Know More About Motorcycle Engine Oils

What is the difference between automotive engine oils and motorcycle engine oils?

Motorcycle oil and automotive oil look and feel the same but any experienced motorcyclist will know that replacing motorcycle oil with automotive oils in motorcycles can cause serious damage. In automotive vehicles, the engine is separated from the clutch and transmission, therefore requiring separate oils for each function. In automotive engine oil, there are “friction modifiers” which help lessen the amount of friction on engine components and improve fuel economy. Of course, improving fuel economy has always been the main goal of the automotive industry; therefore, making friction modifiers a necessity for all automotive oils.

These friction modifiers that are added to automotive oils are what causes serious damages when used in motorcycles. The friction modifiers clog the clutch plates in a motorcycle’s transmission causing serious clutch slippage and disabling the motorcycle.  Motorcycles have to be as compact as possible and in order to achieve this, the engine and transmission is combined together into one casing. This means that everything is lubricated by only one type of oil including the valves, piston, transmission, and clutch.

Motorcycles require very little and/or no friction modifiers. But to make up for the lack of friction modifiers, motorcycle oils use higher levels of anti-wear additives to limit engine friction and wear.

 

What is the function of 2T motorcycle engine oils?

2T motorcycle engine oils are used in a 2-stroke engine which are internal combustion engines where the thermodynamic cycle is completed in two movements of the piston. This increased efficiency is accomplished by using the beginning of the compression stroke and the end of the combustion stroke to simultaneously perform the intake and exhaust functions. Therefore, 2-stroke engines often provide strikingly high specific power.

2T motorcycle engine oil is mixed with gasoline, normally with a ratio of 1:50, which is consumed during operation.

2T Motorcycle Oil is available under our Totachi DENTO PAWA 2T series.

 

What is the function of 4T motorcycle oils?

Due to emissions concerns, motorcycle engine technology is evolving from 2-stroke to 4-stroke engines. 4-stroke motorcycles are compact. The engine and transmission are combined together into one casing. 4T motorcycle oil is used to lubricate the valves, piston, transmission, and clutch. Unlike 2-stroke engines, a normal 4-stroke engine consists of an oil sum which circulates the oil. At operation, it inherently lowers emissions.

JASO introduced the MA and MB specifications to distinguish between friction modified and non-friction modified motorcycle oils.

JASO MA motorcycle oils, including JASO MA1 and MA2, are suitable for 4-strokes motorcycles with wet clutches.

4T JASO MA Motorcycle Oils are available in both Totachi Signature series and DENTO series.