Motor oil for Yamaha Motorcycles and ATVs

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

Best Oil for Yamaha Motorcycles

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

Yamaha motorcycle oil 10w-40

Yamaha Yamalube 10w-40 All Performance Oil

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

Suzuki ECSTAR R9000 Motorcycle Full Synthetic Engine Oil 10w-40

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA

Kawasaki 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10w-40

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

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle SAE 10W-40

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

Lucas Oil Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API SJ-4
• JASO MB

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

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

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

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

Maxima Pro Plus+ Racing Oils 10W-40

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

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

Motul 7100 4T 10W-40

• API SL/SH/SG
  
• JASO MA

Yamaha motorcycle oil 10w-30

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-30

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

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

• API, CJ-4, SL
• JASO MA

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-30

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

Yamaha motorcycle oil 5w-30

 

• API Specifications: SG

Yamaha 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, Yamaha, 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

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 5w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO 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

Yamaha motorcycle oil 15w-50

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

 

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

Yamaha motorcycle oil 20w-50

Yamaha Yamalube 20w-50 All Performance Oil

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA

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

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

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

Yamaha motorcycle oil 20w-60

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 20w-60 Motorcycle

• Recommended for V-twins that need more viscosity due to operation in extremely hot climates
  
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Yamaha motorcycle oil 10w-60

Maxima Extra 10W-60 Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Engine Oil

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

Yamaha motorcycle oil 5w-50

Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5w-50

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

Yamaha 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

How do I choose engine oil for Yamaha motorcycle?

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

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

Yamaha 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.

Yamaha Motorcycle Oil Viscosity

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

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

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

Yamaha Synthetic Motor Oil

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

Yamaha Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil

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

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

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

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

How much does motor oil for an Yamaha motorcycle cost?

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

What are the most popular oil brands for Yamaha?

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

Where can I buy oil for my Yamaha motorcycle?

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

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

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

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

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

• Motorcycle oil for Yamaha 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 Yamaha motorcycle:

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

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

Yamaha motorcycle models

• BT 1100
• DT 125 R
• DT 125 RE
• DT 125 X
• DT 230 Lanza
• DT 250
• DT 50
• Fazer 250
• FJ 1100
• FJ 1200
• FJR 1300
• FZ 250
• FZ 400
• FZ 600
• FZ 750
• FZ 1
• FZ 6
• FZ 8
• FZR 1000 Genesis
• FZR 250
• FZR 400
• FZR 600
• FZR 750 Genesis
• FZS 1000
• FZS 600
• FZX 250 Zeal
• FZX 750
• GTS 1000
• MT 01
• MT 03
• MT-03 (2016)
• MT-03A
• MT 07
• MT 09
• MT-09 A
• MT-09 SP
• MT-09 TRACER
• MT 10
• MT-10 SP
• MT 25
• MT 125
• Niken
• Niken GT
• PW 50
• RZ 50
• RZ 350
• ST 225 Bronco
• Star Venture
• SCR 950
• SR 125
• SR 250
• SR 400
• SR 500
• SRV 250
• SRX 250
• SRX 400
• SRX 600
• SZR 660
• Tenere 700
• Tracer 700
• Tracer 700 GT
• Tracer 900
• Tracer 900 GT
• TZR 50
• TZR 125
• TZR 250
• TDM 850
• TDM 900
• TDR 125
• TDR 250
• TRX 850
• TT 225
• TT 350
• TT 600
• TT R 250
• TT R 110 E
• TW 125
• TW 200
• TW 225
• V Max 1200
• V Max 1700
• WR 125
• WR 250
• WR 450
• WR 250 F
• WR 450 F
• WR 450 F 2 Trac
• XG 250 Tricker
• XJ 400 Diversion
• XJ 550
• XJ 600 S Diversion
• XJ 650 Maxim
• XJ 650 Seca
• XJ 650 Seca Turbo
• XJ 700
• XJ 750
• XJ 750 S
• XJ 900 S Diversion
• XJ 1100
• XJ 6 Diversion
• XJ 6 SA Diversion
• XJR 1200
• XJR 1300
• XJR 400 R
• XS 250
• XS 360
• XS 400
• XS 500
• XS 650
• XS 750
• XSR 700
• XSR 900
• XT 125 X
• XT 125 R
• XT 200 VIPER
• XT 225 Serow
• XT 250
• XT 350
• XT 400
• XT 500
• XT 550
• XT 600 E
• XT 660 R
• XT 660 X
• XT 660 Z
• XT 1200 Z Super Tenere
• XT 1200 ZE Super Ténéré
• XTZ 660 Tenere
• XTZ 750 Super Tenere
• XV 250 Virago
• XV 400 Virago
• XV 535 Virago
• XV 700 Virago
• XV 750 Virago
• XV 920 Virago
• XV 950 CU Bolt
• XV 950 Racer
• XV 950 R
• XV 1000 Virago
• XV 1100 Virago
• XV 1600 Wild Star
• XV 1700 Road Star Warrior
• XV 1700 Road Star Silverado
• XV 1900
• XV 1900 Stratoliner
• XV 1900 Star Raider
• XVS 1100 Drag Star
• XVS 1300 Midnight Star
• XVS 250 Drag Star
• XVS 400 Drag Star
• XVS 650 Drag Star
• XVS 950 Midnight Star
• XVZ 12 T
• XVS 1200 Venture Royale
• XVS 1300 Stryker
• XVZ 1300 A Royal Star
• XVZ 1300 D Venture Royale
• XVZ 1300 TF Royal Star Venture
• YB 1
• YB 50
• YBR 125
• YBR 250
• YS 125
• YZ 65
• YZ 85
• YZ 85 LW
• YZ 125
• YZ 250
• YZ 250 F
• YZ 250 FX
• YZ 250 X
• YZ 450 F
• YZ 450 FX
• YZF R 1
• YZF-R1 GYTR
• YZF R 3
• YZF-R6
• YZF-R6 2017
• YZF R 7
• YZF R 15
• YZF R 25
• YZF R 125
• YZF 600 R Thundercat
• YZF 600 S Thundercat
• YZF 750 (R, SP)
• YZF 1000 R Thunderace