MOTO – there is a difference

Moto for motorcycles only

Every BIZOL oil is blended from high-quality base oils and additives to provide a unique level of protection. Moto oils, however, are different and we have formulated our Moto range to suit the specific needs of motorcycle and quad engines. We know that special oils are called for due to the unique demands of motorcycle lubricants.

One of the major differences is that the most 4-stroke motorcycle engines have a common sump, which contains a common lubricant for the engine and gearbox. The shared lubricant has to work harder than a lubricant in a car engine because it has to be more resistant to high temperatures and foaming as well as effectively exclude the use of friction modifiers.

Motorcycle engine oil has to provide lubrication and protection to the engine components, ensure smooth gear selection and be compatible with gearbox and wet clutch components. Optimal clutch operation and take up of drive are demands that must be ‘designed into’ the oil. BIZOL Moto engine oils have been formulated to maintain high levels of cleanliness and provide excellent, snatch-free drive characteristics.

JASO is the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization, which sets the specifications for oil used in Japanese motorcycle engines and provides a reference standard for all others.

JASO T903 is the global standard for motorcycle lubricants and was introduced in 1998 as a response to the increased use of friction modifiers in car engine lubricants to improve fuel economy. The majority of friction modifiers are not compatible with the wet multiplate clutches frequently used in motorcycles. As a result of these changes to car oils, new standards for motorcycle lubricants were required, and subsequently established, to ensure adequate clutch performance.

According to JASO, a lubricant is classified as MA or MB based on the SAE #2 Clutch Friction test, which forms part of the JASO T903 standard. The test is used to evaluate performance in three friction performance areas, and guarantees suitability for wet clutch applications according to the classification:

Dynamic Friction Index (DFI):          Measure of clutch feel and how progressively power transfers during clutch engagement

Static Friction Index (SFI):   Measure of torque capacity and resistance to slipping under breakaway conditions

Stop Time Index (STI):            Measure of how quickly the clutch engages.

Clutch Test Friction Properties (JASO T 903:2006)

To summarise: the difference between the different JASO MA standards is relatively simple. JASO MA is an overarching standard for 4-stroke engines that comprises both the MA1 and MA2 standards. The MA1 standard provides lower levels of friction needed for smaller capacity, lower performance motorcycles. The MA2 standard provides the highest level of friction for high-capacity, high-power motorcycles.