Did you know that when Honda released the first GN4 back in 1975, it established the benchmarks for motorcycle oils? The best value for money is provided by this motor oil if you own a light-duty Honda motorcycle.
The Pro Honda GN4 is a mineral oil with a petroleum basis that is designed for light-duty use in 4-stroke scooters, ATVs, and motorcycles. This is not the proper oil for you if you like to race in your Honda. You require the Pro Honda HP4S for that.
The initial motorcycle oil created especially for motorcycles is called ThePro Honda GN4. The mixture includes a special additive package that goes above and beyond what is needed for motorcycles with a shared engine and tranny sump configuration.
The GN4 now offers improved shear resistance, more consistent viscosity, and a cleaner burn thanks to further development.
Your motor will shift smoother right away if you previously used synthetic oil in your vehicle and opt to switch to the Pro Honda GN4. Additionally, it will be much quieter. This is especially true if your Honda’s service manual specifically suggests the GN4.
For high-performance motorcycles, there are once more superior oils. However, if you’re a casual rider and your motorcycle advises using a premium mineral-based oil, you can’t go wrong with the Honda Pro GN4.
In This Article...
Which 10w40 motorcycle oil is the best?
We advise Yamalube All Purpose SAE 10W-40 Oil if you’re seeking for an oil with a mineral base. The Red Line 42504 20W-50 Fully Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is a respectable alternative for a fully synthetic motorcycle oil, while the Lucas SAE 10W-40 Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is a solid semi-synthetic blend.
What distinguishes 10W30 oil from 10W40 oil?
Multigrade oils, such as 10W-40 and 10W-30, combine the characteristics of two different classes of oil. They are sometimes referred to as “multi weight oils.”
Low Temperature Viscosity
The oil’s viscosity at a low temperature is indicated by the first number. Anything below 0oC is often regarded as low temperature (32oF).
A “10W rating” (thus the “W” affixed to it) is an SAE grade for winter use for both 10W-30 and 10W-40 oils. At lower temperatures, these oils behave similarly to an SAE 10W single grade oil.
When starting a car while the engine is still cold and needs quick lubrication, this value is especially crucial. The oil is thinner and more viscous the lower the number.
High Temperature Viscosity
The viscosity of the oil at 100 oC is indicated by the second digit (after the “W”) (212oF). This is frequently taken to be the operating temperature of the engine.
More viscous or thicker the oil is at higher temperatures, the higher the number.
Accordingly, 10W30 engine oil has the viscosity of an SAE 30 single grade oil at 100 oC, whereas 10W40 oil has the viscosity of an SAE 40 oil.
Because 10W40 oil has a higher viscosity than 10W30, it retains more thickness as the temperature increases.
In that situation, 10W-40 motor oil would theoretically offer superior defense against contact between engine wear and higher temperatures.
Next, let’s compare the performance and application of these multi-viscosity oils.
What is oil 10W40?
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 10W-40 is the viscosity or weight of motor oil (SAE for short).
The viscosity grade of a 10W-40 oil is 10W at low temperatures and 40 at high temperatures.
What does this actually mean? While heated, motor oil becomes thinner after becoming thicker when cold. When heated, 10W40 engine oil doesn’t get more viscous. When cold, it just behaves like a 10W weight oil, and when hot, it behaves like a 40W weight oil.
Oils have a maximum viscosity that is defined at a cold temperature. The oil will be thinner the lower the W number, where “W” stands for “Winter”. A 10W rated oil in this instance will be heavier in the winter than a 5W oil.
The viscosity of the oil at high temperatures is represented by the number 40. It examines the oil’s flow characteristics at a temperature of 100 °C during engine operation (212oF). The hot viscosity grade emphasizes seal leakage and the oil’s capacity to safeguard engine parts in a thinner state.
At engine operating temperature, a 40 weight oil will be thicker than a 30 weight oil.
Who makes the oil for Honda HP4?
The first entirely synthetic 4-stroke motorcycle oil from Honda, the New Pro Honda HP4S, has been under development for years. Regular petroleum oils like GN4 and synthetic mixes like HP4 are both compatible with HP4S. Before upgrading to HP4S, the crankcases don’t need to be flushed.
- Both conventional petroleum products like GN4 and synthetic mixes like HP4 and HP4S are compatible with HP4S. Customers can transition to HP4S without requiring any special crankcase cleansing, in other words.
- maximum power since there is less frictional drag.
- Simply told, it is Pro Honda’s finest four-stroke oil.
- All motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and PWC manufactured in 2006 or later are recommended for usage with HP4S.
- doesn’t include moly
- At low temperatures, especially during startup, it also provides stronger film strength and faster flow to crucial engine sections.
- offers superior oxidation resistance and lower friction than standard oils for improved high heat performance.
Can I use synthetic oil on a motorcycle that is older?
A reader queries: A 1998 Heritage Softail Classic with 47,000 miles was purchased used. Only mineral oil, as far as I’m aware, was used in this bike. It’s been recommended to me that I use AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50. Does using synthetic oil in an older engine pose any issues? Will it utilize oil or leak?
Our response: Using synthetic oil in an older Harley-Davidson engine is definitely permissible. There shouldn’t be any issues if the engine is mechanically sound. Older transmissions and primary chaincases can both use synthetic oil.
Despite its age, your engine is not “suited to only conventional oil. It makes no difference if mineral oil was used to break in the engine. It is possible to switch to synthetic oil at any time.
The motorcycle will now have better performance on a number of fronts after switching to synthetic oil. AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 reduces friction while withstanding soaring temperatures. Here are the improvements that our customers observe.
- Using it in the transmission results in smoother shifting
- increased fuel efficiency
- neutral is simpler to locate when utilized in the primary
- enhanced throttle responsiveness
- decreasing the operating temperatures
- Less volatility reduces oil use.
Will using synthetic oil in an older motorcycle engine result in leaks or consumption? All should be good if the seals are strong and the engine hasn’t had any major issues with oil consumption. Compared to standard motorcycle oil, AMSOIL V-Twin 20-W-50 offers a higher resistance to volatility. On exceptionally hot days, less oil will be used as a result.
In conclusion, the most cost-effective update you can make to your Harley-Davidson motorbike is to switch to a premium synthetic oil like AMSOIL. Both new models and vintage bikes fall under this category.
Which motorbike engine oil is the best?
- Engine oil with a synthetic ester blend made by Bel-Ray.
- Cruze Power 1.
- Conventional Street Oil Liqui Moly 4T.
- Engine oil made of synthetic materials by Lucas.
- producer’s brand.
- Premium Maxima.
- Formula 4T Motorex.
- 300V Motul.
Which oil is ideal for a wet clutch?
Wet clutch motorcycle oil: what to use? Use of a lubricant designed especially for wet clutches, such as AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle and dirt bike lubricants, is essential. They don’t have any additives for severe pressure or friction modifiers.
Your clutch may slip if you use synthetic oil.
IDRIS PERFORMS
My Honda VFR750 recently had its oil changed, and now the clutch is beginning to slip. Do you have any idea what this could be considering that the bike only has 10,000 kilometers on it?
OUR GURU CONCLUDES:
Most likely explanation: the bike’s engine has too much oil in it right now. Have you tested the level after running the engine while it was cold? Have you used the recommended approval rating, bike-specific, proper grade of oil? Can inexpensive automobile oil purchased from side streets vendors contain additional additives and be recovered oil? Have you switched to fully synthetic oil from semi- or conventionally synthetic oil? Fully synthetic oil’s superior lubricating properties will induce clutch slip when added to a bike with mileage. Try leaving the bike overnight and riding about 30 easy miles the next day if the level, oil grade, and rating are all satisfactory. This is due to the fact that fresh oil poured into the engine might saturate the clutch plates, which can then be cleared by spinning the plates. What about the clutch adjustment? If none of the aforementioned remedies work, the clutch may need to be repaired or it could just be coincidence.
Will synthetic oil cause the clutch of a motorcycle to slip?
They will eventually glaze the clutch plates and make the clutch slip when under load. The only remedy after this happens is to replace the clutch plates. Once more, both synthetic and conventional car engine oils for gasoline service are covered by this.
Does 10W 40 work well on motorcycles?
In order to help deliver superior engine cleaning, exceptional wear protection at high temperatures, and very effective protection from corrosion, Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil blends high performance synthetic base stocks with a finely balanced component system. In high-performance motorbike engines, it reduces deposit formation and helps prolong engine life.
Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil’s use aids in maintaining maximum power output because of the high performance and protection that the synthetic technology by its very nature offers. More reliable power results from the lower frictional losses. This specifically formulated motorcycle engine oil aids in delivering unmatched performance under demanding operating circumstances during any season, in all types of driving situations, and on the racetrack.
Please read the limited Mobil 1TM warranty. The manufacturer’s suggested oil viscosity grade, API service classification, and any builder approval are all listed in your owner’s handbook. For a fast look at important manufacturer certifications and details on the zinc and phosphorus content of Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil, you can also consult the Mobil 1TM Product Guide.
Follow the oil-life sensor on your car or the suggested oil-change schedule in your owner’s handbook if your car is under warranty. To maintain efficient operation, proper maintenance procedures are needed, including routinely checking the oil level to make sure the right amount of oil is present.
My motorcycle accepts ordinary 10w40, is it okay?
Although using car engine oil in a motorcycle on occasion is acceptable, doing so on a regular basis is not. As I previously indicated, there are certain differences between the two oils, and as a result, a motorcycle will begin to lack some essential components from the oil and will begin to break down.
Although an automobile’s transmission and engine are connected, each is a distinct creature and needs a different kind of oil to lubricate its internal parts. Transmission oil cannot be used in an engine, and vice versa.
As was already noted, a motorcycle’s engine and transmission are also linked but open to one another, which means their internal surfaces are lubricated by the same oil. Motorcycle oil essentially lubricates the engine and transmission.
Motorcycle oil contains stronger lubricating qualities and other friction-reducing compounds than transmission fluid does. The main distinction between motorcycle oil and car engine oil is that motorcycle oil has the additional lubricating and friction-reducing qualities required by the motorbike transmission, whilst car engine oil does not.