Motor oil for KTM Motorcycles and ATVs

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

Best Oil for KTM Motorcycles

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

KTM motorcycle oil 10w-40

Motul 7100 4T 10W-40

• API SL/SH/SG
  
• JASO MA

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

Castrol Actevo X-tra 4T 4T 10w-40

• Exceeds API SG
• JASO MA2

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic SAE 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Maxima Maximum4 Premium 10w-40

• API Specifications: SG

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle SAE 10W-40

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

Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil 10w-40

• API SJ
• JASO MA

Ipone FULL POWER KATANA 10w-40

• JASO MA2
• API SN

Shell Advance Ultra Synthetic 4T Motor Oil 10W-40

Royal Purple Max-Cycle 10W-40 High Performance Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

KTM motorcycle oil 10w-30

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

Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil 10w-30

• API SJ
• JASO MA

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-30

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

KTM 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, KTM, BMW, Suzuki, Ducati, Triumph, Moto-Guzzi

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

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

Motul 7100 4T 5w-40

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

Maxima Extra4 5w-40 Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Engine Oil

• Specifications: API SG/CC
  
• Exceeds JASO-MA M/C

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 5w-40

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

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 5w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

KTM motorcycle oil 15w-50

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

 

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

KTM motorcycle oil 20w-50

Oil High Performance Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

 

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

Spectro Heavy Duty Engine Oil 20w-50

• API SF/SG, CD/CG-4

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

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

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 20w-50

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 20w-50

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

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic SAE 20W-50 Motor Oil

• API Specifications: SL
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

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

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

• API Specifications: API SH, SG

Yamaha Yamalube 20w-50 All Performance Oil

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle SAE 20W-50

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

Lucas Oil High Performance 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

 

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

How do I choose engine oil for KTM motorcycle?

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

Power plants of KTM 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 KTM 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. KTM motorcycle engines are heavily boosted, rpm and temperature-wise, which imposes certain pumping and foaming restrictions on engine oil.

KTM 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.

KTM Motorcycle Oil Viscosity

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

For the KTM motorcycle, the most suitable oil grade is 5W-40. This oil viscosity is recommended according to the technical characteristics of the KTM 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 KTM 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, KTM 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 KTM Motorcycles

KTM 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 KTM motorcycle, impairs the lubrication properties, and cools the engine of KTM motorcycles.

KTM Synthetic Motor Oil

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

KTM Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil

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

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

KTM motorcycles that use semi-synthetic motor oil can typically last between 5,000 and 8,000 miles before an oil change. KTM 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 KTM motorcycle, the performance of the engine oil will degrade due to condensed fuel droplets, and you should change your KTM motorcycle oil every 5,000 miles.

If you don’t use your KTM 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 KTM motorcycle oil every 3000 miles.

How much does motor oil for an KTM motorcycle cost?

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

What are the most popular oil brands for KTM?

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

Where can I buy oil for my KTM motorcycle?

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

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

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

How do I check the oil level on my KTM 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 KTM motorcycle engine?

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

• Motorcycle oil for KTM 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 KTM motorcycle:

• Prepare your KTM motorcycle
• Start the engine of your KTM motorcycle and let it run for 1-2 minutes
• Park your KTM on a flat, level surface and turn off the engine
• Change the oil in the engine of your KTM 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 KTM engine
• Check the oil level
• Run the KTM 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 KTM engine oil selection

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

KTM motorcycle models

• Adventure
• 125 RS
• 125 Enduro Sport
• 250 GS Enduro Sport
• 300 GS Enduro Sport
• Comet Grand Prix 125 RS
• Enduro 125 VC
• Enduro 250 VC
• Enduro 250 TVC
• Enduro 300 TVC
• Enduro 350
• Enduro 400
• Enduro 600 Rallye
• Enduro 600 Rallye (reduced effect)
• Enduro 600 LC 4
• Enduro 600 LC 4 (reduced effect)
• Enduro 600 LC 4 Competition
• SXR 50
• GS 620 Duke
• Sting 125 1997-1998
• Sting 125 1999
• 640 Adventure
• 640 Adventure R
• 950 Adventure S
• 990 Adventure
• 1050 Adventure
• 1090 ADVENTURE
• 1090 ADVENTURE R
• 1190 Adventure
• 1190 Adventure R
• 1290 Adventure
• 125 Duke
• 200 Duke
• 250 DUKE
• 390 Duke
• 620 Duke
• 640 Duke
• 640 Duke II
• 640 Duke II Limited Edition
• 690 Duke
• 690 Duke R
• 790 DUKE
• 950 Duke
• 990 Duke RR
• 350 Enduro
• 600 Enduro Sport
• 690 Enduro R
• 125 EXC
• 200 EXC
• 250 EXC
• 300 EXC
• 380 EXC
• 400 EXC
• 450 EXC
• 500 EXC
• 530 EXC
• 250 EXC-F
• 350 EXC-F
• 450 EXC-F
• 500 EXC-F
• 350 EXC-F Factory
• 250 EXC Racing
• 125 EXC Six Days
• 250 EXC Six Days
• 300 EXC Six Days
• 450 EXC Six Days
• 500 EXC Six Days
• 530 EXC Six Days
• 250 EXC-F Six Days
• 350 EXC-F Six Days
• 450 EXC-F SIX DAYS
• 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS
• 300 EXC-E
• 400 EXC Racing
• 450 EXC Racing
• 520 EXC Racing
• 525 EXC Racing
• 530 EXC-R
• 250 EXC TPI
• 300 EXC TPI
• 250 EXC TPI SIX DAYS
• 300 EXC TPI SIX DAYS
• 125 EXE
• 125 EXE Enduro
• 125 EXE Supermoto
• 400 EGS
• 620 EGS
• 400 EGS-E
• 620 EGS-E
• Freeride 250 R
• Freeride 250 F
• Freeride 350
• Freeride E
• Freeride E-SX
• Freeride E-XC
• Freeride E-SM
• 125 LC2
• 350 LC4 Enduro
• 400 LC4-E
• 400 LC4 LSE
• 400 LC4 EGS
• 400 LC4 EGS-E
• 600 LC4 Incas
• 600 LC4 Incas (reduced effect)
• LC4 EGS
• LC4 EGS-E
• LC4 LSE
• 620 LC4 Super Competition
• 620 LC4 Supermoto
• 640 LC4 Adventure
• 640 LC4 Adventure R
• 640 LC4 Enduro
• 640 LC4 Supermoto Prestige
• 640 LC4 Supermoto
• 640 LC4-E
• 640 LC4-E Supermoto
• 640 LC4-E Enduro
• 640 LC4 SMC
• 640 LC4 SM Supermoto
• 660 LC4 Rally Factory Replica
• 690 LC4 Rally Replica
• 400 LSE
• 620 LSE
• RC 125
• RC 200
• RC 250
• RC 390
• 1190 RC8
• 1190 RC8 R
• 1190 RC8 R Track
• 50 Senior Adventure
• 50 Supermoto
• 125 Supermoto
• 620 SuperMoto
• 640 SuperMoto
• 660 Supermoto Factory Replica
• 690 Supermoto
• 690 Supermoto R
• 690 Supermoto Limited Edition
• 950 Supermoto
• 950 Supermoto R
• 990 Supermoto
• 990 Supermoto R
• 990 Supermoto T
• 950 Super Enduro R
• 990 Super Duke
• 1290 Super Duke R
• 1290 Super Adventure
• 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
• 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
• 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
• 450 SMR
• 525 SMR
• 560 SMR
• 450 SMC USA
• 525 SMC USA
• 625 SMC
• 660 SMC
• 690 SMC
• 690 SMC R
• 50 SX
• 50 SX Mini
• 50 SX Junior
• 50 SX Pro Junior LC
• 50 SX Pro Senior LC
• 65 SX
• 85 SX
• 85 SX 17/14
• 85 SX 19/16
• 105 SX
• 125 SX
• 144 SX
• 150 SX
• 200 SX
• 250 SX
• 380 SX
• 450 SX
• 525 SX
• 250 SX-F
• 350 SX-F
• 450 SX-F
• 505 SX-F
• 400 SX Racing
• 450 SX Racing
• 520 SX Racing
• 525 SX Racing
• 400 SXC
• 625 SXC
• 500 K 4 Enduro
• XC 600 Enduro Sport
• XC 600 E Enduro Sport
• 50 Junior Adventure
• 500 MX
• 300 MXC
• 300 MXC USA
• 450 MXC USA
• 525 MXC USA
• 525 MXC Desert Racing
• 50 Mini Adventure
• 125 XC
• 150 XC
• 250 XC
• 300 XC
• 525 XC Desert Racing
• 250 XCF-W
• 350 XCF-W
• 250 XCF-W Six Days
• 250 XC-F
• 350 XC-F
• 505 XC-F
• 200 XC-W
• 250 XC-W
• 300 XC-W
• 450 XC-W
• 500 XC-W