Motorcycle Oil, Fluids, Cleaners & Lubricants

Which oil and fluids does my motorcycle actually need?

Engine oil and filters, primary and transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, fork oil, chain lube and cleaner, and detailing supplies. Fluids are the cheapest maintenance you can do and the most common thing done wrong — the wrong bottle can slip a clutch or ruin brake seals.

Most motorcycles share engine oil with a wet clutch, so use motorcycle-specific (JASO MA) oil — car oils with friction modifiers make clutches slip. Brake fluid absorbs water and wants replacing every couple of years; don't mix DOT 5 silicone with DOT 3/4/5.1 glycol systems. Chain lube goes on a warm chain after riding, not before.