Choose the best 4T motorcycle oil: discover the good deals

The importance of choosing the right engine oil for a 4T motorcycle
As you know, engine oil is an essential element for the proper functioning and longevity of the engine of a 4-stroke motorcycle. Its main role is to lubricate the various moving mechanical parts, thus reducing friction and wear. It also contributes to the cooling of the engine by dissipating the heat generated by the combustion and movement of the parts. In addition to this, the oil protects against corrosion avoiding the accumulation of deposits and neutralising acid residues from combustion.
Specifications of motor oils
Viscosity (SAE)
Viscosity is a key criterion when choosing the right oil for your motorcycle. It is expressed according to the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) classification, for example 10W40 or 10W50.
- The first digit, before the “W” (for Winter), represents the viscosity of the cold oil. The lower the figure, the more fluid the oil is at low temperatures, making it easier to start cold.
- The second digit, after the “W”, indicates the viscosity of the hot oil. The higher the oil, the more stable it remains at high temperatures, ensuring good lubrication when the engine is hot.
For example, an oil 10W50 is more fluid in cold than a 20W50, but it retains its high-temperature lubricating properties as a 50.
JASO and API standards
Oils for 4-stroke motorcycles must also meet specific standards.
JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) : The JASO MA or MA2 standard is crucial for motorcycles equipped with an oil-bath clutch. These oils limit the skating of the clutch, ensuring better power transmission.
API (American Petroleum Institute) : The API classifies engine oils according to their level of performance. For 4-stroke motorcycles, API standards SL, SM, or SN are recommended, as the latter are more recent and offer better protection against wear and the formation of deposits.
The different types of engine oils
Mineral oil
Mineral oil is made from refined petroleum. It is generally cheaper and is often used for old engines or break-in of new engines.
Benefits : Cheaper than synthetic oils. Suitable for old bikes or run-in phases.
Disadvantages : Less efficient at high temperatures. Degrades faster, requiring more frequent emptying.
Semi-synthetic oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil. It offers a compromise between performance and cost.
Benefits : Good value for money. Nestled for versatile use, both in the city and on moderate off-road.
Disadvantages : Less efficient than oil 100% synthetic in extreme conditions.
Oil 100% synthetic
Oil 100% Synthetic is made from chemical compounds and offers the best performance, especially for modern motorcycles and demanding driving conditions such as competition or intense off-road.
Benefits : Excellent thermal stability. Efficiently protects the motor at high temperature and under heavy load. Less prone to oxidation and degradation over time.
Disadvantages : More expensive than other types of oils.
Price Comparison of 4T Motorcycle Oils in Real Time
Choosing the right oil for your 4T bike is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your engine. That is why we have carefully selected the best brands of oils, recognised for their quality: Motul, Ipone, Castrol, Liqui Moly, Elf, Bel Ray, Minerva Oil, and Motorex. These oils are known and recognized references, offering optimal protection, whether you are an all-terrain enthusiast, a daily user or a competitor in search of maximum performance of your engine.
For this buying guide, we only offer oils in format Four liters. That’s the good quantity more economical to buy than in a 1 litre can. This allows you to maintain your motorcycle while benefiting from excellent value for money, without having to make multiple purchases.
To make it easier for you, each 4t oil comes with a Automatic price comparator. With a real-time update, you can compare prices, find the best deal and buy your favorite oil with a single click. Whether you are looking for oil 100% synthesis or semi-synthesis, here you will find everything you need to take care of the motorisation of your motorcycle.
Bel Ray 4T Motorcycle Oil
Castrol 4T Motorcycle Oil
Motorcycle Oil Oil Elf 4T
Oil Ipone motorcycle 4T
Motorcycle oil Liqui Moly 4T
Motul 4T Motorcycle Oil
Motorcycle Oil Minerva Oil 4T
Motorex 4T oil
Which oil to choose according to your motorcycle? The recommendations of the manufacturers above all
The choice of engine oil is a decisive factor for the performance and longevity of your motorcycle. It is essential to always refer to the recommendations of the manufacturer of your motorcycle. These recommendations shall be model-specific and shall take into account the characteristics of the engine, the clutch and the conditions of use laid down by the manufacturer. By following the instructions in the maintenance manual, you ensure optimal operation and avoid problems related to premature wear or incompatibilities.
ohere are some recommendations to guide you in your selection, whether you are driving in the city, on the road, or off-road.
1. Road and Sports Motorcycles
For road or sports motorcycles, which are often used at high speeds and at high speeds, it is advisable to opt for a Oil 100% synthetic which offers excellent thermal stability and optimal protection at high temperatures. For example:
- Motul 7100 4T 10W-40 : ideal for intensive use, this oil guarantees a high level of protection of the engine.
- Castrol Power 1 4T 10W-50 : recommended for sports bikes, it improves performance while ensuring the durability of the engine.
2. All-terrain motorcycles (enduro, cross, etc.)
Off-road motorcycles require oils capable of withstanding extreme conditions: heat, dust on difficult terrain. Give preference to one All-terrain specific oil with high viscosity for better protection. Here are some suggestions:
- Motorex Cross Power 4T 10W-50 : Perfect for off-road competitions, it ensures optimal lubrication even in extreme conditions.
- Ipone Katana Off Road 10W-60 : suitable for motorcycles enduro and cross, this oil offers high wear resistance and protects against overheating.
3. City Motorcycles and Utilities
For urban or daily use, where journeys are short and regular, a Semi-synthetic oil or 100% Synthetic with standard viscosity (10W-40 or 10W-50) is perfect. It offers a good compromise between protection and performance:
- Elf Moto 4T 10W-40 : a reliable oil for daily commutes, ensuring long-lasting protection at an affordable price.
- Liqui Moly 4T 10W-40 : This semi-synthetic oil is ideal for city bikes, providing excellent protection to the engine while ensuring easy cold starts.
4. Ancient motorcycles
Older motorcycles, often with simpler engines, benefit from oils with higher viscosities (20W-50) to better protect internal parts. For these models, an oil mineral or semi-synthetic is generally recommended, such as:
- Bel Ray EXL 20W-50 : a robust mineral oil for old engines, offering increased protection against wear.
- Minerva Oil 4T 20W-50 : This mineral oil is ideal for preserving older engines while maintaining stable performance.




Comments
On 9 December 2024 at 13:36, arnaud said:
hello,
Your comparison is very useful but I heard one thing that puts me in doubt: some 5w40 oils, for example, have a heat resistance at least identical to grade 50 oils and therefore protect the engine as well by protecting it from the start. So, do I keep my 10w60 or do I go on a good 5w40?
On 9 December 2024 at 13:40, Jacques Dancède said:
1. Viscosity and thermal protection
10W60:
Hot, it has a higher viscosity (60) than the 5W40, which means it is designed to offer better protection in extreme conditions, especially for engines subject to very high temperatures or sustained engine speeds (race, enduro, etc.).
It remains stable and better protects against wear and tear in these situations.
5W40:
Hot, it has a lower viscosity (40), but this may be enough for motorcycles used in normal or moderate conditions.
It has a cold advantage (5W), allowing better circulation and faster lubrication at start-up, which reduces cold engine wear.
2. Heat resistance and comparability
Grade 40 oils can have specific additives that give them good heat resistance, sometimes comparable to grade 50 oils.
However, grade 60 oils are always better for high-demand engines where the oil temperature regularly exceeds 100°C. If your use remains within a normal range, a good 5W40 of quality could be enough.
In short it depends on your use and your bike ;-)
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