Best Oil for Dirt Bikes – If you’re unfamiliar with dirt bikes, you may wonder about the importance of choosing a good oil. Oil for dirt bikes is not like other oils. More than being a fuel for the bike, dirt bike oil lubricates and reduces friction on the moving parts, while also cleaning the engine of sludge. If you don’t properly oil your dirt bike, you risk wearing down your engine and at worst, end up with a damaged part. Given the variety of oils available for different bikes, there are several options that can benefit your vehicle.
Types of Dirt Bike Oil
Before we dive into the options available, there are the types of oils you need to know about first. There are four types of oils for dirt bikes. They are as follows:
4-Stroke Oil – This type of oil is more similar to the oil used in cars but it does lubricate the engine. The best options also have additives, but the oil isn’t formulated to burn. Because of this, the additives can end up different. The main thing to know about this oil is that you don’t mix it with gas or other types of oils. If you mix this oil with gas in a two-cycle engine or use two-cycle oil in a four-cycle engine, you can irreparably damage the engine.
2-Stroke Oil – Two-stroke oils are more refined than 4-stroke oils and burn with the fuel. One notable feature of this oil is that it has anti-wear agents that safeguard the engine’s moving parts. This oil also tends to have several additives and because of this, it has detergents that clean varnishes and carbon deposits. If you want to find the best 2-stroke oils, you should find ones that have antioxidants.
Synthetic Oil – You’ll usually find this type of oil in most modern motorcycles and it’s more tolerant when it comes to high-performance and high-revving engines. Especially in hotter climates. This oil also has a lower viscosity, which reduces internal friction. Thus it provides more efficiency and increases engine performance. In addition, this type of oil lasts longer and doesn’t usually create black sludge due to oxidation.
Mineral Oil – Compared to other types of oil, mineral oils tend to be heavier, thicker, and less likely to leak. It is also more suited for older motorcycles since it’s common for older motorcycles to leak more if they use synthetic oil. It is beneficial because older unmodified engines are typically not as highly stressed as newer engines. If you have an older model, best avoid synthetic oils.
Top Options for Bike Oils
Choosing the best dirt bike oil ultimately depends on what pairs well with your bike model. If you are unsure of which to pick, these are some top options to consider:
Motul 800 2T 2-Stroke Premix Fully Synthetic Motor Oil – There are several oils with different benefits. If you have a 2-stroke bike, this is one oil to check out. It is a premium-quality, fully synthetic engine oil that uses ester core technology that mostly benefits high-performance engines. It provides protection against deposits and prevents the sticking of piston rings and exhaust power valves, which helps with smoother shifting. This oil is usually premixed though and tends to be on the expensive side.
Mobil 1 10W-40 Motor Oil – Are you looking for something on a budget? Then the Mobil 1 10W-40 Motor Oil is for you. It is a fully synthetic oil that is ideal for riders that deal with extreme conditions. This oil withstands extreme heat and prevents metal oxidation and degradation. This is because the oil lubricates and protects your transmission components. In addition to this, it prolongs the life of your engine and keeps it well-functioning even under wear and tear. Unfortunately, this oil is only suitable for leaded gasoline engines.
Maxima Castor 927 2-Stroke Premix Racing Oil – If you need a good oil for 2-stroke this product is one to consider. It is a highly-refined type of oil that is castor oil blended with a specially prepared synthetic and an additive system to provide a wide range of features. Because of its mixture, it has excellent rust and corrosion protection and reduces carbon and gum formation. While it does mix well with other oils, it vaporizes at a much higher temperature compared to other lubricants and works for a long time. Another plus is that the oil is biodegradable.
Conclusion
When choosing a dirt bike oil, there are four types to consider. While there are plenty of top options you can choose from, the best options fall on what fits your bike. Some are great for 2-stroke bikes while others are better with certain engines. In the end, knowing the best oil for dirt bikes can help in ensuring good maintenance.
If you want to discover an extensive selection of dirt bike gears and accessories and dive deeper into upgrading your off-road experience.
You can also check out the “Best Oil for 2 Stroke Dirt Bike” or explore other things like “Can You Use Brake Cleaner to Clean the Carburetor” Aside from this, you can learn maintenance tips such as avoiding fueling the wrong gas.
