The 10 Best Motorcycle Oils of 2020

More than a million motorcycles are sold in the US each year. And with motorcycles come maintenance requirements. If you want to keep your bike in tip-top shape, you’re going to need a good oil. Oil will keep the engine lubricated, the pipes clean, and the bike performing at peak efficiency. But not all oils were created equal. Don’t risk your bike’s health or performance on an inferior product.

When it comes to motorbike oils, all oils, regardless of price, manufacturer, or quality, can be categorized into one of the following:

• Fully Synthetic – Fully synthetic oils are the most common variety. Durable and long-lasting, they tend to stand up to disintegration far better than their natural counterparts. Price ranges can fluctuate, depending on the brand.
• Semi-Synthetic – Semi-synthetic motorcycle oils feature a blend of refined crude oil and synthetics. Fans of this type cite its superior performance to all-natural products, not to mention its greater affordability compared to fully synthetic types.
• Natural – Natural or conventional motorcycle oils are made of refined crude oils with the addition of additives. The most affordable of all the varieties, it tends to be favored by those with a penchant for lubricant-demanding classic motorcycles.

Of course, evaluating the performance of an oil involves more than simply looking at its type. If you want to do the best by your bike, you might want to consider investing one from our round-up of the ten best motorcycle oils of 2020.

10. Valvoline 10W-40 4 Stroke

Valvoline is a name most motorbike owners know well. As one of the most respected and reliable names in the business, their line of oils, lubricants, and additives are some of the most popular and affordable on the market. With the Valvoline 10W-40 4 Stroke, they’ve done it again, delivering an excellent oil that delivers roundly on its promises. Crunching gears, sticky shifts, and rusted engines are all delivered a crushing blow thanks to its combination of super-clean additives and dispersants.

9. Yamalube All Purpose Four Stroke Oil

If you have a touring bike, you’d do well to take the advice of homesthetics.net and consider the Yamalube All Purpose Four Stroke Oil. A semi-synthetic oil made from a combination of mineral oil and additives, it promises smoother shifting between gears, an end to sticky clutches, long-lasting performance, and a squeaky-clean engine. If you needed any more reason to have confidence in its ability, the fact that tests have shown it meets or exceeds the JASO MA requirements should do just that.

8. Honda Pro GN4 Motorcycle Oil

Honda comes with a certain reputation for quality, and that quality is very much in play in this solid addition to our lineup. Honda Pro GN4 Motorcycle Oil has been tweaked and tested to perfection, offering a stable formula with excellent shear resistance and cleanliness.

7. Royal Purple Max- C Cycle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Car Bibles considers Royal Purple Max- C Cycle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil worthy of a place on its round-up of the best motorcycle oils of 2020, and so do we. Excellent for keeping pipes clean and protecting the engine against dirt, rust, and corrosion, it’s a quick, easy, and affordable way of lengthening the life of the equipment and keeping your bike running smoothly.

6. Red Line Big Twin Powerpack – 20W50 90226

Promising cooler operating temperatures, silky smooth gear shifting, reduced mechanical noise, and improved running efficiency, Red Line Big Twin Powerpack – 20W50 90226 is a great find for bikers… no wonder topproreviews.com rank it as their number one choice.

5. Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

If you have a Harley, you’ll do well to consider Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Oil. As well as keeping engines running as smoothly and quietly as a dream, it helps keep pipes clean and lubricated. Sure, it’s pricey, and it’s not the best for low capacity engines, but if you can afford the price tag, you’re unlikely to have any complaints about its performance.

4. Castrol’s 06112 Power1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Castrol’s 06112 Power1 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is one of Castrol’s most popular products, and for good reason. Suitable for four-stroke engines of both the fuel-injected and carburetor kind, it supports superb engine performance and enhanced acceleration. On the downside, it’s on the higher end of the price range – but considering its qualities, most people will consider it a price worth paying.

3. Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel

Economical, reliable, and a great all-rounder: if you want a motorcycle oil that does exactly what it says in the tin, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel. As roadracerz.com reports, it offers enhanced fuel capability by 1.5% compared to other models by Shell, while its blend of synthetic base oils and multi-functional dispersant additives offers superior protection against dirt and corrosion, extending your engine’s life and improving its performance to boot. Expect excellent shear resistance, superb cleanliness, and great viscosity stability. Thanks to the fact it lasts for 6000 miles, you won’t have to worry about topping up for quite a while either.

2. Castrol 06130 Actevo 10W-40 Part Synthetic 4T

As roadracerz.com notes, the Castrol 06130 Actevo 10W-40 Part Synthetic 4T is a heavyweight contender when it comes to performance, reducing wear by a massive 70% compared to other products in the Castrol line. Suitable for 4-stroke motors that are fuel and carburetor injected, it offers excellent thermal stability and does a grand job of protecting the engine from burn-off or heat generated carbon deposits. As proof pudding of just how reliable it is, it exceeds JASO MA-2 and API SL standards and can last for a very impressive 5000-8000 miles.

1. Motul 7100 Synthetic Oil 4T

If you want a good all-rounder, you’ll be hard pushed to find much better than thedrive.com’s top pick in its “Best Overall” category, Motul 7100 Synthetic Oil 4T. Suitable for all four-stroke motorcycles with catalytic converters, Motul 7100 Synthetic Oil 4T does exactly what it’s meant to: clean and protect the engine, improve engine response, and enhance performance. Granted, it’s a little pricy, but few would suggest it’s not worth the money.