Can I put car oil on my motorcycle?

Can I put car oil on my motorcycle? This is not the first time we have heard this question. And this is probably not the last. And in vain? In the highly selective biker community, this issue is almost constantly discussed.

Given the particularly high cost of motorcycle oils, many bikers have confessed to using automotive oils. And, admittedly, there are also many who are more and more tempted by this practice. The question then arises: does this practice risk destroying your two wheels? What are the disadvantages? Are there any consequences? Let's lift the veil on these questions once and for all!

Differences between car oil and car oil

When we talk about the differences between these two oils, we can't help but come to the following conclusion: car oil was designed just for cars, while motorcycle oil was designed for motorcycles.

What exactly does it do? In fact, the difference is minimal. Because in most cases, the fact is that the car oil was fitted additional antifriction additives. Therefore, it seems that they are not suitable for a motorcycle, as they can cause clutch slip. However, no information from manufacturers confirms this. Although the additive is present in some automotive oils - but not all, it is important to note - it has never been mentioned or officially proven that it can actually damage a motorcycle clutch.

Interestingly, many experts claim that some automotive and motorcycle oils have exactly the same compositions. According to them, for most of them the difference is only in cost and packaging. In other words, manufacturers insist that this motorcycle oil is for commercial purposes only.

Pouring car oil into a motorcycle: rules to follow

You will understand that you can use car oil in your motorcycle. Manufacturers do not prohibit this, as do many bikers. Many of the opinions, testimonials and exchanges available on the Internet are genuine. In any case, in order to avoid inconvenience, it is better to follow certain rules.

When can I put automotive oil on my motorcycle?

You may add automotive oil to your motorcycle, provided that, firstly, youuse the oil that is closest to the characteristics of a motorcycle. which you usually use. Or, if not, oil that can adapt to your two wheels. So take the time to compare components, viscosity indexes and of course the availability of additives.

When purchasing, add the manufacturer's recommendations and contraindications to the selection criteria. Also see the terms of your insurance contract... Some insurers require that only original products be used on the insured vehicle. Otherwise, they may opt out of coverage in the event of a claim.

Finally, if you want to use automotive oil on your motorcycle, consider choosing a quality oil.

When should you not add engine oil to your motorcycle?

As a rule, it is not recommended to use automotive oil in a motorcycle during intensive use of the latter. Therefore, if you have a sports car or regularly use a two-wheeled vehicle, it is best to use the correct and intended oil for it.

Why ? Quite simply because the oil was formulated with the speed of the engine on board the vehicle in question. However, for a car, this is a maximum of 6500-7000 rpm. Yet for a motorcycle, it can up to 12 rpmand little else to say!

Therefore, if you use an oil that is not suitable for this purpose, there is a risk early oxidation of oil... Therefore, you may have to change it earlier than expected. The use of an oil whose viscosity and thermal resistance is not designed for high frictional speeds can put the engine in danger. Thus, your motorcycle will lose its ride quality.