What Does JASO Rated Oil Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Keeping Your Victory or Indian Running Smooth: Understanding JASO Oil Ratings.

For Victory and Indian motorcycle owners, choosing the right engine oil is crucial for optimal performance and engine longevity. One key factor to consider is the JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) oil rating. This blog post will explain what the JASO rating means and why it's important for your American V-Twin motorcycle.

What is the JASO Oil Rating?

The JASO rating system classifies motorcycle engine oils based on their friction reduction properties and wet clutch compatibility. Unlike car engines, motorcycle engines rely heavily on the clutch for power transmission. Conventional car engine oils often contain friction-reducing additives that can negatively impact the grip of a wet clutch, leading to slippage and decreased performance.

The JASO system addresses this by offering two main classifications:

• JASO MA: Suitable for motorcycles with wet clutches. These oils provide adequate lubrication while minimizing clutch slippage. If your oil has this rating you can use it in a Victory or Indian motorcycle.
• JASO MB: Designed for motorcycles with dry clutches (typically scooters) and may not be suitable for wet clutch applications. If your oil has this rating you can NOT use it in a Victory or Indian motorcycle.

Why Does JASO Matter for Victory and Indian Motorcycles?

Both Victory and Indian motorcycles utilize wet clutches. Therefore, using an oil with the JASO MA rating is essential. JASO MA oils ensure proper lubrication for your engine's moving parts while maintaining optimal clutch grip, preventing slippage and power loss.

Finding the JASO Rating on Your Oil Bottle

The JASO rating is typically displayed on the front or back of your motor oil bottle. Look for the JASO logo accompanied by the "MA" designation.

Here are some popular motor oil brands that offer JASO MA-rated oils.

• Amsoil: Renowned for their synthetic and semi-synthetic motorcycle oils, Amsoil offers a variety of JASO MA-rated options.
• Motul: A trusted brand in motorcycle lubricants, Motul provides a selection of JASO MA-rated synthetic and semi-synthetic oils.
• *Shell Rotella: Shell carries a range of motorcycle oils, including several that meet the JASO MA standard.
• Lucas Oil: Offering high-performance lubricants, Lucas Oil has JASO MA-rated options for various riding conditions.
• Klotz: A leader in synthetic lubricants, Klotz boasts JASO MA-rated oils formulated for optimal performance.

*There is quite a bit of talk about using Shell Rotella brand oil. You see some people love it and say it works great and others say they used it and now their clutch slips. Lets look at a possible reason.

There is another rating you can look for, and all oils by federal law must have it on the bottle. That is the "Energy Conserving" or "Energy Conservation" or " Energy Resource" symbol IF they meet that criteria. You CAN NOT use any "Energy Conserving" rated oils in a wet clutch.

All Energy Conserving engine oils have Friction Modifiers added to them. These friction modifier additives cause the wet clutch to slip, and ultimately burn up and fail.

Several years ago, Rotella released a new formula of oil that is Energy Conserving and cannot be used in our Victory and Indian motorcycles. They are both bottled in the same bottle so quickly identifying it is not easy. You have to read the back of the bottle. This is most likely the reason some people love it and others burn up their clutch.

Same jug shape and color, which is stupid. The easy thing to recognize is that the non-JASO-MA version says "Multi-Vehicle" on the front label. To be safe, always check the certification listed on the bottle.

Point’s to consider when selecting a JASO approved oil…..

1) You get what you pay for! When buying oil you get what you pay for. The correct oil for your Victory or Indian motorcycle does not cost $3.99 /qt at Walmart! Do guys use it and brag? Yes. Do you think they come back and say my clutch is slipping-- Uhh, you know the answer..

2) Cheap automotive 10w40 oils aren’t suitable for all bikes! If you’ve got a Victory or Indian motorcycle, you need to bite the bullet and buy the correct oil for it (when you see up close the very fine tolerances modern engines work to you begin to understand why, sometimes the cheapest oils just aren’t worth the risk!)

Witchdoctors.com makes it easy to find the perfect JASO MA-rated oil for your Victory or Indian motorcycle. Utilize the website's search filters or consult their knowledgeable customer service team to ensure you choose the right oil for your specific bike and riding style.

By understanding the JASO rating and choosing a JASO MA-rated oil, you can ensure your Victory or Indian motorcycle receives the proper lubrication and protection it needs for countless miles of smooth riding!

Ride Safe!