Standing in the garage or at the gas station with a dispensing bottle and gas can to fill up your beloved Vespa – was yesterday. The last series-produced model series with a built-in 2-stroke engine, the Primavera 50, rolled off the production line in 2017.
Despite numerous advantages and disadvantages of the two engine types, which we have already compared in detail in our article “The right sense of tact“, in the meantime exclusively 4-stroke engines are delivered.
Since then, at the latest, mixing oil and fuel has also become a thing of the past, although there are a few things that need to be taken into account with 4-stroke oil as well.
The right classification
4-stroke oil is not just 4-stroke oil, even if it looks like it at first glance or is even called that. The devil is also here, as so often, in the detail. Thus, in addition to the rough classification, the engine oils are still provided with classes, which allow a precise specification. A wide selection of 4-stroke oils can be found in the SIP Scootershop.
One of the best known classifications is the so-called JASO-MA standard. This is also mentioned in the instruction manuals of all new Vespa models as mandatory at the factory.
The JASO-MA standard, which was introduced by the Japan Automobile Standards Organization, or JASO, specifies certain requirements and performance criteria for engine oil.
This is to ensure that it meets the requirements of four-stroke scooters with wet clutches.
The main requirements of the JASO-MA standard relate to the friction properties of the oil to ensure that it provides the correct friction for optimum clutch performance. For example, the oil must not create too much friction, as this can lead to premature clutch wear. At the same time, the oil must provide sufficient lubrication to protect the engine from wear.
Due to continuous developments, further subcategories such as JASO-MA1 and JASO-MA2 have been formed. JASO-MA1 covers products with lower friction, while JASO-MA2 covers products with higher friction. These subcategories allow manufacturers to offer lubricants that meet the specific requirements of different motorcycles.
Differentiation by means of letter and number combination
Another, even more complex, distinction is made possible by the designations of SAE class and viscosity. No matter whether 5W-40, 15W-30 or 80W-90, with the appropriate knowledge these combinations are also easy to see through and provide for the all-known regular knowledge.
- The letter “W” stands for “winter” and indicates that the oil is suitable for use in cold temperatures.
- The number that precedes the “W” indicates the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. The lower the number, the lower the viscosity at cold temperatures.
- The number after the hyphen indicates the viscosity at high temperatures.
In cold weather, for example, it is thus advisable to choose a lower number before the W to ensure better lubrication and easier engine starting. At higher temperatures, a higher number may be preferred to maintain engine lubrication and protection.
Specifically, for example, 5W-30 represents an engine oil that has a low viscosity of 5 at cold temperatures and moves more easily through the engine. The following table represents a practical overview to provide guidance for your own choice.
