If you’re looking for information on how to choose the right lubricant for your motorcycle, you've come to the right page. We will start by explaining the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine lubrication. We will then explain how to read the specifications and viscosity in the owner’s manual, and how to put them into practice. Lastly, we will talk about the products in our MBK series, and in particular how to choose the right oil according to use.

There are two types of engines in the motorcycle world: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. “2-stroke” motorcycles have a specific lubricant for each type of lubricated part: engine, transmission, clutch. This is because, for example, the engine oil needs to mix with the fuel, must not generate smoke, and must have excellent combustion characteristics. In “4-stroke” motorcycles on the other hand, a single lubricant is normally used which lubricates not only the engine but also the clutch and transmission. So it's important to choose the right lubricant!

There is no such thing as the perfect universal oil, rather each motorcycle and rider has their own. To know what to buy, 3 factors need to be considered. Let's start with the first: the specifications. First and foremost, we recommend consulting the owner’s manual of your motorcycle to see the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific vehicle.

Going into detail, the specification for 2-stroke engines is normally JASO M345 with levels FB/FC/FD, where JASO FD is the best. Given JASO FD is backward compatible, we suggest using products with this specification even when others are indicated. In our product range, this specification is met by PAKELO SMALL 2 TS P.

For 4-stroke engines on the other hand, we find two specifications API e JASO T903. In API specifications, SP is normally the highest classification, but in the motorcycle world, SN is considered higher. If the owner’s manual indicates a lower level, it is recommended to use the highest specification on the market, which is API SN.

In the motorcycle world, JASO specifications are important because they entail additional tests for the correct operation of wet clutches. JASO is divided into MB, MA, MA1 and MA2 specifications. MB oils are for scooters without wet clutches, making it possible to use products with a friction modifier to increase the product’s lubrication. For example, the product PAKELO KRYPTON SCOOTER 4T - SAE 5W-40. MA oils, on the other hand, are typically needed for wet clutches. The severity of testing increases from MA, MA1 to MA2. MA2 therefore ensures the highest performance. MA2 is therefore the best choice for all MA specifications.

For example, the entire PAKELO KRYPTON MBK and PAKELO MULTISINT MBK series meet the highest JASO MA2 specification. Remember that JASO was introduced in 1998, so it won’t be indicated for earlier motorcycles.

The owner’s manual indicates a viscosity or several viscosities that can be used. Oil viscosity is regulated by SAE and is often expressed by two numbers, for example SAE 10W-40. The first value “10W” indicates the cold-start viscosity, and the second value “40” indicates the hot viscosity. If more viscosity is possible, this choice will depend on the motorcycle’s use: more intense use, or use in hot climates will require a lubricant with greater viscosity for added protection, whereas in cold climates, a lower viscosity will be needed.

So, how many laps do you want your motorcycle to run?

The type of use also determines the quality of the formula, so:

• For standard daily use, we recommend a REGULAR product like the PAKELO MULTISINT MBK line.
• For on/off road use, we recommend a PREMIUM product such as the PAKELO KRYPTON MBK series.
• For racing, we recommend a RACING product such as the PAKELO KRYPTON MBK racing series.