Chemicals & Lube
About Chemicals & Lube
Oils, fluids and lubricants are the consumables of motorcycle upkeep, and most riders buy them on a schedule: engine oil at each service, fork oil and brake fluid at longer intervals, and sprays and treatments in between. This category is also where riders find kits that bundle what a particular oil change needs.
Listings include four-stroke engine oils in mineral and synthetic types, two-stroke oil, V-twin and scooter oils, fork oil, brake fluid, air filter oil and fuel treatment. Choose by the specification in your manual: the viscosity grade, such as 10W-40 or 20W-50, the type, and whether it is made for four-stroke or two-stroke engines. Brake fluid must be the type printed on the reservoir or listed in the manual, and the types are not all mixable. Oil change kits are listed by model and year.
Brands here include Helix, Michelin, Lucas, K & N and SDI. For cleaning products see Cleaning & Detailing and Misc. Accessories, both part of Accessories.
FAQs on motorcycle oils and fluids
What does 10W-40 mean on a bottle of oil?
The number before the W describes how the oil flows when cold, and the number after it describes its thickness at operating temperature. Use the grade in your owner's manual for your climate and engine, instead of choosing a thicker or thinner oil by guess.
What is the difference between mineral and synthetic oil?
Mineral oil is refined from crude oil, and synthetic oil is engineered to resist heat and breakdown better. Synthetic usually costs more. Use the type and specification your manual calls for, and do not switch without checking that it suits your engine and clutch.
Why does brake fluid need replacing?
Most brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time, which lowers its boiling point and can cause corrosion inside the system. Replace it at the interval in your manual, and use only the type printed on the reservoir, since some types do not mix.
How do I know how much fork oil to use?
The amount and the weight of fork oil are in your service manual, and they depend on the model. Fork oil level or volume affects how the suspension works, so use the numbers the manual gives for your bike.
What is air filter oil for?
Air filter oil is a tacky oil applied to foam air filters so they trap dust. Use oil made for this job, apply it evenly and do not oversaturate the filter. Paper filters are not oiled, so check which type your bike uses.
