Understanding JASO Standards for Motorcycle Engine Oil

Selecting the right lubricant for your vehicle engine is not overly complicated. Based on the specifications printed on the bottle label, you can choose the correct type of lubricant you need. Among these, JASO is the most important standard that we need to pay attention to.

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The JASO standard is always printed on the lubricant bottle label

1. What is the JASO standard for lubricants?

The JASO standard is established by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization – an organization that sets specific standards regarding quality specifications and application scope for Japanese gasoline and diesel engines. JASO evaluates the quality and performance of lubricants, ensuring requirements for efficiency and many other aspects of modern engines.

The results of the clutch system friction test under JASO T904 standard divide motorcycle lubricants into 4 grades, including: JASO MA, JASO MA1, JASO MA2, and JASO MB.

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Sirius is a manual transmission motorcycle with a wet clutch immersed in oil

However, for oil-immersed motorcycle engines (also known as motorcycles with a clutch system immersed in oil, such as Future, Wave, Dream, etc.), excessively low friction can cause clutch slippage. Therefore, based on friction parameters DFI, SFI, and STI, the JASO standard specifically for motorcycles is divided into two main types: MA and MB.

The JASO MA and JASO MA2 standards are used to determine lubricant types that meet the requirements for wet clutch operation (clutch immersed in oil and using oil for heat dissipation and lubrication). Specifically, this is the specification indicating that this type of lubricant can be used for manual transmission motorcycles such as Wave, Dream, Exciter, etc.

Conversely, motorcycles using dry clutches should use lubricants meeting the JASO MB standard (clutch not immersed in oil). Lubricants meeting the JASO MB standard will be used for 4-stroke scooters and automobiles.

JASO MA/MA