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9 Best Synthetic Motor Oils (Reviews) in 2022
Are you looking for a reliable and effective oil for your motorbike but simply have no time to study all those synthetic motor oil reviews found online? Then you’ve landed in the right place. Check out our top products list below and select from some of the most popular products on the market.
1. Honda 4 Stroke Engine Oil 10W30 0.6ltr
If you’re looking for a quality motor oil that can ensure that your motorcycle engine gets to perform well while also lasting for a very long time, then you should definitely check out this product from Honda. The Pro GN4 oil is specially made for motorbikes which means you won’t have any problems associated with automobile oils that don’t have all the necessary additives.
This model benefits from added polymers which are resistant to shear, which means that they will not lose their viscosity as fast as normal oils and ensure a proper lubrication of the internal parts of the engine. This would translate into less friction for an improved fuel economy as well as less wear and tear on the engine.
The special formula of this 10W40 oil ensures a slow degradation which should allow you to change it less often, helping you save money and contribute to less pollution over time. This product comes in a 1-gallon recipient.
Pros
One of the main things that make this motor oil a great choice is the fact that it’s specially made for bikes, so you don’t need to worry about any additives missing or being unfit for your vehicle.
Thanks to the added polymers, the oil doesn’t lose its viscosity as other normal types of oils do, which means the proper lubrication is ensured.
The formula also features low-degradation qualities, therefore you won’t need to change it as often as you would if you opted for other products.
If you want to protect the engine and to use a type of oil that fits your bike’s needs, then this is the one you should try out.
Cons
The product is considered to be rather high-priced, especially when considering long-distance deliveries, but this aspect depends on many other factors.
In one case, the product was not delivered, but this was a one-time situation.
2. Castrol 06112 POWER 1 4T 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
You can keep your motorcycle’s engine running smoothly by using the POWER 1 oil made by Castrol. This is a fully synthetic oil that comes with a Power Release Formula which allows bikers to experience amazing rides each and every time. And if you want to make the most of your ride, a pair of moto pants, which you can find here, together with a good jacket and some cool accessories may be just what you need.
Designed for 4-stroke bikes, this product has been tested to provide better acceleration as well as to minimize friction between parts and prolong the life of the engine. You get one US quart of quality oil that you can use in any season, including winter, thanks to its 10W-40 viscosity grade.
The shear-resistant polymers ensure that oxidation and degradation due to high operating temperatures are decreased, which means that the oil itself, as well as the engine parts, will last for a much longer period of time. You won’t need to change the oil every 3000 miles or so, especially if you make sure to clean or replace the oil filter every now and then.
Pros
This Castrol oil is a fully synthetic one that also features a Power Release Formula which ensures excellent performance and superior experiences for riders.
Specially designed to provide enhanced acceleration, the oil is made for 4-stroke bikes, which means if this is the type of bike you own, you can rest assured that it’s well-protected.
You might also want to know that this formula minimizes the engine’s life, so your vehicle’s life is prolonged for you to enjoy many rides to come.
The formula includes shear-resistant polymers, which means that degradation resulted from high-operating temperatures is reduced.
Cons
In one case, the package leaked during delivery, but this is not something that happens often, so you don’t need to worry about it.
You need to make sure that the oil is compatible with your bike, as some users were not happy with the results as they didn’t do this.
3. Mobil 1142319 - Racing 4T 15W-50 Engine Oil
The Mobil 1 Racing is a high-grade oil that’s made for 4-stroke engines. You can use it for both road bikes and off-road models, and even for racing motorcycles. This oil is the result of countless hours of research, and it can ensure that all parts are lubricated with a thin film that minimizes friction and facilitates the transfer of heat from the engine.
Thanks to its ingenious formula, this oil is perfect for cold starts during winter so you won’t have to worry about engine damage or wasted time. The 10W-40 grade ensures that you can use this throughout the year so you can save some money by not having to get multiple products. It is also optimized for high-temperature stability and durability for a longer service life.
With this lubricant, you also get remarkable protection for the clutch, transmission, as well as other components so you can enjoy your rides for years to come.
Pros
Suitable for both off-road bikes, as well as road ones, this Mobil 1 oil is a high-grade product specially made for 4-stroke engines, which means that you can expect excellent results from it.
You may also want to know that its formula features some particular qualities, namely that it ensures all of the components are lubricated with a thin film for minimizing friction.
This also means that your vehicle is protected and its durability is sustained, while the heat transfer from the engine is also sustained.
In case you live in an area that faces low temperatures throughout the year, you will surely be happy to know that this oil works great for cold starts.
Cons
The oil was not properly sealed in some rare cases, but not that many people had such an issue.
Some users are generally happier with regular oil, instead of one made for motorcycles.
4. Royal Purple ROY01315 Max Cycle 10W40 Oil for Motorcycles
The Royal Purple Max Cycle is a synthetic engine oil that deserves its name. This product can help you keep your engine safe from wear and also boost its performance. It is designed to work with both liquid-cooled and air-cooled 4-cycle engines, and you should be glad to learn that it’s perfectly compatible with wet-clutch transmissions as well.
You can ensure that engine parts are kept well-oiled and working smoothly. A good lubrication won’t just reduce wear, but also help with the transfer of heat which will prolong the service life of the components, especially if you also facilitate heat evacuation with some sturdy motorcycle exhaust wraps like the ones you can find right here.
This product also contains chemical agents which help with oil sludge problems, effectively cleaning components and collecting soot, metal particles, and other impurities which are then retained by the oil filter. The Max Cycle will also protect the engine from corrosion by preventing acids from forming. You get 1 quart or 32 ounces of premium 10W40 oil for your motorcycle.
Pros
Made to work with various types of engines, such as air-cooled 4-cycle and liquid-cooled ones, this is a versatile motor oil that many users rely on.
You should also know that this Royal Purple product works with the wet-clutch transmission, so if you need such compatibility, then you have nothing to worry about.
Given that the formula includes various chemical agents that reduce oil sludge, you won’t have issues with impurities being retained by the filter, as these are effectively cleaned.
The Max Cycle oil also prevents acids from forming, which translates to extra protection for your bike’s engine and, thus, a prolonged lifespan.
Cons
Some users felt that this oil is somewhat expensive, compared to other alternatives on the market, but its superior performance is worth the cost.
Even though we are talking about a versatile product, make sure that the oil is compatible with your bike.
5. Lucas Oil 10278 Engine Stop Leak
If you are looking for a good synthetic motor oil that can maintain your beloved motorbike’s engine in great shape, then you should definitely consider the Lucas Oil High Performance. With a viscosity rating of 20W-50, this lubricant will help you enjoy a smooth start every time during the winter as well as high-performance during warm seasons.
All compounds of this oil have been tested so they work great at various temperatures. You also get to enjoy fewer leaks and less noise while traveling, whether you’re commuting to and from work or crossing the country on thousand-miles trips. In case you’re doing the latter, you could also take some oil in your spacious motorcycle tank bag for extra safety.
This item meets or even exceeds API SL/SJ/SH/SG, meaning that you’ll get an amazing performance from your engine. A package contains six 1-quart bottles so you get a great value for the price.
Pros
One of the key aspects that make this oil a very good choice is the viscosity rating of 20W-50, which ensures a smooth engine start even in cold weather.
You will be able to enjoy superior results during the summer as well, as all of the compounds included were specially tested to work in various conditions and temperatures.
Given that this is a high-quality product, you won’t have problems with leaks or noises whether you are traveling across the country or simply commuting to work.
It’s also good to know that this product exceeds API SL/SJ/SH/SG specifications, so you can rest assured that excellent performance is something you are going to enjoy every time you ride your bike.
Cons
In one case, the bike-owner thought that the bike made less noise using another brand, but this can also be a matter of preference.
Some users feel like this is a somewhat expensive alternative.
6. Motorex Power Synthetic 4T Oil - 10W50
The Motorex Power Synthetic is a fully-synthetic oil that’s designed for 4-stroke motorcycles. You get a high-performance product that will keep your engine humming for years on end. This oil ensures that the engine gets all the protection it needs by creating a thin film between components, minimizing friction and wear and providing countless benefits.
The synthetic oil contains additives that ensure maximum shear resistance, which means the polymers which keep the oil at optimal viscosity indexes at various temperature values will last longer. That, in turn, will help protect the engine against wear and tear even at extreme temperatures.
With a viscosity grade of 10W50, this multigrade oil is just what your bike needs to start easily in cold weather as well as ride perfectly in the rest of the year. This lubricant also works well even at higher temperatures so you don’t have to worry about problems even when covering hundreds of miles per day under a scorching sun.
Pros
Specially designed for 4-stroke engines, this is a fully-synthetic oil that ensures excellent performance for your bike so that you can enjoy using it for a very long time.
The formula also includes various components that create a thin film in order to reduce unnecessary friction and ensure a longer lifespan.
The polymers included maintain an optimal oil viscosity at various operating temperatures, which means that the engine is protected against wearing out rapidly.
The good news is that high temperatures are not an issue, so you don’t need to worry about going for long rides during hot summer days.
Cons
There was one shipment problem noted by a previous buyer, namely that the product was delivered leaking and with a missing label.
Some of those who have already bought this oil thought that it’s a bit expensive, but the benefits it offers are worth the price.
7. Valvoline 798151-6PK Engine Oil
In case you’re trying to find a motor oil that offers superior protection for the engine without costing a load of money, then the Valvoline 4 Stroke is just what you need. As its name suggests, this 10W40 oil can be used on 4-stroke engines. This product comes with some amazing properties, including the ability of the oil film to resist breakdown for longer.
The formula also includes some dispersants and cleaning agents which prevent impurities from depositing on the internal surface of the components. The oil collects soot, metallic particles, and other debris which are then passed through the oil filter.
Not only will your engine stay clean, but the high-grade additives will prevent the formation and accumulation of by-products from combustion such as soot or acids which might affect the engine parts. There are also silicone additives which prevent foaming while also helping the oil maintain a proper viscosity in all conditions.
Pros
Thanks to its highly effective formula, this Valvoline oil works to create a thin film in order to reduce friction between various components and thus ensure the engine’s protection for longer.
You might also want to know that, if you decide to give this motor oil a try, you won’t need to change it as often, and this makes it a cost-effective solution.
The cleaning agents included work to prevent any impurities from building up on the filter or on various components, so the maintenance is easier to ensure.
The formula also prevents combustion by-products, such as acids, from forming, that might otherwise affect the engine’s lifespan.
Cons
If you are not sure whether this motor oil is right for your bike, make sure to ask someone at a local repair shop, given that some vehicles might respond better to its properties.
This is not the cheapest alternative you can find on the market.
8. Red Line RED42504 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil
The Red Line RED42504 is an oil that’s created especially for motorcycles with V-Twin engines such as Twin Cam or Evolution, as well as aftermarket engines that share the same design. This isn’t just a premium lubricant for your motorbike, but also one of the most amazing Harley Davidson gift ideas for one of your biker buddies.
You won’t just be able to use this on your cruiser bikes, but on sports bikes, off-road enduros, as well as other vehicles such as ATVs. Thanks to the use of new additives, this oil will not become thin even at higher operating temperatures, which means you’ll get optimal performance every time. Cold starts won’t pose problems either, as this 20W50 oil will ensure smooth functionality.
With this product, you also get to benefit from an extended drain interval which will keep more money in your pocket to invest in other cool things such as one of the high-definition motorcycle radios available online.
Pros
This is a premium lubricant for motorbikes, but it can also be a great gift for someone who is passionate about these two-wheeled vehicles.
Thanks to its formula, this Red Line will keep its structure even at high operating temperatures that might otherwise make other products thin.
You also won’t need to worry about starting the engine during cold temperatures, since the formula is specially made to prevent such situations.
The extended drain interval is also something you should take into account, given that it means you will invest less money in the long run.
Cons
In one case, the wrong product was shipped, but this is not something that customer care cannot help with, so you shouldn’t worry about it.
Compared to other types of oil that you can find on the market, this is a somewhat more expensive alternative, but it does offer a lot of benefits.
9. Maxima Racing Oils 30-199128 Pro Plus Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil
In case you’ve just bought some reliable motorcycle jacks, lifts, and stands, then it’s time to look at that engine to see if it needs an oil change. Luckily, there’s a product that’s ideal for just that - the Maxima Pro Plus+. This high-quality motor oil is designed to prolong the life of the engine and wet clutch while also offering a slight boost in performance.
This oil is a fully synthetic variant which works wonders in 4-stroke motorcycles. Thanks to its 10w50 viscosity grade, you get optimal consistencies at both low and high temperatures so that your engine will run well and purr like a cat every time.
The additive system offers a balanced formula which minimizes wear as well as prevents the depositing of various impurities. The oil also has anti-corrosive properties which will protect critical components from damage. The all-weather formula also meets API SL/SJ/SH/SG as well as JASO MA standards.
Pros
Maxima Pro’s oil is a high-quality product specially made to ensure a longer lifespan for your bike’s engine, so the user can enjoy superior performance in the long run.
It works great for 4-stroke motorcycles, it’s a fully synthetic variant, and it also works for wet-clutch transmissions, so there isn’t much that you should be worried about.
Besides being a versatile motor oil that can accommodate many different needs and preferences, this formula also ensures an even consistency at various operating temperatures.
Thanks to the anti-corrosive properties, this motor oil ensures the engine’s protection, so critical components aren’t exposed to potentially significant damages.
Cons
In one case, the bottle leaked, but this is not something that happens often, so it’s not really an issue.
This is a great product, but you still need to make sure that it’s compatible with your vehicle, in order to enjoy the performance you desire.
This Year’s Buying Guide
If you’re trying to find the best motorcycle oil but haven’t got the slightest idea which one to choose, then you should be glad you’ve reached this place. We know that finding the right lubricant for your motorcycle can be quite tough, with so many products to choose from and so much information to absorb in a short amount of time.
This is why we have created this guide so that you get all the info to understand the types of oils and their characteristics and be able to choose one that is suited to your motorcycle, riding style, and budget.
Synthetic vs normal oils
Before choosing one of the synthetic oils for sale, you should know why these might be a better option than regular oils. While there are no definitive studies to say that one particular engine oil is better than another, synthetic options have shown promising results across the board.
If normal oils are made from base oils extracted from petroleum, their synthetic counterparts are made of artificial chemicals which can be modified in the lab to have specific properties. This enables them to be customized for various uses, which can only be a good thing, considering that you are getting one for your motorcycle – and not your average vehicle.
Synthetic oils may have better shear and thermal stability, and they can also provide lubrication to internal engine parts at wider temperature extremes. While they may cost more than normal oils, they could provide easier maintenance and superior performance in various conditions.
The viscosity grades
When looking at the best motor oil for motorcycles, you should consider their viscosity grades. These are the numbers you see on the label, which can be 5W40, 10W40, 20W50, etc. Each grade is a measure that indicates the degree to which the viscosity of the oil changes at various temperatures. It is not to be confused with the viscosity index.
The first number you see usually has a ‘W’ near it. This is the grade for winter, meaning that the viscosity has been measured at cold temperatures. A low number means a low viscosity, which is what you actually want from an oil that you’ll use during the winter.
A low viscosity means that the oil is thin and that it will be able to flow properly and not give you a hard time starting the engine. We all know that temperature affects viscosity so it would be bad trying to start a motorcycle, or any other vehicle for that matter, with thick oil (this is actually one of the main causes of engine wear).
So you want a lower W number for cold starts. Now, the next number represents the viscosity of the oil at a higher temperature, which is usually around 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius. This is considered the optimal temperature for a properly functioning engine.
A 5W30 oil means that it will have a low viscosity at cold temperatures and a higher viscosity at normal engine temperatures, which is also good because normally, the oil would become thinner the higher the temperatures are.
This is prevented by the use of special additives with long molecules which keep the oil from thinning (a thin oil would not being able to properly lubricate the engine).
So which one to choose?
If all these sound confusing, then you should probably follow the simple and common-sense rule of checking the manufacturer specifications and recommended oils – information you should be able to find in your motorcycle’s manual.
However, what’s important to remember is that you want an oil that has a low first number for winter use so that you won’t have problems with cold starts, especially since there’s nothing worse than a problematic start in the middle of winter, besides needing a quality motorcycle jump starter due to a dead battery.
A 5W30 or 10W40 model should be ok in this case and ensure that you avoid unnecessary damage to the engine while getting a good performance out of it. You should pick a lubricant with a higher viscosity for warmer climates, such as a 20W50, which would also ensure that the oils are kept thick enough even at higher engine temperatures.
One thing to note is that additives enable these oils to maintain a higher viscosity at high temperatures, and these long molecules degrade over time, losing their ability to keep the oil thick. This is one reason why you should check your engine oil from time to time and change it in case you suspect that is has degraded enough to cause problems in the near future.
Other properties to consider
Viscosity grades and indexes are not the only important things you should consider when looking at reviews of synthetic motor oil products. Lubrication is just one property of motor oils, the others being heat transfer (cooling), cleaning, and anti-corrosive.
A good oil will be able to absorb heat from the moving parts of the engine and transfer it towards the exterior, helping these stay cooler. However, you should know that there are also specialized heat transfer oils that you can choose for increased efficiency.
All modern oils contain all sorts of detergents and dispersants which prevent the accumulation of metal particles created from friction, soot, and other components on the internal parts. These effectively help clean moving parts and ensure that sludge doesn’t build up and affect the performance of the engine.
Motor lubricants also neutralize acids and other compounds that may form during combustion, protecting the engine from corrosion.
How much should you spend?
There’s no way to tell how much you should spend on a motor lubricant. Even a cheap synthetic motor oil should do the trick as long as you pay attention to its specifications and ensure you get the right one for your motorcycle and season.
Unless you’re racing, you shouldn’t spend more than you need for the motor oil. What’s more important than picking the most expensive item on the market is to make sure that you change the oil in time. So if you have ridden your bike for many thousands of miles, it’s time to put it on your solid motorcycle chocks and change the engine oil.
Best motorcycle oil brands
Honda is a company that needs no introduction. This Japanese manufacturer is known for its high-class automobiles as well as powerful motorcycles. What few people know is that it also designs some of the highest quality accessories such as lubricants which can prolong the life of engine components.
The company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda in Hamamatsu, Japan. He started out as a mechanic in the Art Shokai garage. What happened next became the subject of legends. Suffice to say that the brand became one of the most popular in the world, especially in the field of motorsports.
Mobil 1 is one of the world leaders in terms of synthetic motor oils as well as other categories of automotive lubricants. The company released its first engine oil in 1974, a multi-grade variant with a viscosity grade of 5W20. This high-quality synthetic motor oil quickly caught the attention of vehicle owners.
Since then, the brand has produced countless engine lubricants as well as oil filters, transmission fluids, chassis grease, and many more. This company is currently the sponsor of many top drivers in the racing world. The brand is presently marketed and sold around the world by ExxonMobil.
Lucas Oil is an American company that manufactures automotive oils, lubricants, and various additives. The company was started in 1989 by a trucker called Forrest Lucas and his wife, Charlotte. While beginning as a small family-run business, it expanded greatly in the following years, meeting commercial success at the turn of the century.
The company is known for producing premium oils as well as gear lubes, greases, and lots of polymers and other additives that solve various problems of engines, from corrosion to deposits to long-term maintenance. One of its oils, the High Performance 10702-PK6, is popular among riders due to its versatility and low price.
Castrol has been at the forefront of automotive lubricant technologies for decades. This British company was founded by Charles Cheers Wakefield back in 1899. The name comes from the fact that in the beginning, the manufacturing process involved adding castor oil to the special lubricant formulas.
The company has been creating all kinds of engine oils for cars, motorbikes, as well as other vehicles, with products ranging from common use to high-end racing lubricants. Its technologies bring countless innovations year by year, with new additives and special formulas improving the performance and durability of vehicles worldwide.
Motul is perhaps one of the oldest manufacturers of engine oils and other lubricants that still has a significant presence on the world market. This company was founded in 1853 in New York under the name Swan & Finch. Slowly but steadily getting a foothold in the market for high-quality lubricants, it turned its attention to international customers in 1920.
In 1953, after 100 years of successful activity, it launched Motul Century, which was the first company to manufacture multigrade engine oils in Europe. In present times, this highly respected brand produces 100 percent synthetic oils which are used by some of the top car and motorcycle manufacturers and owners in the world.
Bibliography:
1) Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil
2) Choosing the Right Oil for Your Car
3) Why is Synthetic Oil better
4) Should You Use Synthetic Oil ?
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