10 Best Motorcycle Oils in the Philippines 2025 | Petron, Honda, and More

Mineral oils are mainly composed of crude oil combined with additives, such as detergents, to neutralize acids. Frictional modifiers are also added to ensure that the coverage doesn't run out quickly and ensure better lubrication. Mineral oils offer extensive protection for new engines in their first few miles.

Using this oil type on small-capacity engines is highly advisable since there is less mechanical pressure when running, even on its maximum performance. The definite upside of using mineral oil is its affordability, but you might need to have an oil change in shorter intervals.

This is a man-made oil that contains pure crude as a major additive. It has a lower viscosity that ensures a smoother movement within the engine and reduces internal friction. Unfortunately, pure synthetic oils are costly, but it is a small price to pay for better engine performance and a longer lifespan.

As the label implies, this is a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils. The ratio usually falls around 25% synthetic and 75% mineral, but this ratio varies from brand to brand. Semi-synthetic oils offer a great balance in performance and value for money, that is why many riders prefer using them. Ideal for bikes with 125-180cc engines, semi-synthetic oils are best for medium-sized engines.

The American Petrol Institute (API) has established, tested, and maintained the ratings of viscosity and content of motorcycle oils worldwide. After the API, you should see the letter "S" which denotes that it should be used on engines that use spark. Its absence means that the oil is meant for engines that don't require a spark, like diesel engines.

After the letter S, you might encounter the letters from A to N. The farther away it is from the letter A, the higher the quality of the oil will be. Nowadays, you can find the letters L, M, or N, which are oils intended for modern motorcycles.

JASO or Japanese Automobile Standards Organization set a grading system for motorcycle oils. This grading system is based on the oil's ability to resist clutch friction, protection against engine wear, and pitting in the gearbox. Below are the ratings that they came up with that are intended for four-stroke and two-stroke engine oils.

Four-stroke Engines:

• JASO MA - used on single unit engines where the clutch, gearbox, and engine use the same oil
• JASO MB - for bikes that have separate oils for engine, clutch, and gearbox
• JASO MA2 - used on bikes with catalytic converters in the exhaust system

Two-stroke Engines:

• JASO FA - have standard lubricity, detergency, exhaust smoke, and exhaust system blocking
• JASO FB - have a slightly increased feature than FA
• JASO FC - same standards as FB, but with higher detergents and exhaust smoke
• JASO FD - same standards as FC, but with much higher detergent capabilities

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has designed a viscosity grading system for motor oils. They came up with the viscosity rating that we've already discussed previously on the viscosity part of this article. SAE ratings are expressed in numbers and letters, where motorcycle oils are divided into two base measurements: monograde and multigrade.

Monograde oils are used in specific weather conditions. During the summer months, you will need a more viscous oil because the high temperature makes it more liquid. While in winter, a less viscous oil makes cold starting easier. You will need to replace your engine oil depending on the current weather.

Multigrade oils can be used at a wider range of both high and low temperatures. The range is indicated by two numbers with a hyphen in between. This type of oil doesn't need to be changed with the season and isn't affected by temperature like monograde oils, except if it's time for a regular oil change.