Choosing the right oil is one of the most important issues for every motorcyclist, regardless of the type of motorcycle or riding style. Oil is not just a lubricant. It acts as a protective shield for the engine, keeping the operating temperature stable, reducing friction and preventing wear of mechanical parts. In motorcycles, where engines often operate close to their limits, oil becomes even more important, as it affects performance, reliability, fuel consumption and the longevity of the entire drivetrain.
Why is choosing the right oil critical?
Oil is the fundamental factor that determines the mechanical health of an engine. It creates a protective film between moving parts, which prevents metal-to-metal contact, reduces friction and protects against overheating. In addition, it removes deposits and microparticles, keeping the engine clean and efficient.
In a motorcycle, however, oil has two additional critical roles:
- It lubricates the gears of the transmission.
- It often also acts as a lubrication medium for the wet clutch.
This means that the demands are higher compared to other vehicles, and the oil must have specific specifications and stability under extreme conditions.
Understanding viscosity: What do indications like 10W-40 and 5W-40 mean?
Viscosity is one of the most recognisable but often misunderstood indicators of an oil. It essentially measures how “thick” or “thin” the oil is at low and high temperatures.
The indication consists of two numbers:
- The first number (e.g. 5W, 10W) shows the behaviour of the oil in a cold environment. The smaller it is, the easier it is for the engine to start at low temperatures.
- The second number (e.g. 40, 50) refers to the behaviour of the oil at high temperature. The larger it is, the better the protection under high thermal load.
Below is a concise table:
| Viscosity | Behaviour in the cold | Behaviour in the heat | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5W-40 | Excellent start-up | Stable at high revs | Sport, scooter, city |
| 10W-40 | Balance in all temperatures | Stability in most environments | General purpose, touring |
| 15W-50 | Greater thermal resistance | Ideal under overheating | Adventure, off-road, high displacement |
| 20W-50 | Thick film | Ideal for older engines | Classic motorcycles |
Gand Oil lubricants in the RACER and RACER PLUS category are designed to meet the requirements of JASO MA/MA2.
Types of motorcycle oils: Synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral
Although modern motorcycles mainly use synthetic or semi-synthetic oils, it is important to know the differences.
| Type of oil | Advantages | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Synthetic | Maximum resistance, stability at high temperatures, low wear | Sport, supersport, touring, adventure |
| Synthetic | Balance of performance–price, good thermal stability | City, commuter, general use |
| Mineral | Thicker, suitable for old engines | Classic motorcycles |
Which oil does my motorcycle need? Selection by category
Below is a complete selection guide from the available Gand Oil range.
1. Sport & supersport engines (high revs – high temperature)
Suitable Gand Oil oils:
- GA 7276 – RACER PLUS SAE 5W-40 4T Full Synthetic
- GA 7278 – RACER PLUS SAE 15W-50 4T Full Synthetic
- GA 7277 – RACER PLUS SAE 10W-40 4T Full Synthetic
Sport engines operate at high temperatures and revs often remain high. That is why a fully synthetic oil with stability under extreme thermal loads is required.
2. Naked – commuter – touring (daily and mixed use)
Recommended:
- GA 7277 – RACER PLUS SAE 10W-40 4T Full Synthetic
- GA 7279 – RACER ULTRA PLUS SAE 10W-40 4T Full Synthetic
- GA 7082 – RACER SAE 10W-40 4T Synthetic
City motorcycles need stability in frequent stop-and-go traffic, fast oil circulation and resistance to temperature fluctuations.
3. Adventure – Enduro – Dual Sport – Off-Road
Recommended:
- GA 7278 – RACER PLUS SAE 15W-50 4T Full Synthetic
- GA 7083 – RACER SAE 15W-50 4T Synthetic
Off-road engines face dust, mud, high transmission loads and continuous temperature changes. That is why they need thicker lubricants with high resistance.
4. Scooter 4T with CVT (JASO MB type operation)
Suitable options:
- GA 7277 – RACER PLUS SAE 10W-40 4T Full Synthetic
- GA 7081 – RACER SAE 5W-40 4T Synthetic
Scooters require oils with stability at high city temperatures and frequent short trips.
5. Classic and older motorcycles (greater tolerances)
Recommended:
- GA 7084 – RACER SAE 20W-50 4T
The thick film protects engines with greater tolerances and reduces operating noise.
6. Lubricants for suspensions (Fork oil)
Recommended:
- GA 7080 – FORK OIL 10W-20 & 15W-30 Full Synthetic
The proper functioning of the fork is essential for stability, comfort and road holding.
When should I change oil? Detailed guide
Not all motorcycles change oil at the same mileage. The type of oil, quality, usage and operating conditions determine the frequency.
In general, the following apply:
- Synthetic: change every 5,000–7,000 km
- Semi-synthetic: change every 3,000–5,000 km
- Mineral: change every 2,000–3,000 km
In off-road, racing use or very hot conditions, it is advisable to shorten the intervals. Oil does not wear out only from mileage, but also from time, as it oxidises and loses its lubricating properties.
Common mistakes when choosing oil
- Choosing only based on viscosity without checking JASO.
- Mixing different types of oil.
- Using car oils in motorcycles with wet clutch.
- Exceeding change intervals.
- Not using a quality oil filter.
The choice of oil must be made based on the requirements of the engine and the use.
Where to find the right Gand Oil lubricants
All the above Gand Oil products are available in the category Motorcycle Lubricants.
There, every rider can choose the right lubricant based on viscosity, specifications and type of motorcycle.
Conclusion
The right oil is not just a maintenance choice but a substantial investment in the longevity, performance and safety of the motorcycle. With a range specifically designed for the needs of 4T and 2T engines, Gand Oil lubricants offer reliable protection, cleanliness and stable operation in all conditions.
By following the correct specifications, the appropriate viscosity and choosing high-quality products, every motorcycle will operate smoothly, efficiently and with superior mechanical durability for many kilometres.