Motor oil for Honda Motorcycles and ATVs

Choosing oil for your Honda motorcycle? In this article, we’ll tell you which Honda motorcycle oils are the best on the market and what you should look for when choosing motorcycle oil for your Honda motorcycle.

Best Oil for Honda Motorcycles

Choosing motorcycle oil for your Honda motorcycle depends on your motorcycle model, the mileage of your Honda motorcycle, and your riding style.

Honda motorcycle oil 10w-40

Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil 10w-40

• API SJ
• JASO MA

Ipone FULL POWER KATANA 10w-40

• JASO MA2
• API SN

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 10w-40 Motorcycle

• As specified for four-stroke motocross bikes, ATVs and sportbikes
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Mobil 1 10W-40 Racing 4T Motorcycle Oil for Sport Bikes

This product meets or exceeds the requirements of:

• API SN
• JASO MA2
• JASO MA

Maxima Pro Plus+ Racing Oils 10W-40

• API Specifications: SN+
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Kawasaki 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10w-40

• Recommended in applications requiring API SL
• JASO MA and JASO MA2 engine oil

Yamaha Yamalube 10w-40 All Performance Oil

• API Oil Standards: API SL
• JASO Oil Standards: JASO

Lucas Oil Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API SJ-4
• JASO MB

Motul 7100 4T 10W-40

• API SL/SH/SG
  
• JASO MA

Honda motorcycle oil 10w-30

Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil 10w-30

• API SJ
• JASO MA

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 10w-30 Motorcycle

• For use where this viscosity is specifically recommended, like many Kawasaki KX 250F and various Hondas from 2006-up
  
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-30

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Maxima Pro Plus 10W-30 Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil

• API Specifications: SL
  
• JASO Classification: MA

Kawasaki Genuine OEM K-Tech SAE 10W-30 4-Cycle Engine Oil

• API, CJ-4, SL
• JASO MA

Honda motorcycle oil 5w-40

 

RAVENOL Motobike 4-T Ester 5w-40 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil

• RAVENOL Motobike 4-T Ester SAE 5w-30 is tried and tested for aggregates specifying:
  
• Specification: API SM, JASO MA/MA2 T903:2006
  
• Recommendations: Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Honda, BMW, Suzuki, Ducati, Triumph, Moto-Guzzi

Motul 7100 4T 5w-40

• API Specifications: SL, SM, SN
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Liqui Moly Motorbike 4T Synth Street Race 5w-40

• Specifications and Approvals: API, SM, ACEA A3-04, JASO, MA2

Motul 300V 5w-40 Road Racing

• SAE viscosity grade J 300: 5w-40
• Oil base type: synthetic

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 5w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Honda motorcycle oil 15w-50

Liqui Moly 20060 Motorbike 4T 15w-50 Street Engine Oil

 

• Specifications and Approvals: API; SL; JASO; MA2

Honda motorcycle oil 20w-50

Maxima Racing Oils 20w50 V-Twin Full Synthetic Engine Oil

• API Oil Standards: API SL
  
• JASO Oil Standards: JASO MA2

Spectro Heavy Duty Engine Oil 20w-50

 

• API SF/SG, CD/CG-4

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 20w-50

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 20w-50 Motorcycle

• Designed for the latest Big-Twin motorcycle engines that specify 20W50 motor oil, including Milwaukee-Eight, Evolution, Twin Cam and aftermarket engines of similar design
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Oil High Performance Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

• API SM, SL, SJ
  
• JASO MA-2
  
• ACEA A3

Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Motor Oil

• API Specifications: API SH, SG

Royal Purple Max-Cycle 20W-50 High Performance Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Kawasaki Genuine OEM K-Tech SAE 20W-50 4-Cycle Engine Oil

• Meets JASO MA
  
• API Service CJ-4 and SL

Yamaha Yamalube 20w-50 All Performance Oil

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA

Honda motorcycle oil 5w-50

Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5w-50

• OEM Part Number: 2876244, Replaces: 2874414, 2874865, 2871281, 2874862

Honda motorcycle oil 10w-50

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 10w-50 Motorcycle

• For UTVs & Side by Sides, ATVs, sportbikes and other powersports vehicles
  
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Maxima Pro Plus+ Racing Oils 10W-50

• API Specifications: SN+
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-50

 

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Honda motorcycle oil 5w-30

 

• API Specifications: SG

How do I choose engine oil for Honda motorcycle?

Motorcycle oils for Honda are built on a larger list of bases than automotive ones. Motorcycle lubricants for Honda add additives that improve the resistance of the oil film to high temperatures.

Power plants of Honda motorcycles are designed on the principle of maximum power and compactness, with minimal weight. Therefore, the designers combine the engine and gearbox with clutch into a single unit, which is often located in a single oil bath.

Oil for the Honda motorcycle is forced to work simultaneously, both as engine oil and as transmission oil, and provides the necessary coefficient of friction for the clutch mechanism. Honda motorcycle engines are heavily boosted, rpm and temperature-wise, which imposes certain pumping and foaming restrictions on engine oil.

Honda motorcycle engine oil differs radically from automotive oil in the following parameters:

• friction coefficient
• alkali value
• foaming
• volatility
• aggressiveness to polymeric materials
• flashpoint
• high-temperature viscosity

Motor oil manufacturers indicate oil viscosity according to SAE and oil classes according to API and JASO.

Honda Motorcycle Oil Viscosity

The SAE standard classifies motorcycle oils according to their viscosity. Viscosity is a value that determines whether an Honda engine can operate at different temperatures.

For the Honda motorcycle, the most suitable oil grade is 5W-40. This oil viscosity is recommended according to the technical characteristics of the Honda motorcycle engine and the corresponding viscosity of the required oil.

Viscosity is expressed in units, the lower the number, the lower the viscosity of the oil and vice versa. To date, there are 11 viscosity grades:

• 5 viscosity grades for summer: 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60
• 6 viscosity grades for winter: 0w / 5w / 10w / 15w / 20w / 25w

The first figure always refers to the lower ambient temperature threshold at which the oil will ensure a trouble-free operation of the entire system: rotation of the crankshaft, oil pump, and oil pumping through the entire engine system, in which there will be no dry friction.

The second number is the upper limit temperature at which all systems will continue to work well, even with heat and loads.

• Most motorcycles use 10w-40 and 10w-30 oil
• For heavy engines, 5w-40, 10w-50, and 15w-50 oil are used
• V-engines use 20w-40, 20w-50 and 20w-60 oil

The international classification of motorcycle engine oils is the Japanese JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization). It has a section defining the belonging of the four-stroke oil to the motorcycle classes.

API for Honda Motorcycle Oils

API (American Petroleum Institute) is the American Petroleum Institute, which has set minimum performance standards and quality levels for gasoline and diesel engines.

• S (Service): consists of the quality categories of motor oils for gasoline engines in chronological order
• C (Commercial): consists of the quality and purpose categories of diesel engine oils listed in chronological order

JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization): Standard for lubricants used in Japan

• MB – oils are characterized by a low friction coefficient. Not suitable for motorcycles with a wet clutch.
• MA-1 – oil with a medium coefficient of friction according to this classification. Suitable for motorcycles with a wet clutch and low load
• MA-2 is the oil with the highest coefficient of friction. Ideal for sports bikes and heavy loads

In addition to JASO class, Honda motor oil may comply with the American API classification

• JASO MA corresponds to API SG
• JASO MA2 corresponds to API SL-SM

Engine Oil types for Honda Motorcycles

Honda Mineral Motor Oil

Mineral oil is the most readily available on the market today. It is a refined petroleum product that contains natural components that, when burned, produce an excess product that clogs the channels of your Honda motorcycle, impairs the lubrication properties, and cools the engine of Honda motorcycles.

Honda Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic Honda motor oils have better performance, don’t lose their properties in hot weather, and don’t get too thick in low temperatures. Synthetic Honda engine oil improves engine protection from carbon deposits, keeps your engine clean and stable.

Honda Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil

Created from a mixture of several bases: mineral and synthetic. The advantage of this oil for use in Honda motorcycles is its high cold-start performance. Honda semi-synthetic motorcycle oil is slightly thicker than synthetic oil, which is effective for Honda engines.

How often should I change the oil in my Honda motorcycle?

Honda motorcycles that use semi-synthetic motor oil can typically last between 5,000 and 8,000 miles before an oil change. Honda motorcycle engines running on fully synthetic motor oil can last 7,000 to 10,000 miles before an oil change.

If you do a lot of short rides on your Honda motorcycle, the performance of the engine oil will degrade due to condensed fuel droplets, and you should change your Honda motorcycle oil every 5,000 miles.

If you don’t use your Honda motorcycle very often or use it very heavily, the quality of the engine oil may decrease, you should use more viscous oils and change your Honda motorcycle oil every 3000 miles.

How much does motor oil for an Honda motorcycle cost?

• Synthetic motorcycle oil for Honda motorcycles costs about $15 per 1 liter/quart
• Semi-synthetic motorcycle oil for Honda costs about $10 per 1 liter/quart
• Mineral motorcycle oil for Honda costs about $8 per 1 liter/quart

What are the most popular oil brands for Honda?

• Maxima
• Red Line
• Motul
• Castrol
• Quicksilver
• Valvoline
• Lucas
• Liqui Moly
• Mobil 1

Where can I buy oil for my Honda motorcycle?

Buy Honda motorcycle oil from reputable auto stores or major online supermarkets.

How do I check the oil level on my Honda bike?

My Honda doesn’t have an oil dipstick to check the oil level, only a sight glass.

How do I check the oil level on my Honda using the sight glass?

The sight glass is located on the right side of the engine. If you put the bike just flat, the oil is around the Low mark. If you tilt it a little to the right and then put it flatly, the oil is between Low and High. If the bike is tilted slightly to the left, the oil goes below the Low mark.

How do I change the oil in my Honda motorcycle engine?

To properly change the oil in your Honda motorcycle, you’ll need a kit:

• Motorcycle oil for Honda motorcycles
• Oil filter
• Protective gear, such as safety glasses and rubber gloves
• Oil drain cock
• Wrench for oil filter
• Collection pan (tray) for used oil together with a funnel
• Absorbent material (newspaper, paper towel, etc.) and rags
• Sealing ring if necessary

The sequence of steps to change the oil in the engine of your Honda motorcycle:

• Prepare your Honda motorcycle
• Start the engine of your Honda motorcycle and let it run for 1-2 minutes
• Park your Honda on a flat, level surface and turn off the engine
• Change the oil in the engine of your Honda motorcycle
• Locate the drain plug
• Cover the floor surface with a paper towel
• Place a pan under the plug
• Remove the drain plug with a socket wrench
• Make sure the plug does not fall out of your gloved hands
• Allow the used oil to drain
• After emptying the reservoir, clean the drain plug and gasket
• Remove the used oil filter
• Apply a small amount of oil to the new gasket with your finger
• Tighten the new filter, but not too tight
• Pour new oil into the Honda engine
• Check the oil level
• Run the Honda engine at idle for 5 minutes
• Turn off the engine, check the oil level
• Refill if necessary
• Dispose of used oil at a suitable recycling center

Conclusion on Honda engine oil selection

Choosing Honda motorcycle oil is important if you want your Honda motorcycle to run well and for a long time. In this article, we’ve gathered all the important points and subtleties of choosing Honda motorcycle oil. Be careful when choosing a new Honda motorcycle oil and pay attention to the oil specifications and datasheet. All the best!

Honda motorcycle models

• AX 1
• CB 1
• CB 125
• CB 175
• CB 223 S
• CB 250 Hornet
• CB 300 F
• CB 300 R
• CB 400
• CB 400 F
• CB 400 SS
• CB 400 X
• CB 500
• CB 500 F
• CB 500 X
• CB 600
• CB 600 F Hornet
• CB 650
• CB 650 R
• CB 650 R Neo Sports Cafe
• CB 750
• CB 900
• CB 1000
• CB 1000 R
• CB 1000 R Neo Sports Cafe
• CB 1100
• CB 1100 F
• CB 1300
• CB 1300 DC/X4
• CBF 125 F
• CBF 500
• CBF 600 S
• CBF 1000
• CBR 125
• CBR 150 R
• CBR 250 R
• CBR 250 RR
• CBR 300 RA
• CBR 300 R
• CBR 400
• CBR 500
• CBR 500 R
• CBR 600 F
• CBR 600 RR
• CBR 650
• CBR 650 R
• CBR 750
• CBR 900 RR Fireblade
• CBR 1000
• CBR 1000 RA Fireblade
• CBR 1000 RR
• CBR 1000 RR Fireblade
• CBR 1000 RR Fireblade SP
• CBR 1000 SP1 Fireblade
• CBR 1100
• CBX 125 F
• CBX 125 F Custom
• CBX 250 RS
• CBX 250 Twister
• CBX 400 Custom
• CBX 400 F
• CBX 550 F
• CBX 650
• CBX 750
• CBX 1000
• CBX Super Sport
• CD 50 Benly
• CD 70
• CD 125
• CL 400
• CR 250 R
• CR 80
• CR 85 R
• CR 125 R
• CR 500
• CRF 150 R
• CRF 250
• CRF 250 L
• CRF 250 L Rally 2017
• CRF 300 L
• CRF 450 X
• CRF 450 R
• CRF 450 RX
• CRF 450 L
• CRF 1000 L Africa Twin
• CRF 1000 L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
• CRF 1100 L Africa Twin
• XRV 650 Africa Twin
• FMX 650
• FX 650 Vigor
• CRM 50
• CRM 80
• CRM 125
• CRM 250
• CMX 125 Rebel
• CMX 250 Rebel
• CMX 250 Rebel 2017
• CMX 300 Rebel
• CMX 450 Rebel
• CMX 500 Rebel
• CMX 1100 Rebel
• CTX 700
• CTX 1300
• CX 500
• CX 500 Turbo
• CX 650 ED Euro Sport
• CX 650 T
• NT 400 Bros
• NT 650 Bros
• DN 01
• EZ 90 Cub
• FMX 650
• FTR 223
• GB 250 Clubman
• GB 400
• GB 500
• GL 500 Silver Wing
• GL 650 Silver Wing
• GL 1000
• GL 1100
• GL 1200
• GL 1500 F6C Valkyrie
• GL 1500
• GL 1500 C
• GL 1800
• GL 1800 F6B
• GL 1800 F6C Valkyrie
• GL 1800 2018
• Z 50 J Gorilla
• AC 09 Jazz
• VF 50 Magna
• VF 250 Magna
• VF 500 Magna
• VF 750 Magna
• VF 1100 Magna
• Z 50 Monkey
• R 125 Monkey
• MSX 125 Grom
• MTX 50
• MTX 80
• MTX 125
• MTX 200
• NC 700
• NC 700 X
• NC 750
• NC 750 S
• NC 750 X 2016
• NM 4
• NSR 50
• NSR 125
• NSR 150
• NSR 250
• NSR 500
• NT 650
• NT 700 V
• NTV 650
• NV 400 Custom
• NV 750 Custom
• NX 125
• NX 250
• NX 650 Dominator
• PC 800 Pacific Coast
• SL 70
• NRX 1800 Valkyrie Rune
• VFR (RVF) 400
• RVF 400
• RVF 750 (RC45)
• VT 400 Shadow
• VT 600 Shadow
• VT 750 Shadow
• VT 1100 Shadow
• VT 1300 Fury
• SL 230
• SLR 650
• ST 1100 Pan European
• ST 1300 Pan European
• VLX 400 Steed
• VLX 600 Steed
• TLM 200
• TLM 220
• VF 400 F (Integra)
• VF 500 F (F2, Interceptor)
• VF 750 F (V45 Interceptor)
• VF 750 S Sabre (V45)
• VF 1000 F (Interceptor, VF 1000 F2)
• VF 1000 R
• VF 1100 S Sabre (V65)
• VFR 400
• VFR 750 F
• VFR 750 R
• VFR 800
• VFR 800 Interceptor
• VFR 800 X Crossrunner
• VFR 1200 X Crosstourer
• VFR 1200 F
• VRX 400
• VT 250
• VT 250 F
• VT 500 C Shadow
• VT 600 Shadow
• VTR 1000 F
• VTR 250
• VTX 1300
• VTX 1800
• VTZ 250
• X 11
• XL 125 Varadero
• XL 1000 V Varadero
• XL 400 V Transalp
• XL 600 V Transalp
• XL 650 V Transalp
• XL 700 V Transalp
• XBR 500
• XR 125
• XR 250
• XR 400
• XR 650
• XRV 650 Africa Twin
• XRV 750 Africa Twin