Transmission Oils
FAQ's
Keep your Gears Turning with XLMOTO Transmission Oil
Simply put, a motorcycle transmission refers to the gearbox. Choose from the impressive XLMOTO range of motorcycle transmission oil and keep the cogs in your gearbox happy and healthy. Most street and off-road motorcycles use a conventional manual transmission/gearbox consisting of several cogs located along a shaft. Standard gearboxes have two shafts called the main and countershaft. The two shafts are laid out parallel to each other and as the rider moves the gear lever, shifting forks move the cogs along the shaft until they line up with the selected gear. The main shaft, also called the input shaft, takes its power directly from the crank. This power transfers to the counter shaft/output shaft through the interconnecting gears, which drive the front sprocket. Most gearboxes use constant-mesh gearing. This design means that all the gears rotate, not just the selected gear. For this reason, the rider must work their way sequentially through the gears, which usually have a 1 down and 4 up layout (5-speed box).
With all those closely packed rotating cogs and selector forks, is it any wonder that motorcycle transmission oil has such a tough job? The sealed compartment of the gearbox becomes hot and the interconnecting cogs need a constant coating of protective lubricant. Like all fast-moving metal components, speed generates friction and heat. So, without good quality motorcycle transmission oil, the damage would be catastrophic.
Different types of transmission oil
Although some transmission oils are specially formulated for 2-stroke engines, most gearboxes can use the same transmission oil, whether 2 or 4-stroke. The main difference, however, is in the type of clutch used. A wet clutch (as seen in most motorcycles) shares its oil with the gearbox. Meanwhile, a dry clutch (favoured by Ducati and Moto Guzzi) needs no oil and locates outside the gearbox.
The main difference with motorcycle transmission oil is in the oil type. While most manufacturers offer mineral oil, semi-synthetic transmission oil is also available. If in doubt as to which motorcycle transmission oil to use, consult your motorcycle owner’s manual.