Your bike and scooter manufacturers recommend a specific type of engine oil grade and that makes it a bit challenging to select the best engine oil for your bike if you are looking for other available brands, smoother drive and better performance.
Remember, choosing the engine oil well suited for your motorcycle based on its displacement/cc make a significant effect on its performance. Now let's disscuss the recommended and better performing Engine oils for your 125cc machine.
Table Of Contents:
Types of Engine Oils for 125cc Bikes and Scooters
Motorcycle engine oils are made from base oils mixed with performance-enhancing additives. There are three main types of oils based on their base: mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic.
Mineral-Based Motorcycle Oils
Mineral oils come from refining crude petroleum and are the most basic type of engine oil. They’re popular because they are affordable, making them great for those on a budget. However, they don’t perform as well as synthetic oils. Mineral oils move through the engine slower, leading to higher fuel consumption and reduced overall performance. They also don’t handle extreme conditions well, which is why they’re best suited for older bikes or motorcycles with smaller engines. One downside is that mineral oils need to be changed more often than other types.
Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Oils
Semi-synthetic oils, also known as synthetic blends, combine mineral oil with synthetic oil. They offer a middle ground, performing better in colder temperatures and resisting oxidation while being more affordable than fully synthetic oils. Semi-synthetic oils provide better protection than mineral oils and often have added performance features. This makes them a great choice for riders who want good protection without the cost of fully synthetic oil.
Synthetic-Based Motorcycle Oils
Synthetic oils are chemically engineered in labs and provide the highest level of performance and protection. They are especially suited for motorcycles with larger engines (200cc and above) and newer models. Synthetic oils stand out due to their ability to reduce friction, prevent corrosion, cool the engine more efficiently, and extend oil change intervals. They also help lower emissions and improve fuel economy. The only downside is the higher price, but this cost is worth it for the long-lasting protection they provide, making it a good investment for keeping your engine in top condition.
| Oil Type | Durability | Performance in High Temps | Cost | Suitable For |
Change Interval (km)
|
| Mineral Oil | Low | Average | Affordable | Basic commuting, light loads | 2,000-3,000 |
| Semi-Synthetic | Medium | Good | Moderate | Mixed riding (urban/highway) | 4,000-6,000 |
| Fully Synthetic | High | Excellent | Expensive | High-performance, long trips | 6,000-8,000 |
In summary, mineral oils are cheap but need frequent changes and work best for older bikes, semi-synthetic oils offer a good balance of performance and price, while synthetic oils are ideal for high-performance motorcycles but come at a premium.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil for your 125cc bike or scooter involves understanding several key factors. These factors ensure that the oil you use will provide optimal lubrication, engine protection, and performance.
1. Viscosity Grades (e.g., 10W30, 10W40)
Viscosity refers to how thick or thin the oil is at various temperatures. The "W" in viscosity grades stands for "winter," indicating how the oil behaves at cold temperatures. For example, a 10W30 oil will be thinner in cold temperatures than a 20W40 oil, allowing easier startups. Thicker oils, like 10W40, are better suited for hotter conditions.
| Viscosity Grade | Temperature Range |
Recommended for
|
| 10W30 | -20°C to 30°C |
Cold to moderate climates
|
| 10W40 | -10°C to 40°C |
Moderate to hot climates
|
| 20W40 | 0°C to 45°C |
Hot climates, heavy loads
|
2. API Rating (e.g., SL, SM, SN)
The American Petroleum Institute (API) rating indicates the performance level of the oil. The latest ratings (e.g., SN, SP) provide higher levels of engine protection, especially in high temperatures and for engines with turbochargers.
| API Rating | Description | Suitable For |
| SL | Older engines (before 2004) |
Basic commuting, older bikes
|
| SM | Standard protection (2004-2010) |
Modern 125cc bikes
|
| SN | High performance, better detergents |
Latest engines, improved protection
|
3. Additives and Their Importance
Additives play a critical role in enhancing the performance of engine oil. They help to clean, protect, and reduce wear on engine components. Common additives include detergents (which clean the engine), dispersants (which prevent sludge), and anti-wear agents (which reduce friction).
| Additive Type | Function |
| Detergents |
Cleans engine parts and prevents deposits
|
| Dispersants |
Prevents sludge and particles from accumulating
|
| Anti-wear agents |
Protects metal surfaces from friction
|
4. Manufacturer Recommendations
Always follow the manufacturer’s oil recommendations listed in your bike’s user manual. Using the correct viscosity and API-rated oil ensures your engine runs smoothly and can prevent damage.
By considering these factors and using the comparison tables, you can make an informed decision about which engine oil is best suited for your 125cc bike or scooter.
Manufacturer's recommended engine oil for 125 cc bikes and Scooters
10W-30
This grade of oil is most recommended for 125 cc commuter bikes in normal environmental conditions and short journies.
Manufacturer's recommended engine oil for Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar 125, TVS Ntorq 125, Hero Glamour 125cc, Honda Activa 125
Motul 3000 4T 10W-30 mineral engine oil
Rating & Reviews (4.3/5, 169 ratings)
User reviews: "Just replaced old engine oil with this and I can confirm my 125 feels like 150 and is now super smooth!
Castrol Power1 4T 10W-30 engine oil
Rating & Reviews (4.3, 470 ratings)
User reviews: "Castrol is a trusted brand in engine oil that keep the engine runs good and smooth. For many years I use castrol engine oil for my bikes.. that's keep it's running .thanks amazon for quick delivery and good product."
10W-40
For long trips, long high RPM session even for recommended grade of 10W30, and hot weather conditions, it’s advisable to use this grade of oil for better protection of the 125cc bike & scooter engines.
Manufacturer's recommended engine oil for Vespa 125 and Aprilia SR 125.
Liqui Moly 10W40 Street Synthetic Technology Engine Oil
Rating & Reviews (4.5/5, 82 reviews)
User reviews: "OMG this product is at another level... For my R15 v3. First 50 kms after using this was very aggressive... Engine was roaring like real beast and performance was at high peak.... In later course it became more refine and and stable for engine... With less vibration"
Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 synthetic based motorcycle engine oil
Rating & Reviews (4.3/5, 1854 rating)
User reviews: "It's a very good product, my bike noise is reduced, gear smoothly working, mileage increased, highly recommended"
20W-50
This oil grade is mostly used in 200 cc - 250 cc bikes but this is the Manufacturer's recommended engine oil for KTM Duke 125.
Motul 3100 4T Gold Semi-Synthetic engine oil
Rating & Reviews (4.3/5, 1087 reviews)
User reviews: "Less vibration, gear shifting awesome, engine sound more smother like butter."
Motul 7100 4T 20W-50 API SN Fully Synthetic Engine Oil for Bikes
Rating & Reviews (4.5/5, 2315 ratings)
User reviews: "Bikers... This Motul 7100 with viscosity 20W50 is best engine oil for bike above 150cc. I've been using it since February. I replaced this engine oil after running more than 7000 kilometres and the Mechanic from Bajaj service centre said you can still use this engine oil."
10W-50
Comparatively to 20W-50, 10W-50 thickens less in cold weather conditions & is the Manufacturer's recommended engine oil for Suzuki Access 125
Motul 7100 4T 10W50 API SN Fully Synthetic Ester Petrol Engine Oil for Bikes
Rating & Reviews (4.5/5, 790 ratings)
User reviews: "Couldn't find anything good for Suzuki Access 125"
FAQs
Who is the Best Engine Oil for Bike?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to which engine oil is the best for your bike since it depends on factors like your bike model, engine capacity, and riding conditions. However, fully synthetic oils are often considered the best for performance and protection, especially for modern and high-performance motorcycles. Brands like Motul, Castrol, and Shell provide top-quality synthetic oils that offer excellent lubrication, corrosion protection, and extended engine life.
What Engine Oil Do I Put in a 125cc Bike?
For a 125cc bike, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s manual to determine the recommended oil type and viscosity grade, which typically falls in the range of 10W30 or 10W40. These oils are formulated to provide optimal lubrication and protection for small engines. Semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oils are generally recommended for 125cc bikes, as they offer better performance and longer oil life compared to mineral oils. Brands like Castrol, Motul, and Shell offer specific oils designed for smaller-capacity engines like 125cc bikes, ensuring smooth performance and extended engine health.
How to Check Scooter Engine Oil?
To check the engine oil in your scooter, first, ensure that the engine is off and the scooter is on a level surface. Locate the dipstick, usually found on the side of the engine, and unscrew it carefully. Wipe it clean with a cloth, then reinsert it fully into its slot. Remove the dipstick again to check the oil level. The oil should fall between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, you will need to top it up, ensuring that you don’t overfill it, as this can cause engine issues. Also, check the oil's color; dark or dirty oil might indicate that it’s time for an oil change.
What is the 125cc Engine Oil Capacity?
The engine oil capacity of a 125cc bike typically ranges from 800 ml to 1 liter, depending on the model and manufacturer. It's essential to consult your bike's user manual to know the exact capacity, as overfilling or underfilling the oil can harm the engine’s performance. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct oil level will help ensure smooth operation and longevity of your 125cc engine.
