Oil pouring from a bottle

Victory Motorcycles, known for their powerful engines and sleek designs, are a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts. Regular maintenance, especially choosing the right engine oil, is essential for their optimal performance and longevity. This blog post highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate engine oil for Victory motorcycles. It also introduces the JASO rating system, and suggests suitable oils.

Engine oil plays a vital role in lubricating components, reducing friction, cooling the engine, and removing contaminants. High-quality 20w-40 engine oil is crucial for maintaining the performance of these high-performance machines. Moreover, since Victory motorcycles use wet clutch systems, the correct engine oil also ensures proper clutch functionality and prevents slippage.

 

Why is choosing the correct engine oil important for Victory motorcycles?

The engine oil in a motorcycle serves several crucial functions. It lubricates the engine components, reducing friction, cooling the engine, and cleaning contaminants. Using the wrong engine oil can lead to poor engine performance, increased wear and tear on engine components, and potentially even engine damage. Victory motorcycles are high-performance machines that require high-quality 20w-40 engine oil to maintain their peak performance levels.

Victory motorcycles are equipped with powerful engines that generate a lot of heat and stress on the internal components. Using the correct engine oil ensures that these components are properly lubricated and protected from wear and tear. Additionally, Victory motorcycles use wet clutch systems. This means that the engine oil also acts as a friction modifier for the clutch. Using the wrong type of engine oil can lead to clutch slippage and reduced clutch performance.

 

What is the JASO rating system?

The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) is an organization that sets standards for automotive and motorcycle oils. The JASO rating system categorizes engine oils based on their performance characteristics, particularly in relation to wet clutch compatibility. For motorcycles with wet clutch systems like Victory motorcycles, it is crucial to use engine oil that meets the JASO MA or MA2 specifications. This will ensure proper clutch operation and performance.

The JASO MA specification is for motorcycle oils that are designed for use in motorcycles with a wet clutch system. These oils have been tested for compatibility with wet clutch systems and have been proven not to cause clutch slippage or other issues. The JASO MA2 specification is an updated version of the MA specification, with even stricter requirements for friction performance and clutch compatibility.

It is essential to check the owner's manual for your Victory motorcycle to determine the recommended engine oil specifications, including the viscosity grade and JASO rating. Using engine oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications will help ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

 

What Viscosity is in Victory Motorcycle Oil?

Many riders often misunderstand viscosity, a critical property of motorcycle engine oil. In simple terms, viscosity refers to the oil's resistance to flow or its thickness. It is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right oil for your motorcycle engine. Understanding viscosity can help you make informed decisions about the type of oil that will best suit your bike's needs and optimize its performance.

Two numbers, such as 10W-40, typically measure viscosity which indicates the oil's viscosity at low and high temperatures. The first number followed by a "W" (winter) represents the oil's viscosity in cold temperatures, while the second number represents its viscosity at operating temperatures. The lower the first number, the better the oil will flow in cold temperatures, while the higher the second number, the thicker the oil will be at high temperatures.

oil viscocity chart

In motorcycle engines, the right viscosity of oil is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of engine components. Oil that is too thin (low viscosity) may not provide adequate protection at high temperatures and can lead to increased wear and tear on engine parts. On the other hand, oil that is too thick (high viscosity) may not flow properly in cold temperatures, causing difficulties during start-up and potentially leading to engine damage.

When choosing the right viscosity of oil for your motorcycle engine, it's essential to consider factors such as the engine's design, manufacturer recommendations, and the climate you will be riding in. Different types of engines, such as air-cooled or liquid-cooled, may require oils with different viscosities to ensure optimal performance and protection.

Another important thing is to note that engineers design modern motorcycle engines with tighter tolerances and higher operating temperatures than older engines, making it crucial to use oils that meet the company's specifications. Using the wrong viscosity of oil can affect the engine's performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. 

In addition to the two numbers that indicate the oil's viscosity, there are also different types of oil formulations, such as conventional, synthetic, and semi-synthetic oils. Synthetic oils are known for their superior performance in extreme temperatures and provide better protection against engine wear and sludge buildup. However, they can be more expensive than conventional oils. Semi-synthetic oils offer a balance between performance and cost, making them a popular choice among riders.

Regular oil changes are essential to maintain the proper viscosity and ensure the longevity of your motorcycle engine. Over time, oil can break down due to heat, contaminants, and oxidation, leading to a decrease in viscosity and lubricating properties. By following the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals and using high-quality oils that meet the required specifications, you can help prolong your engine's life and prevent costly repairs.

Types of engine oil for Victory motorcycles:

Victory motorcycle oil change kit

1. Victory Motorcycles Semi Synthetic Engine Oil:

Victory Motorcycles offers a semi synthetic engine oil specifically formulated for their motorcycles. This engine oil provides superior protection for Victory engines, reduces friction, and ensures smooth clutch operation. The Victory Motorcycles Full Synthetic Engine Oil meets the JASO MA specification, making it an ideal choice for Victory motorcycles with wet clutch systems.

klotz victory motorcycle oil change kit

2. Klotz Synthetic Motorcycle Oil:

Klotz is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality synthetic oils, including motorcycle oils. Their Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is formulated to provide maximum protection for high-performance engines like those found in Victory motorcycles. This oil is designed to resist thermal breakdown, reduce friction, and enhance engine performance. It meets the JASO MA2 specification, ensuring compatibility with wet clutch systems.

Spectro 20w40 motorcycle oil

3. Spectro Premium Motorcycle Oil:

Spectro is a trusted brand in the motorcycle oil industry, known for its high-performance products. It is specifically designed for high-revving, high-temperature motorcycle engines like those in Victory motorcycles. This oil offers excellent protection against wear and deposits, and it meets the JASO MA specification for wet clutch compatibility.

Amsoil v twin Victory & Indian motorcycle  oil bottle

4. Amsoil Synthetic Motorcycle Oil:

Amsoil is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality synthetic oils, including motorcycle oils. Their Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is formulated to provide maximum protection for high-performance engines like those found in Victory motorcycles. This oil is designed to resist thermal breakdown, reduce friction, and enhance engine performance. It meets the JASO MA2 specification, ensuring compatibility with wet clutch systems.

Bel ray synthetic ester engine oil, 1 litre and 1 4 litre bottles

4. Bel-Ray Motorcycle Oil:

Bel-Ray Engine oil for Victory & Indian motorcycles is specially designed to meet the specific needs of these high-performance machines. Formulated to provide maximum protection and performance, this oil is designed to withstand the rigors of extended riding and high temperatures. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tearing up the track, Bel-Ray Engine oil will keep your motorcycle running at its best. Trust Bel-Ray to keep your Victory or Indian motorcycle running smoothly and efficiently mile after mile.

Check out the Bel-Ray Lubricant Advisor.  It will tell you what type and weight of oil is recommended for your particular model. Just enter in your Year, Make and Model to get your results.

 In conclusion

Choosing the correct engine oil for your Victory motorcycle is essential for maintaining optimal engine performance and longevity. Engine oils that meet the JASO MA or MA2 specifications are recommended for Victory motorcycles with wet clutch systems. When selecting engine oil for your Victory motorcycle, be sure to check the owner's manual for the recommended specifications and viscosity grade. Consider using high-quality synthetic oils from Witchdoctors.com.

Ride Safe!

1 comment

Apr 25, 2024
Garry Temperton

Most informative thank you recently experienced clutch slip in a vision after changing to 15w 40 semi synthetic immediately changed to Amsoil no more issues

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