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
Engine oil for Yamaha Review
Best Engine Oil for Yamaha for sale
Best rated engine oil for Yamaha
Best engine oils for Yamaha
1. Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50
Buy Yamalube All Purpose 4 Four Stroke Oil 20w-50
Features:
- Designed for a long service life
- Manufactured using high-quality additives
- Available at an affordable price
2. Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil
Buy Motul 104092 Synthetic Engine Oil
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
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
Buy Castrol 06116 POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20W-50
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
Buy Maxima (30-039128) Pro Plus+ 20W-50
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



Best Engine Oil for Yamaha YZF-R
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | YZF-R 125 | 10W40 | 950 ML – 1.0 L API SG |
YAMAHA | YZF-R 125 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 1.0 L MIN API SG |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 or 10W50 | 3.9 – 4.1L FSAPI SG |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.7 – 2.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 2.9 – 3.1 L API SG |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 3.7 – 3.9 API SG or JASO MA |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 | 10W40 | 3.7 – 3.9 L API SG |
YAMAHA | YZF-R1 (EURO 4) | 10W40 or 15W50 | 3.9 – 4.1L FSAPI SG |
Best Engine Oil for Yamaha TZR
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | TZR 125 | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.7 L |
YAMAHA | TZR 250 | 2-Stroke Oil | |
YAMAHA | TZR 50 | 2-Stroke Oil | 1.35 – TYP JASO FC |
Best Engine Oil for Yamaha V-MAX
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | V-MAX | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.8 L or 3.4 L |
YAMAHA | VMAX 1700 | 10W40 | 4.3 – 4.7 API SG or JASO MA |
Best Engine Oil for Yamaha XJR
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | XJR 1200 | 20W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJR 1200 SP | 20W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJR 1300 | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJR 1300 | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJR 1300 | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.2 L API SG |
YAMAHA | XJR 1300 | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.2 L API SG |
YAMAHA | XJR 1300 RACER | 10W40 | 2.8 – 3.2 L API SG |
YAMAHA | XJR 1300/SP | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.3 L API SE |



Best Engine Oil for Yamaha XSR
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | XSR 700 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SG |
YAMAHA | XSR 700 XTRIBUTE | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SG |
YAMAHA | XSR 900 | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA SCR 950 (EURO 4)
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | SCR 950 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 3.7 – 4.0 L API SG |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-01
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | MT-01 | 10W40 | 3.7 – 4.1 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-01 | 20W40 | 3.7 – 4.1 L API SE |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-03
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | MT-03 | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.1 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-03 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 2.12 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-03 (EURO 4) |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-07
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | MT-07 | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-07 TRACER 700 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-07 TRACER 700 (EURO 5) | ||
YAMAHA | MT-07 TRACER 700 GT | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-07/MOTO CAGE | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-07/MOTO CAGE (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L MIN API SG |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA MT-09
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | MT-09 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-09 ABS/STREET RALLY/SPORT TRACKER | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-09 SP | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-09 TRACER | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-09 TRACER 900 (EURO 4) | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |
YAMAHA | MT-09 TRACER 900 GT | 10W40 | 2.4 – 2.7 L API SG |



Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA FZ 750
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | FZ 750 | 20W40 | 2.8 – 3.0 L API SE |
YAMAHA | FZ 750 GENESIS | 20W40 | 2.7 – 3.0 L |
YAMAHA | FZ 750 GENESIS | 20W40 | 2.7 – 3.0 L |
YAMAHA | FZ 750 GENESIS | 20W40 | 2.7 – 3.0 L |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA XJ
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | XJ 550 | 20W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJ 550 | 20W40 | 2.3 – 2.5 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJ 600 | 20W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJ 600 | 20W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XJ 600 | 20W40 | 2.3 – 2.6 L API SE |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA SR
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | SR 125/SE | 10W40 | 1.0 – API SE |
YAMAHA | SR 250 SE | 20W40 | 1.3 – 1.5 L API SE |
YAMAHA | SR 400 | 10W40 | 2.0 – 2.1 L API SG |
YAMAHA | SR 500 | 20W40 | 2.0 – 2.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | SR 500 | 20W40 | 2.0 – 2.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | SR 500 | 20W40 | 2.0 – 2.1 L API SE |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA YBR
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | YBR 125 | 10W40 | 1.0 – 1.2 L API SG |
YAMAHA | YBR 125 CUSTOM | 10W40 | 1.0 – API SG |
YAMAHA | YBR 250 | 20W40 or 50 | 1.35 – 1.45 L API SF |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA XV
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | XV 1000 VIRAGO | 20W40 | 3.0 – 3.2 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 1100 VIRAGO | 10W40 | 3.0 – 3.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 125 VIRAGO | 10W40 | 1.4 – 1.6 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 1600 WILD STAR | 10W40 | 3.7 – 4.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 1700 ROAD STAR WARRIOR | 10W40 | 3.7 – 4.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 1900 MIDNIGHT STAR | 20W40 | 4.1 – 4.9 L API SG |
YAMAHA | XV 250/S VIRAGO (3LS) | 20W40 | 1.4 – 1.6 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 500 SE SPECIAL | 20W40 | 2.4 – 2.5 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 535/S VIRAGO | 20W40 | 2.6 – 2.8 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 535/S VIRAGO | 20W40 | 2.6 – 2.8 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XV 535/S/DX VIRAGO | 10W40 | 2.6 – 2.8 L API SE |



Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA TDM
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | TDM 850 | 10W40 | 3.5 – 3.6 L API SE |
YAMAHA | TDM 850 | 20W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | TDM 850 | 20W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | TDM 900 | 10W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | TDM 900 | 10W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | TDM 900 A | 10W40 | 3.8 – 3.9 L API SG |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA XT
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | XT 125 R | 10W40 | 1.0 – API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 125 X | 10W40 | 1.0 – API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 250 | 20W40 | 1.3 – 1.5 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 350 | 10W40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 350 | 20W40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 350 | 20W40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 350 | 20W40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 500 | 20W40 | 2.0 – 2.2 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 500 | 20W50 | 2.0 – 2.1 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 550 | 20W40 | 1.8 – 1.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 550 | 20W40 | 1.8 – 1.9 L API SE |
YAMAHA | XT 600 | 20W40 | 1.9 – 2.0 L |
Best Engine Oil for YAMAHA WR
Model | Oil Viscosity | Oil Grade |
YAMAHA | WR 125 R | 10W40 | 950 ML – 1.0 L API SG |
YAMAHA | WR 125 X | 10W40 | 950 ML – 1.0 L API SG |
YAMAHA | WR 250 R | 10W40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SG |
YAMAHA | WR 250 X | 10W40 | 1.3 – 1.4 L API SG |
YAMAHA | WR 450 F | 10W40 | 1.1 L API SG |
What you need to know
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?
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
- 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.