Motul Nieuwsbrief (2012) Nr. 7 is er nu!!
FAQ Motorfietsen
Why are the periods between motorcycle oil changes shorter than for cars?
Unlike in cars, the capacities of motorcycle oil sumps are generally limited given the low overall dimensions of a motorcycle engine. On scooters, their capacity is often lower than 1 litre and, for some applications, dry sumps can also be seen, in other words oil sumps outside the engine.
Given these lower volumes of oil in motorcycles and the higher constraints for the lubricant such as higher temperatures and multiple lubrication and rotation regimes (engine, gearbox and clutch), oil change periods are frequently shorter for motorcycles than for cars. In any case, you should always refer to the OEM’s recommendations.
300V, 7100 or 5100?
Choose your oil depending on your use:
300V lubricants are specially formulated for racing applications. With its 300V range, Motul is in fact providing the general public with lubricants developed for racing teams: the products on sale at your retailer are the same as those used by teams on circuits or tracks.
These lubricants are sufficiently resistant to withstand very high temperatures, ensure the best possible lubrication and reduce friction… In short, they meet the very stringent requirements of racing.
7100, 5100 … are formulated for the greatest possible reliability in more ordinary use: starting your motorcycle every morning, riding on country roads for leisure or riding in town to work and back home in the evening, and having an oil change done as least often as possible.
The requirements for ordinary daily use of your motorcycle are entirely different from those of racing.
MOTUL 7100 and 5100 have been formulated so that you can follow the OEM’s recommended oil change period without any trouble in normal daily use conditions.
Until now, I have used a competitor’s oil in my 4-stroke engine motorcycle. Can I use MOTUL without damaging my engine?
4-stroke engine oils are compatible and miscible.
You can therefore safely use a quality Motul lubricant in your motorcycle from now on.
Can I mix two types of oil of a different quality or brand?
If you use the same type of oil (4-stroke engine oil, for instance), you can mix different brands or qualities. However, make sure you comply with the minimum quality recommended by the OEM, bearing in mind that the quality of the mixture obtained will generally be close to that of the less good product, depending on the proportions.
On the other hand, you cannot mix oils of different types (4-stroke engine oil, 2-stroke engine oil, manual gearbox oil, automatic gearbox oil, hydraulic brake fluid, etc.).
I am currently using a 15W-40 oil in my motorcycle engine. In very cold weather (-10°C), when starting, I hear a clacking sound. What should I do?
Your engine probably has hydraulic pushrods. At low temperature, a 15W oil is too viscous to ensure the proper operation of such pushrods. You should therefore use a 10W-40 or 5W-40, depending on the OEM’s recommendations.