made from.
Mineral Oils
Depending on crude petroleum, mineral oil is the least costly. It’s washed during refining, but it is not as effective as synthetic oil. Mineral oil, on the other hand, does not flow so freely, and that can make the engine “drink” through more fuel and falter.
That already went in circles with heat and cold, and its total intolerance of either gives one a rather frequent task of changing it. This is because older or smaller motorcycles require mineral oil in order to get the best performance.
Semi-Synthetic Oils
Semi-synthetic oils are also known as synthetic blends, and Synthetic. Plus, it is a combination of mineral and synthetic oils. It is less than fully synthetic oils and better than most mineral oils.
Semi-synthetic oils function at different temperatures and do not oxidize (which, in effect, means they do not degrade quickly). These are equally good if you wish to improve performance, but not to the extent of purchasing the high-end ones.
Synthetic Oils
For high-performance motorcycles and motorcycles with larger engines over 200cc, fully synthetic oils are the best. They offer the finest lubrication and have the longest duration that we can give them high pressures.
Synthetics maintain viscosity and provide the best protection for the running engine. But again, most of them are costly compared to other types of grills, and thus, you may need to consider whether it is worth spending so much.
Can You Use Synthetic Oil on a Wet Clutch?
Yes, you can use synthetic oil on a wet clutch, but it’s important to make sure it’s okay for your motorcycle. Check with the company that made your bike, or look in your vehicle’s manual to see what kind of oil they recommend.
Some bikes work best with mineral-based oils in their wet clutches. Now, let’s look at the types of synthetic oil you might use.
Types of Synthetic Oil
Here are the main types of synthetic oils used for motorcycles:
GROUP III
Group III oils are made from refined base oils, so they’re not fully synthetic but more like “almost synthetic.” The good thing is they’re cheaper than fully synthetic oils.
GROUP IV
Group IV oils are true synthetic oils. They’re great at handling high temperatures without breaking down and keep their thickness (or “viscosity”) in hot conditions. Many people consider these the best oils for motorcycles.
GROUP V
Group V oils are the most advanced type of synthetic oil. They give the highest level of protection for motorcycle engines and transmissions, keeping everything running smoothly.
Always check that the oil you choose is safe for your motorcycle’s wet clutch. Not all oils work well with wet clutches, so be sure to get one that’s made for it.
What Are the Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil On A Wet Clutch?
The main advantages are as follows: when the wet clutch uses synthetic oil. First, it provides better lubrication than other oils, which reduces friction and damage in the clutch more efficiently.
Another advantage of synthetic oil is the way it performs at various temperatures: it especially functions best in cold conditions. When it is cold, it streams and oils more fluently, and hence, the clutch will not slip, and the shifting is easier.
Another great thing about synthetic oil is that it is slow to turn into vapor compared to conventional oils. This means it doesn’t stick on the clutch deposit and doesn’t make the clutch sticky; hence, it requires just cleaning.
Does Synthetic Oil Reduce Friction?
Yes, synthetic oil does help reduce friction. It’s specially made to protect the engine better than regular oils. This means less wear and tear on the moving parts of the engine.
Synthetic oils also have special ingredients that reduce friction between metal parts. This helps the engine run smoother, saves fuel, and can make your engine last longer.
Does Synthetic Oil Make Wet Clutches Slip?
Synthetic oil can sometimes cause a wet clutch to slip, but not always. It depends on how good the clutch is and how you shift the gears.
If you change from regular oil to synthetic oil, the clutch might slip because synthetic oil works so well that it affects how the clutch works with the old oil.
To avoid this, always make sure you’re using the right oil for your bike. Check the bike’s manual or ask the manufacturer what oil to use. Also, be careful about buying cheap oil because it might have extra ingredients or be recycled oil.
If your clutch still slips after using the right oil, try letting the bike sit overnight. Then, ride it gently for about 40 kilometers to help the oil clean the clutch plates.
Bottom Line
To wrap it up, using the right motorcycle oil for your wet clutch is key to keeping your ride smooth and your clutch in good shape. Synthetic oils are good because they reduce friction, last longer, and work great in different temperatures.
Just make sure to choose the right oil for your bike. If you need high-quality oil for your motorcycle, Fubex Lubricants has got you covered. Our oils help keep your bike running at its best, giving you a smooth ride every time!
FAQs
Q1: What is the benefit of a wet clutch?
Ans: A wet clutch helps improve performance and makes the ride smoother. The oil in the clutch keeps it from getting too hot, reduces wear and tear, and helps the clutch last longer. It also makes the clutch engage more smoothly, making the ride less bumpy.
Q2: Is a wet or dry clutch better for a motorcycle?
Ans: A wet clutch is generally better for a motorcycle because it gives a smoother ride and helps with smoother gear changes. A dry clutch has some advantages, like less maintenance and lighterness since it doesn’t need oil. Overall, a wet clutch is the better choice for smoother riding.
Q3: What are the disadvantages of a wet clutch?
Ans: There are two main disadvantages to a wet clutch. First, it adds extra weight because of the oil bath and other parts. Second, it requires more maintenance, like regular oil changes.
Q4: What is the function of a wet clutch?
Ans: The main function of a wet clutch is to engage and disengage the transmission, which helps with smooth gear changes and controlling the power. The oil in the wet clutch also helps reduce noise and makes the ride smoother.
