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FAQs

Do I have to use an oil formulated specifically for motorcycles in my bike? Why can't I use the same oil I use in my car?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) now requires more friction modifiers in oils meeting the current SL/SM standards for gasoline engines. Our motorcycle tests show these oils can cause excessive wear in wet-clutch applications. That's why we designed an oil specifically for these applications. Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil is available in SAE 10w40 and SAE 20w50 viscosities.

Is it ok to use synthetic motor oil in my motorcycle?

Valvoline does not offer a synthetic motorcycle oil that meets the API specs SF/SG/SJ or the JASO MA specifications for wet-clutch applications.

I ride a Harley-Davidson® and was told only to use their motor oil. Is it ok for me to use Valvoline Motorcycle oil?

It is completely fine to use Valvoline's 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil as this product meets the requirements for Harley-Davidson.

Do you have any data showing how your oil performs in Harley-Davidson® motorcycles?

We do not have specific data that shows the performance of our oils in Harley- Davidson motorcycles. Valvoline does market a high-quality motorcycle oil specifically designed to provide extra wear and corrosion protection for motorcycles. We do not recommend the use of our ILSAC grade motor oils in motorcycles with wet clutches because of the friction modifiers that are used.

For more information or to submit additional questions, please click here to contact us via email or by phone at 1-800-TEAM-VAL.

If you don't drive in severe conditions, you don't need to change your oil as often.: Valvoline recommends changing oil every 3,000 miles. Most consumers (more than 80% of drivers, according to a State of California study) actually drive under what is considered severe driving conditions (stop and go, short trips, towing, or very hot or very cold temperatures). Auto manufacturers' oil change interval recommendations are dramatically shorter for severe driving conditions, with the majority recommending 3,750 miles or less and with 3,000 miles being the most common recommendation. Both oil and oil filters have less of a useful life under severe conditions due to increased dirt and other contaminants. So, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles is the best way to ensure engine health.