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The Best engine oil for Yamaha

From a humble YBR125 to a flame-spitting YZF-R1, your Yamaha definitely earns the finest motor oil.
In this article, we present Yamaha’s suggested motor oil for a number of models that are older than two decades.

Besides the finest grade of oil, we have included, as far as applicable, the lowest and highest suggested capacity for each engine.

Now all that remains to be done is to select your model, pick the most suitable oil for your budget.
We have done our best research to determine the correct oil, however, it is obvious: always refer to your User Guide where you can get the manufacturer’s suggested motor oil.

Engine oil for Yamaha – Best Choice

Best choice

Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil

This 100% ester-based synthetic oil is suitable for dry or wet clutches, and for those with or without integrated gearboxes. It has low volatility and low friction, which results in a smoother ride and longer oil life

4,9 Rating
Works with 4-stroke motorbikes with catalytic converter
Anti-wear supplements

Top-rated Engine Oil for Yamaha

Top choice

Review of Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50

Castrol 06116
POWER1 V-TWIN 4T
20W-50

4,9 Rating
Specially developed for the latest V-Twin motors
Support SAE 20W-50

Best choice

Review of Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor Oil

Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor Oil

4, 8 Rating
Low lubricant consumption due to low volatility
Ultimate resistance of oil to high temperatures at high rpm

Recommended

Review of Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50

Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke
Oil 20w-50

4,7 Rating
Designed for a long
service life
Manufactured using high-quality additives

Engine oil for Yamaha Review

What the best engine oil for Yamaha

Best rated engine oil for Yamaha

Review of Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50

1. Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50

Review of Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil

2. Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil

Review of Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor Oil

3. Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor Oil

Review of Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50

4. Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50

Review of Maxima (30-039128) Pro Plus+ 20W-50

5. Maxima (30-039128) Pro Plus+ 20W-50

Best engine oils for Yamaha

1. Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50

 

Review of Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50Buy Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50

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This power mixed mineral oil is designed for application in motorbikes, ATVs, side-by-side vehicles, and scooters. It offers a steady coupling power and the required firmness to prevent the motor from everyday wear and tear. A careful mix of premium mineral-based oil and extremely clean agents provides superior gliding performance. The oil complies with or even surpasses the JASO MA specifications, among which is the most advanced certified motorbike motor oil classification, which guarantees excellent wet grip characteristics.

 

 

Features:

  • Designed for a long service life
  • Manufactured using high-quality additives
  • Available at an affordable price

2. Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil

Review of Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil

Buy Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil

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Motul actually developed the first fully synthetic engine oil over 50 years ago and has since been a pioneer in an industry that is moving away from conventional oil. Its synthetic engine oil 104092 is intended for a very specific category of motorcycles: 4-stroke motorcycles with catalytic converters.
Motorcycle engine oil can be a tricky business, so it’s good to know that you’re choosing a brand that literally invented modern motor oil. This 100% ester-based synthetic oil is suitable for dry or wet clutches, and for those with or without integrated gearboxes. It has low volatility and low friction, which results in a smoother ride and longer oil life. This oil is also ideal for reducing engine wear while maintaining maximum power output.

 

 

Features:

  • Works with 4-stroke motorbikes with catalytic converter
  • Ester Technology
  • Specifically designed formulation to withstand the highest pressure
  • Anti-wear supplements

3. Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor Oil

Review of Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor OilBuy Liqui Moly 2024 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 Motor Oil

View on Amazon

Fully synthetic oil based on polyalphaolefins for use in specially prepared highly accelerated sports engines. The high viscosity index allows maintaining maximum stable pressure in the lubrication system at different temperatures. Good pumpability allows the oil to be supplied to the moving parts as quickly as possible. The oil can withstand extremely high temperatures (up to 180 degrees in the pallet) without any impact on the engine, has an extremely low carbon consumption. It is actively used in motorsport.

 

 

Features:

  • Indissoluble oil film on all motor parts, even under extreme conditions of enormous loads;
  • Low lubricant consumption due to low volatility;
  • Active resistance to aging processes, which also reduces oil consumption;
  • Fast oil supply to the moving parts of the engine in adverse winter conditions;
  • Ultimate resistance of oil to high temperatures at high rpm.

4. Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50

Review of Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50

Buy Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50

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The Castrol brand, with its innovative lubrication benefits, has been recognized as a leader in racing motorcycles and motorsport for 120 years. Its oils and lubricants are developed specifically for racing and are used and endorsed by the Honda MotoGP racing team. They also have a partnership with Triumph.
Apart from motorcycle engine oils, this brand is also known for its gear oils for higher shaft drives and race/pommern brake fluids.
Castrol 06116 Power1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50 Synthetic oil is tested and developed exclusively to certify performance in Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, one of the main American manufacturers of the motorcycle. It is also suitable for all North American 4-stroke motorcycles and Japanese motorcycles that support SAE 20W-50. The fully synthetic oil that is produced will provide a fantastic flow rate at different temperature conditions. This version of Castrol oil maintains and delivers superior performance and safety for your engine during thermal failure. It also protects your engine from viscosity breakdown at increased heat produced by air-cooled V-Twin engines.

 

 

Features:

  • Specially developed for the latest V-Twin motors
  • The completely synthetic formulation offers outstanding oil transfer across a large temperature spectrum
  • Offers outstanding thermal and viscous protection at elevated temperatures produced by air-cooled V-Twin motors
  • The reliable wet clutch operation for trouble-free performance and enhanced safety

5. Maxima (30-039128) Pro Plus+ 20W-50

Review of Maxima (30-039128) Pro Plus+ 20W-50

Buy Maxima (30-039128) Pro Plus+ 20W-50

View on Amazon

PRO PLUS+ is developed to extend the durability of the motor and wet clutch and provides superior feeling, softer transmission shifting, better starting, and increased fuel efficiency. PRO PLUS+ is an ester-reinforced, 100 percent fully synthetic 4T motor oil. PRO PLUS+ is designed to meet and surpass the JASO MA specifications for 4-stroke engines with built-in wet clutches. The carefully formulated anti-wear and anti-scuff additive system reduce engine debris whilst providing protection to vital engine, gearbox, and coupling parts. The all-weather formulation fulfills or surpasses the specifications of JASO MA, API SL/SJ/SH/SG.

 

 

Features:

  • An ester fortified fully synthetic 4T motor oil
  • The proprietary additives system reduces motor debris and at the same time preserves critical motor, gearbox, and coupling parts.
  • Developed to prolong the life of the wet coupling and offers an outstanding feel
  • Advanced additives prevent wear and build-up of deposits

Engine Oil Grades for Yamaha

Engine Oil for Yamaha YZF-R

Best Engine Oil for Yamaha YZF-R

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAYZF-R 12510W40950 ML – 1.0 L API SG
YAMAHAYZF-R 125 (EURO 4)10W401.0 L MIN API SG
YAMAHAYZF-R110W40 or 10W503.9 – 4.1L FSAPI SG
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.7 – 2.9 L API SE
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.7 – 2.9 L API SE
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.7 – 2.9 L API SE
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.9 – 3.1 L API SE
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.9 – 3.1 L API SE
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.9 – 3.1 L API SE
YAMAHAYZF-R110W402.9 – 3.1 L API SG
YAMAHAYZF-R110W403.7 – 3.9 API SG or JASO MA
YAMAHAYZF-R110W403.7 – 3.9 L API SG
YAMAHAYZF-R1 (EURO 4)10W40 or 15W503.9 – 4.1L FSAPI SG

Best Engine Oil for Yamaha TZR

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHATZR 1252-Stroke Oil1.7 L
YAMAHATZR 2502-Stroke Oil
YAMAHATZR 502-Stroke Oil1.35 – TYP JASO FC

Best Engine Oil for Yamaha V-MAX

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAV-MAX10W403.5 – 3.8 L or 3.4 L
YAMAHAVMAX 170010W404.3 – 4.7 API SG or JASO MA

Best Engine Oil for Yamaha XJR

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAXJR 120020W403.0 – 3.3 L API SE
YAMAHAXJR 1200 SP20W403.0 – 3.3 L API SE
YAMAHAXJR 130010W403.0 – 3.3 L API SE
YAMAHAXJR 130010W403.0 – 3.3 L API SE
YAMAHAXJR 130010W402.8 – 3.2 L API SG
YAMAHAXJR 130010W402.8 – 3.2 L API SG
YAMAHAXJR 1300 RACER10W402.8 – 3.2 L API SG
YAMAHAXJR 1300/SP10W403.0 – 3.3 L API SE

engine oil for Yamaha XSR

Best Engine Oil for Yamaha XSR

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAXSR 700 (EURO 4)10W402.3 – 2.6 L API SG
YAMAHAXSR 700 XTRIBUTE10W402.3 – 2.6 L API SG
YAMAHAXSR 90010W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA SCR 950 (EURO 4)

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHASCR 950 (EURO 4)10W403.7 – 4.0 L API SG

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-01

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade

YAMAHA

MT-0110W403.7 – 4.1 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-0120W40

3.7 – 4.1 L API SE

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-03

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAMT-0310W403.0 – 3.1 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-03 (EURO 4)10W402.12 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-03 (EURO 4)

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-07

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAMT-0710W402.3 – 2.6 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-07 TRACER 700 (EURO 4)10W402.3 – 2.6 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-07 TRACER 700 (EURO 5)
YAMAHAMT-07 TRACER 700 GT10W402.3 – 2.6 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-07/MOTO CAGE10W402.3 – 2.6 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-07/MOTO CAGE (EURO 4)10W402.3 – 2.6 L MIN API SG

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-09

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAMT-09 (EURO 4)10W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-09 ABS/STREET RALLY/SPORT TRACKER10W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-09 SP10W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-09 TRACER10W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-09 TRACER 900 (EURO 4)10W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG
YAMAHAMT-09 TRACER 900 GT10W402.4 – 2.7 L API SG

engine oil for Yamaha FZ-750

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA FZ 750

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAFZ 75020W402.8 – 3.0 L API SE
YAMAHAFZ 750 GENESIS20W402.7 – 3.0 L
YAMAHAFZ 750 GENESIS20W402.7 – 3.0 L
YAMAHAFZ 750 GENESIS20W402.7 – 3.0 L

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA XJ

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAXJ 55020W402.3 – 2.5 L API SE
YAMAHAXJ 55020W402.3 – 2.5 L API SE
YAMAHAXJ 60020W402.3 – 2.6 L API SE
YAMAHAXJ 60020W402.3 – 2.6 L API SE
YAMAHAXJ 60020W402.3 – 2.6 L API SE

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA SR

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHASR 125/SE10W401.0 – API SE
YAMAHASR 250 SE20W401.3 – 1.5 L API SE
YAMAHASR 40010W402.0 – 2.1 L API SG
YAMAHASR 50020W402.0 – 2.1 L API SE
YAMAHASR 50020W402.0 – 2.1 L API SE
YAMAHASR 50020W402.0 – 2.1 L API SE

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA YBR

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAYBR 12510W401.0 – 1.2 L API SG
YAMAHAYBR 125 CUSTOM10W401.0 – API SG
YAMAHAYBR 25020W40 or 501.35 – 1.45 L API SF

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA XV

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAXV 1000 VIRAGO20W403.0 – 3.2 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 1100 VIRAGO10W403.0 – 3.1 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 125 VIRAGO10W401.4 – 1.6 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 1600 WILD STAR10W403.7 – 4.1 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 1700 ROAD STAR WARRIOR10W403.7 – 4.1 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 1900 MIDNIGHT STAR20W404.1 – 4.9 L API SG
YAMAHAXV 250/S VIRAGO (3LS)20W401.4 – 1.6 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 500 SE SPECIAL20W402.4 – 2.5 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 535/S VIRAGO20W402.6 – 2.8 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 535/S VIRAGO20W402.6 – 2.8 L API SE
YAMAHAXV 535/S/DX VIRAGO10W402.6 – 2.8 L API SE

Engine oil for YAMAHA TDM

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA TDM

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHATDM 85010W403.5 – 3.6 L API SE
YAMAHATDM 85020W403.8 – 3.9 L API SE
YAMAHATDM 85020W403.8 – 3.9 L API SE
YAMAHATDM 90010W403.8 – 3.9 L API SE
YAMAHATDM 90010W403.8 – 3.9 L API SE
YAMAHATDM 900 A10W403.8 – 3.9 L API SG

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA XT

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAXT 125 R10W401.0 – API SE
YAMAHAXT 125 X10W401.0 – API SE
YAMAHAXT 25020W401.3 – 1.5 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 35010W401.3 – 1.4 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 35020W401.3 – 1.4 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 35020W401.3 – 1.4 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 35020W401.3 – 1.4 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 50020W402.0 – 2.2 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 50020W502.0 – 2.1 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 55020W401.8 – 1.9 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 55020W401.8 – 1.9 L API SE
YAMAHAXT 60020W401.9 – 2.0 L

Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA WR

ModelOil ViscosityOil Grade
YAMAHAWR 125 R10W40950 ML – 1.0 L API SG
YAMAHAWR 125 X10W40950 ML – 1.0 L API SG
YAMAHAWR 250 R10W401.3 – 1.4 L API SG
YAMAHAWR 250 X10W401.3 – 1.4 L API SG
YAMAHAWR 450 F10W401.1 L API SG

What you need to know

As you better understand the differences between different engine oils, you will always choose the most suitable one for your needs and budget.

What is the difference between different engine oils?

Knowing the differences between the types of engine oils will help you choose the right engine oil for your particular vehicle.

What’s the difference between engine oils?

  • Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils. They perform better than pure mineral oils. Semi-synthetic oils may contain “hydrocracking” bases. Oils with “hydrocracking” are oils that have been subjected to high temperatures and intense pressure to change the structure of the molecules. This makes the oils more stable and resistant to evaporation when exposed to high temperatures.
  • Semi-synthetic oils are not more expensive than mineral oils but have a number of advantages.

Hydrocracked oils are mineral oils that have been subjected to intense pressure and high temperature to change the structure of the molecules and make the resulting oil more stable and resistant to evaporation at higher temperatures. Semi-synthetic oils do not cost much more than mineral oils but offer advantages over the latter.

Fully synthetic oils are more expensive than mineral and semi-synthetic oils. In turn, fully synthetic oils are artificially created. They have certain advantages:

  • Perform better at extreme temperaturesю
  • They don’t evaporate as easily.

Fully synthetic oils contain poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) and esters. PAOs do not gel at low temperatures, which makes them essential for any true 0W oil.

Ethers, like PAOs, help protect metal surfaces and lubricate surfaces well. Fully synthetic oils are not recommended for motorcycles, but use in racing motorcycles is possible. For everyday motorcycle use, a semi-synthetic and shear-resistant 10W-40 oil with the ester is recommended.

What is the best type of oil for road riding?

A semi-synthetic 10W-40 or 10W-30 essential oil is the ideal choice. Both of these types of oils are shear resistant. The shear stability factor is more important than the semi-synthetic factor of the oil. The right choice is a mineral oil-based oil with shear stability than a lower quality semi-synthetic oil without shear stability.

Fully synthetic oil should only be used by drivers who frequently drive long distances. It can help reduce fuel consumption and save on oil changes.

Does a high-performance oil produce more power?

Thermodynamics primarily affects engine power loss. But about 6% of that loss is due to oil drag. With high-quality oil and low viscosity, this loss can be reduced to almost minimal and engine power can be increased. Lighter engine oil can show an improvement of 2 hp at peak on a typical 100-horsepower motorcycle.

What does motor oil do?

Good engine oil keeps your engine running smoothly: it lubricates, cleans, cools, and protects. The task of engine oil is to provide lubrication between the individual engine components, thereby reducing friction. The oil forms a slippery film between the working parts of the engine. The engine runs more efficiently with optimum performance and increased power.

Lubrication of engine components is crucial when starting the system. For this purpose, the cold oil in the oil pan must be pumped back into the engine to ensure good lubrication. This will help to ensure the ideal starting speed for the engine’s rotation. Oil with different viscosity ranges protects the engine during operation, circulates quickly at start-up, and forms a film. The film acts as a protective layer.

Parts wear and tear is reduced. Engine oil can protect an engine in many different ways. Combustion byproducts, oxidation, and impurities due to acid condensation. If these acids remain uncontrolled, they can cause corrosion in the engine, which can lead to component failure. Motor oil ensures that this does not happen. The oil must be clean for the engine to run optimally. Engine performance may be impaired by deposits in the engine. In addition, unnecessary wear and damage in the engine can be caused by microscopic impurities.

Impurities as small as 5 to 20 microns can cause engine damage. Engine oil keeps contaminants and impurities suspended until they are removed through the oil filter. Engine oil keeps harmful deposits from building up in your engine. It also helps keep your engine cool. Heating is caused by both frictions between moving parts and the combustion of fuel. The radiator is responsible for cooling the top of the engine. The rest of the engine, such as the pistons, crank bearings, gears, crankshaft, camshaft, etc., is cooled by the engine oil. As it flows overheated surfaces, the oil absorbs heat. Once the oil is in the oil pan, it is cooled by the surrounding air.

Motorcycle Engine Oil FAQ

  • Can I use car engine oil on my motorcycle?

This can be risky. Even if you can and will find car oil with the same viscosity values (i.e. 10w40) as for motorcycle engines, the additives in the oil will be different. Most cars use separate gear oil and most cars have a dry clutch. So a car oil could cause your clutch to slip or your transmission to break down. When you buy a motorcycle that has been run on car oil, be careful!

  • Does motor oil have an expiry date?

Engine oils have an expiry date, which means that the performance level can no longer be guaranteed. However, if your oil has not been opened, it can take years and years for it to decompose. If your oil has been opened and is a few years old, it will most likely be perfectly fine. However, if you have already opened it and it is 5 years out of date, it is better to buy fresh oil, as the additives in the oil may have oxidized and lost their properties.

  • What are the most critical areas where the oil flows?

In a motorcycle engine, the critical engine areas are the piston assembly, bearings, and valve train. The engine oil also lubricates the clutch (but not if your motorcycle has a dry clutch) and the transmission of your motorcycle.

  • What does my oil filter do and do I need to replace it?

The oil filter catches foreign particles and deposits that get into the oil during normal driving. These particles can be anything from carbon deposits to small metal particles from the engine of your motorcycle. These particles can cause engine damage, while a clogged filter can lead to oil shortage and ultimately engine failure. An oil filter only costs a few pounds, so it makes sense to change it every time you change the oil.

  • What is the difference between a mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic engine oil?

Mineral oils are refined from crude oil, but mineral oils also contain some synthetic compounds or additives to improve them. Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils. They show clear improvements over pure mineral oils. Semi-synthetic oils may contain “hydrocracked” bases. Hydrocracked oils are mineral oils that have been subjected to intense pressure and high temperature to change the structure of the molecules, making the resulting oil more stable and resistant to evaporation at higher temperatures. Semi-synthetic oils do not cost much more than mineral oils but offer advantages over the latter.

Factors to be taken into account

The main thing to remember about oil is the recommendations of your bike manufacturer. This oil has the proper viscosity and additives required by your specific motor.

  • Reviews

When you have no idea what you want in your motorbike motor oil, is the perfect spot, to begin with, online reviews. Check out the comments of others who are searching for people that have the same bikes as you.

  • Compatibility

Do not add the incorrect kind of oil to the bike. Using mineral oil and synthetic oil may cause your motor to begin spilling oil.

  • Viscosity

The viscosity indicates how fast or slows the oil flows. Low viscosity oil sinks freely and quickly. High viscosity oil will not flow well at all, like molasses. Oil receives a number like this: 10W-30. 10W is the SAE viscosity grade when the motor is cool and 30 when the motor is heated. The incorrect viscosity in the motor leads to the rubbing of metal on metal.

  • Additives

You should check the additives in the oil while working in your engine to remove residues and acid. They also work to lubricate and cool your motor. The use of incorrect oil can result in higher friction and reduced motor durability.

Oil Change Yamaha R3 With Oil Light Reset Video

David Muench (Carnes Mechanical)

David Muench (Carnes Mechanical)

Hey, I’m David. I’ve worked in a cars store for 6 years. I write reviews and guides, helping people to choose the most suitable technicals and best product for them. I’m happy to finally share my knowledge of the industry here, on CarnesMechanical.

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